Chapter 50
Hunter
S he still hasn’t come out.
I’ve been sitting on this bench outside the hospital all night. I’ve called her countless times, but every time I’m sent straight to voicemail. I drop my head in my hands. I should be there with her. She needs me, and I fucked up.
Why did I have to follow Maddison outside? Why did I leave Jade’s side at all? She was right I wasn’t there for her.
You’re a fucking idiot, Stone.
My phone lights up in my hand, and I answer without checking the display. “Jade?”
“You still haven’t spoken to her?” Leo’s tired voice comes through.
“No, man, I haven’t. She still isn’t answering my calls. What should I do? I’m just out here staring at the hospital door. I’ve never felt so fucking useless.”
“Honestly, man? I’ve no fucking idea.”
“Fucking Maddison.”
“What the hell were you doing with her outside anyway, you idiot.”
“She said she wanted to apologize for the way she was towards Jade. But then she started showing me these photos of Jade and Dave together. Telling me that she thinks Jade is using me to get to the top and she’s still seeing Dave.”
“Nah, I don’t believe that man. Jade only has eyes for you. That woman is one of the most hardworking women I know. There is no way she’s capable of that type of deception.”
“I know. I didn’t take them for anything other than two people having coffee, but she cornered me and practically sat on my lap just as Jade came out.”
“Fuck.”
“I was going to tell her I love her tonight. Shit, I nearly fucking did before I sent her off in the cab, but it felt wrong; like the words were only coming out because of what she saw.”
“So you fight for her. Show up for her.”
“I can’t force her to speak to me, and our relationship isn’t high priority to her right now. Olivia is.”
“So you show up for her by letting her know you understand where her priorities are, easing that pressure, and you wait for her.”
“As simple as that?”
“As simple as that.”
Hanging up with Leo I sense movement from the reception dragging my attention back up. But it isn’t Jade, it's just one of the nurses.
Fuck this I can’t just sit here, Leo’s right I need to be there for her.
Walking into the lobby, I spot the nurses station. “Excuse me ma’am. Do you know where I can find Ms. Wilde?”
She looks me up and down. And that’s when I take in my own appearance. My hair I know is sticking out at all angles. My bow tie is haphazardly slung around my neck, my shirt is untucked and partly undone.
“I’m terribly sorry, sir, but visiting hours don’t start until noon, after the doctors have done their rounds.” I have no idea if she’s telling the truth or she’s taken one look at the mess of a man before her and quite rightly decided not to tell me anything.
“I appreciate that. But could you please let me know if she is okay?”
“I’m afraid, sir, I can’t give out any information regarding our patients.”
“I understand. But could I give you this to pass on to her daughter?” I hand her a napkin which she takes. A small smile crosses her lips.
“Of course.”
“Thank you ma’am.” I return to my spot on the bench waiting for a glimpse of my Tink.