41. Callie
forty-one
Callie
I pace the length of the hospital room again, waiting for someone to come in and tell me what the hell is going on. As soon as I arrived, I sent a message to Eli’s family from his phone, letting them know where he was and what I knew—Eli got a CAT scan before being whisked away for surgery to repair a collapsed lung.
No one has written back, and in my lonely panic, I texted Hudson, Dez, and Boone as well. That was hours ago, and since then, the doctor has come and gone from doing his examination on the minor scrapes and burns on my arms, caused by the airbag, and I’m still alone, freaking out about Eli in surgery.
Twisting my thumb ring, I continue to pace, replaying the accident and how beaten up Eli looked as he passed out. If I didn’t love him more than anything in the world, I’d kick his ass for trying to be a hero and pulling that stunt with the car. I’m so angry at him for being reckless, and terrified to death that I’m going to lose him.
The door swings open, and Hudson walks into my hospital room.
“Hey, Popstar,” he quips with a smile and his arms spread wide.
Every emotion I’ve been holding on to spills out of me at the sight of my friend and agent. Sobbing, I rush into his arms for a hug.
“Shh. Don’t cry, Cal. Eli is going to be fine.”
“I’m so scared, Hud. He put his life at risk, again, to save me.”
My friend pats my back as I cry into his dress shirt, ruining it with my mascara-stained tears.
“Why does he keep doing this?”
Hudson grips my shoulders, pushing me back to look up at him. His usual playfulness is gone, and his earnest blue eyes crinkle at the side with his sad smile. “He keeps doing it because he loves you, Callie. That man would do anything for you. Why do you think it took him so long to face his feelings?”
“Because he’s stubborn.” I sniff.
Hudson barks a laugh. “Oh, he’s definitely stubborn. But the real reason is because when Eli wants something, he goes after it with everything he’s got. It’s all or nothing with him. He couldn’t give his all before, and now? That guy is going to give you everything he can and more.”
I grip the bluebird at my throat between my fingers as the memory of Eli’s promise comes to mind. “I’m going to take care of you at all costs.”
Hearing Hudson—one of Eli’s best friends—confirm Eli’s feeling for me helps staunch the tears leaking from my eyes. I already knew Eli would do anything to protect me, but I needed the reminder. “You’re right. He’s told me as much.”
“See? Now, buck up, Popstar. We need to get you cleaned up and out of this room. Love ya, Cal, but you look like shit.”
A chuckle bubbles up in my chest at Hudson’s honesty. I rub my nose with the back of my hand to wipe away my snot. “Thanks. How did you get in here, by the way?”
Hudson shrugs. “A little threat here, a little flirting there. You know how I roll.”
“I do.” Taking a cleansing breath, I wipe my cheeks. “Can I wash my face first?”
“Take all the time you need. I was just with the Miller clan, and there is still no word.”
“Wait. They’re here?” Why didn’t they text me? I’ve been holding Eli’s phone the whole time.
My heart sinks into my stomach. Of course they didn’t text me. I’m not family. I might have lied to the hospital staff about being Eli’s wife, but his family knows the truth.
“Yeah. They are freaking out in the waiting room. The stupid nurses won’t let them see you. The hospital is afraid to give out your details seeing as you’re, you know, you,” Hudson explains like it’s the most obvious reason.
“But I have his phone. They didn’t text.”
“Callie, there is no service up here. Have you actually checked the bars? Everyone has been trying to get ahold of you. It’s why they sent me to get you.”
My shoulders sag in relief, and a fresh wave of tears burns the backs of my eyes. I was so preoccupied with pacing and wondering what’s going on that I didn’t think to check if I had cell service.
Hudson smirks. “You didn’t check, did you?”
“No.”
With laughter, Hudson shakes his head at me as he shoves me toward the bathroom, and orders me to hurry and pull myself together.
Ten minutes later, Hudson at my side, we walk into the crowded ICU waiting room filled with Millers.
“Oh my gosh, thank goodness you’re okay.” Emery rushes over, pulling me into a hug, her baby bump poking me, and she turns me this way and that, checking every inch of me.
“Miss Callie, I’m so glad you’re okay. The nurse wouldn’t let me see you.” Rhys wraps his little arms around me, and my knees almost buckle at the love.
I hug him back, hard, soaking up his goodness. “Thank you for trying to check on me.” I kiss the top of his sweet little head.
Jace pulls Rhys away and gives me a warm big brother hug. “So glad you’re okay, Callie.”
“Thank you. Have you heard anything?”
Jace shakes his head and steps back.
“You did good,” Mason says with a quick, oddly stiff hug, before putting distance between us and returning to Emery’s side. If I wasn’t so worried about Eli, I’d laugh.
Eli warned me Mason wasn’t a touchy-feely guy, but he was really there for me today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if he hadn’t been on the phone, talking me down from my panic attack in the car. I’ll be forever grateful for his support.
“Thank you so much for staying on the line and talking me through. I…” My voice cracks as memories of the crash come flooding back.
“Don’t mention it. We’re family. I’ll always be here for you.”
Emotion catches in my throat as tears of appreciation cloud my vision.
“Holy shit, look at Mason properly emoting,” Eli’s youngest brother, Cameron, says with a chuckle. He steps forward, with a beautiful raven-haired woman with gray eyes, whom I presume is his girlfriend.
Mason frowns and flips Cameron off, who bowls over laughing.
I cover my smile with my hand at the two, but it turns to tears as I think about Eli in some sterile room having who knows what done to him. He should be here, joking around.
The raven-haired woman smacks Cameron in the chest. “Hey, big guy, you’re making Callie cry.” She rubs a small hand up and down my arm as she looks me in the eye. Her gray gaze swirls with compassion, and her soft touch calms my nerves. “I’m Talia. It’s nice to meet you, Callie. How are you feeling?” She inspects my forearms. “Do you need some ibuprofen or some ointment for these cuts?”
“I’m okay for now. I’m too… I don’t know what I am, but I can’t feel these right now.” I show Talia my arms.
Talia nods like she understands exactly what I mean. “That’s the adrenaline.”
I quirk a brow at her. How ?
Talia chuckles. “I’m a nurse, and I can’t shut that part of my brain off.”
Based on the way she looked at me and spoke, I do not find that surprising. “Thank you for asking.”
“Of course.” She points at the hunky baseball player and says, “This is Cameron. He can be a little smart-mouthed, so it’s best to just ignore everything he says.”
Cameron clutches his chest as if in pain. “You wound me, Itty Bitty. Way to talk about the love of your life.”
“Yeah, well, the love of my life is a real jokester.”
The room erupts into chuckles.
Cameron returns his attention to me. “Callie Wright. I’m not surprised it’s you. You’ve been driving my brother crazy for years.”
My mouth hangs open as he throws his head back and laughs.
“I’m kidding. Actually, I’m not, but I knew his complaints were all bullshit.”
An older gentleman interrupts, pushing a laughing Cameron away. “Okay, enough of you. Please ignore my son. He thinks he’s a comedian. I’m Mark, this is my wife Karen, and we are so happy you’re okay, sweetheart. We were so worried.” Mark envelops me in a fatherly hug. He is an older version of all his sons combined, with brown hair and hazel eyes, proving Emery right. Mark Miller is quite handsome.
“It’s so good to meet you.” Karen hugs me, rocking side to side, and assures me Eli will be okay and how happy she is to meet me.
I can’t stop the tears from pouring as she holds me. Meeting everyone without Eli here is all a little overwhelming. They have welcomed me into their family without a second thought, and a part of me feels like I’m not worthy of their affection.
I’ve been pushing the thought away all day, but I know this is all my fault. This has Silla written all over it. Instead of hurting me, she hurt Eli, and now he’s the one suffering in surgery and they could all lose him because of me.
“Oh, honey, it’s going to be okay. My son is a fighter. He’s going to pull through,” Karen whispers as she walks me over to take a seat in one of the ugly fake leather and metal visitors’ chairs.
The Millers surround me, giving me strength.
The door to the waiting room opens, and an older woman with a graying bob enters, wearing scrubs and looking upbeat. “Eli Miller’s family, I presume?”
“Yes,” we say in unison.
“He is out of surgery and in recovery. It will be a few hours until he wakes up, but he’s going to be just fine. He came in with a punctured lung, broken ribs, and a laceration to his head. We tried to repair the lung laparoscopically, but it was more damaged than initially expected, so we had to perform a thoracotomy, hence the longer surgery time. His surgery went well—no complications, and his head CT showed no signs of bleeding. We will do concussion protocol until we can assess him when he wakes up. Do you have questions?”
“When can we see him?” I need to see him if I have any chance at the ache in my chest disappearing.
“He’s still asleep, but two at a time can go back and check on him until visiting hours are over. Are you his wife?” she asks, and Mason nudges me.
“Yes,” I answer.
“Can she stay with him?” Mason asks for me, his voice stern.
The doctor looks at me, and her eyes widen in recognition this time. “Oh. Um. Yes. Let me see if I can move him to a private room for you. I’ll inform the nurses and let them know you will stay with him.”
My celebrity status isn’t something I use to my advantage, but right now? I will abuse the crap out of it if it allows me to stay beside Eli until he wakes up.
“I expect everyone will be discreet?” Hudson questions the doctor.
“Of course. We’ve had our share of high-profile patients. The staff will be notified. Should I call security?”
“That won’t be necessary. Our personal security will stay with Miss Wright. He’s on his way.” Hudson is polite but uses my celebrity status to punctuate his point. I am to receive preferential treatment. He lays an assuring hand on my shoulder.
“Of course. I’m Dr. Kaladian, Chief of General Surgery. You can have the nurses page me if there is a problem.” The doctor excuses herself, leaving us to wait for the nurse to come get us.
I’m emotionally overwhelmed by the support of Eli’s family as they surround me like I’m one of their own. Guilt gnaws at the lining of my stomach.
This is all my fault.
Jace squats down in front of me and pats my hand. “Callie.”
“Hmm?” I look into his empathetic hazel eyes. They look so similar to one of Eli’s, the one with green and gold.
“I know that face. Don’t let the guilt get to you. You didn’t do this. The people responsible made the choice, not you. Your job is to be there for him like he’s been for you. Teamwork. You hear me?”
His words are a balm to my soul, pushing the anxiety and worry away. “I swear I hear you. Thank you for saying that, but…” I rub my chest where the heavy weight of today sits, stifling my breath. “I hate that he’s hurt because of my sister.”
“I understand. Just take a step back and breathe. I’m a firm believer that, in time, the answers will reveal themselves.”
“The answers will reveal themselves.”
Jace’s comment sticks with me as I sit beside Eli, holding his cool hand, and watch his chest rise and fall. I still can’t get over how he put his life in danger to protect me. Eli loves me that much.
Tears sting my eyes as I stare at my strong, beautiful man lying broken in the hospital bed. For the first and hopefully only time, Eli looks fragile. I hate it.
He’s heavily sedated, and there is a breathing tube coming out of his mouth to help his lung heal after surgery. Gauze covers the stitched gash above his left ear, as well as his ribs beneath his hospital gown. He has a fully broken and one fractured rib on his left side—where the SUV slammed into the driver’s side door. The doctors said it will take a few weeks for both his ribs and lung to heal.
Gratitude washes through me like a warm caress. Eli is still here , I remind myself. Had it not been for the airbags in his fancy electric crossover, he could have been much more seriously hurt. Thankfully, he wasn’t.
As I watch the love of my life sleep, the beeps and hums of the machines are a cacophony of musical sounds that lull me into a deep flow state, similar to the one I experience when I write music. My mind goes down the list of everything I’ve learned over the last few days.
My sister stole millions from me. She tried to kill me to collect money from a life insurance policy she took out in my name. She killed our dad for the inheritance.
Money, money, money.
It makes me sick to my stomach that my flesh and blood could be so spoiled that she’d do anything for more money.
Silla’s greed also brought you and Eli together, my brain snarks .
It’s a super fucked-up thought to have, but if it wasn’t for Silla trying to kill me, I don’t think Eli would have ever acted on his feelings.
For years, I had to pretend my heart didn’t gallop every time he was near me. Or how the butterflies in my stomach would soar when our eyes met from across the room. It felt so unfair that my heart decided it belonged to Eli long before he knew it. Or maybe he did. There were moments when I could see the battle raging in Eli’s eyes, like he didn’t know if he wanted to kiss me or run away from me.
A tingling warmth spreads through me at the thought. Call me delusional but I think, in some ways, he knew all along we were meant to be together.
I squeeze Eli’s hand, hoping he can feel me at his side while he sleeps. That he knows how much I love him. Being with Eli is everything I thought it could be and more.
I grip the little bluebird hanging at my throat and think back to the night Eli gave it to me.
Eli presses his lips to my pulse point and sucks, making my skin pimple. “We’re a team. I’m going to take care of you at all costs. Sometimes, that means letting me take the lead. Other times, I’m going to stand at your side supporting you or behind you, lifting you up.”
Tears tingle my nose at the memory. It’s no surprise us ending up like this—him hurt and in the hospital—because he would do anything to protect me. Eli told me from the start.
Laying my forehead on the back of his hand, I sniff back tears threatening to spill. “I love you, handsome, but you gave me a real scare. I can’t have you jumping in front of every car to save me. We’re a team, and now it’s my turn to protect you. I can’t live without you, and we can’t start living until my past is behind us.”
I’m not alone anymore. I have Eli, and with him, I also gained his family too. There is more for me to fight for now. I’ve let Silla lock me up for too long. That ends now.
I have found my voice.
Because of Eli’s love and support, I have discovered who I am and how I want to live my life. It’s time for me to stick up for myself and stop letting her steal from me. Silla stole my voice, but I’m about to scream.
I’m done being fucked with.
I kiss the back of Eli’s hand, promise to be back soon, and march out of his private suite and into the hallway.
Boone jumps off the wall by the door in surprise at seeing me.
“I need favor,” I tell him.
He smirks. “Learning from the master, I see.”
“Damn straight. Are you in, or are you out?”
“In. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”
For the first time in hours, a smile splits my face. I am so freaking ready for this. “Thank you. Feel like picking up a few good men along the way?”
“Lead the way.” Boone follows me down the hall.
When I march into the waiting room, the four men I’m looking for stop mid-conversation and stare at me.
Jace’s eyes glow eerily, like Eli’s do, a knowing smile on his face. “You found your answers, didn’t you?”
“I sure as hell did,” I exclaim, more than determined to put my plan into action. “Ready to cash in some favors?”