28. Cameron
My heart has been frozen in my chest from the moment I read those words on my screen.
Lizzy: I’ve just gotten off the phone with my mom. She thinks it’s time I take Emilia to the hospital. Hopefully, they’ll give us some anti-nausea meds and make sure she’s not dehydrated. I’ll update you when I know more.
Lizzy: We’re at the hospital, and they’re running tests now. Won’t know for an hour or so.
It was nearly three fucking hours before I saw either of those texts.
I’d closed the deal with Sienna Flames and decided to celebrate by attending their sold-out concert.
It was great to relax after all the stress of the deal that has consumed the last three days of my life was settled.
Lizzy and I had been in contact all day and although I’ve felt torn from the moment I learned Milli was sick, there wasn’t anything I could do about it.
If she has a virus, it needs to run its course.
I met up with a buddy of mine from when I lived in LA.
We grabbed a drink before the concert and caught up.
Nick is still living the single life and enjoying the music scene to his fullest. I’ve never felt so old or out of touch.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy and wish him the best, but the moment Emilia came into my life, all thoughts of living that single life he’s still thriving in sailed.
It wasn’t until I got back to my hotel room and went to charge my phone that I noticed it had been on do not disturb.
Fuck. My. Life.
The moment I changed the setting, notification after notification blew up my phone.
Seeing a missed call from Lizzy, Jax, and even my assistant Merna made my blood turn to ice.
Only one mattered, so I instantly connected a call to Lizzy.
It rang once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then it went to voicemail.
Knowing Jax would be close by, I call him next.
He picks up on the first ring. “Hey, man. I’m glad you called.”
“What’s wrong? Is Emilia okay? Lizzy? My fucking phone was on do not disturb, and I’m just now getting notifications.”
Frustration flows through me. I can’t believe I was so stupid. My daughter’s sick for crying out loud. I should know better.
“Okay, man, take a breath. I need you firing on all cylinders so we can figure out how to get you here as soon as possible.”
“What’s going on, Jax?” I spit out. My nerves are wound so tight, it’s taking everything in me not to snap. “Lizzy’s not answering her phone.”
“That’s because she’s back with Milli at the moment and probably can’t pick up. Please sit down and take a breath. I promise I’ll fill you in on everything.”
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I inhale deeply and demand, “Please just spit it out. I’m on the verge of losing my shit. If I don’t get answers… well I… fuck, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“First, you need to know Emilia’s in good hands. We’re at the hospital, and it’s been determined she needs an appendectomy. At the time of her last scan, it hadn’t ruptured, but we won’t know until she comes out of surgery for sure.”
What. The. Actual. Fuck?
This cannot be happening.
Surgery? Did he say surgery? As in she’s in surgery now?
“I need to get to her,” I mutter as I gather my things from the hotel.
“That’s what I’m trying to help you with. I’ve been looking at flights. If you can get to the airport, there’s one that takes off in about an hour, but it’s a long shot. If you can’t make that one, you might have to wait ‘till morning. The first flights leave around five.”
“You’ve already looked into this?” I ask in disbelief.
“Look, man, I’m trying to bring you solutions, not more problems. Tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen. If you need me to come pick you up so you’re not driving like a crazed lunatic, I’ll leave for Portland now.”
“I’ve got my car,” I mumble, zipping the last of my things into my overnight bag.
Making one last sweep through the hotel room, I’m out the door and bolting to the lobby.
“I’ve gotta check out and get to the airport. I’ll let you know if I make the flight. Have Elizabeth call me.”
“Will do, man. We’re here for you and that precious girl of yours. Just let us know what you need.”
*****
The airport gods are in my favor.
I manage to get on the last flight leaving LA and although I can’t talk to Lizzy, I’m able to text her.
Me: I made the flight just as they were closing the doors. Any update on Mills?
Lizzy: No. She should be out of surgery soon. I promise I will keep you updated.
Waiting is agony. I’ve only known about Emilia’s condition for less than an hour. I can’t imagine what Elizabeth is going through.
Me: How are you doing?
Lizzy: Not gonna lie—I’ve never been more terrified in my life. But she’s in good hands, and the doctor assured me it’s a routine procedure.
Me: I can’t thank you enough for being here for her when I couldn’t.
Lizzy: Cameron, do not even for one second beat yourself up over this. There is nothing either of us could do. My mom has assured me of this more than once tonight, so I’m passing that message along to you.
Logically, I know she’s right.
But guilt holds no bounds when it comes to your children and their safety.
Lizzy: Cam, what’s going on in that head of yours? Talk to me.
She’s had a shit day and still above everything, she’s worried about me. What did I ever do to deserve her?
Me: I don’t even know what to think. I’m just trying to hold it all together and not lose my shit completely.
Lizzy: Same.
Me: I can’t thank you enough for being here for Emilia.
Lizzy: You never need to thank me.
Lizzy: I think I see the doctor. brB
The nervous energy ripping through my veins could fuel this entire flight. I want nothing more than to rip the doors off the cockpit and force them to fly to Seaside rather than Portland. No matter what happens, I still have a two-hour drive ahead of me once I land.
I swear, this is the longest fucking day of my life .
Nearly twenty minutes later, I finally get the text I’ve been waiting for.
Lizzy: She’s out of surgery. Everything went as planned. It did not rupture. She’s in recovery. I’ll send you a pic when I see her for myself.
Relief washes through me, and I can finally breathe again. Before I can respond, another text comes through.
Lizzy: If I don’t answer, it’s because I’m with Mills until she wakes up in the recovery room.
This woman thinks of everything.
Here she is—scared shitless—but she still puts my nerves at ease.
Me: Thanks. I’ll let you know when I land.
*****
When I land at PDX, I have one thing in mind. Getting to my daughter. I’m so focused as I enter the main part of the airport, I almost walk right past Jax Cartwright in my haste.
“Wait up, man.” I hear as a man who’s been leaning against the wall approaches.
“Wha… What are you doing here?” I ask in disbelief when I recognize him.
He’s wearing a black hoodie with a baseball hat covering most of his face, but it’s clearly him. Surely, he’ll get recognized in a place like this. Especially with his bandmate Finn standing next to him.
“We couldn’t let you drive in this condition,” he admits as he points to the exit. “Where’s your car? The girls dropped us off, and it’s only a matter of time until we’re recognized.”
“Girls?”
“Raven and Sloane insisted you not drive or be alone for that matter. They’re already on the way back to Seaside. No sense in all of us waiting.”
“You all came?”
“Dude, you don’t get it, do you?” Finn laughs.
“What don’t I get?” I ask, making my way to the parking garage.
“There’s nothing those girls won’t do for their family.”
“But… I’m not family,” I say, pressing the elevator button.
“But Lizzy is… and by the way every single one of us was at the hospital within minutes of hearing about Emilia arriving, I’m pretty certain you’re a part of us… whether you like it or not.”
“I’m right here.” I unlock my car and pop my luggage in the trunk.
As I walk around to the driver’s side, Finn stops me. “Look, man, I can’t imagine the trainwreck of emotions you’ve been through today. Let me drive. I promise, I’ll get you to your daughter.”
Realizing how frazzled my nerves are, I relinquish my keys, then go to the passenger side, as Jax climbs into the back seat.
We ride in silence as Finn maneuvers his way out of the parking garage.
Once we’re on the freeway, Jax hits me with another truth bomb.
“Look, I’m not exactly sure what your summer arrangement is with Lizzy being Emilia’s nanny. But after witnessing her actions tonight, I’m certain that girl loves both you and your daughter . I hope like hell for your sake you know just how special she is.”