Page 64 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor
I get up to open the door and my phone alerts me again.
Griffin: Anya says keep the door open, we are right around the corner.
Within minutes, my quiet house is full of life. The once still air now hums with chatter and activity, and I’m so incredibly grateful for it.
“Felicity, have you eaten?” Griffin asks, poking his head out of the kitchen, concern etched on his face.
“No, I’m not hungry,” I reply, trying to mask my anxiety.
“You should eat. You and the baby need it,” Anya says, settling beside me on the couch. “Griffin will make something.”
“No, it’s fine, really. Once I know Shepherd is all right, I’ll eat.” My stomach rumbles in protest, but the mere thought of food makes me feel nauseous.
“Griffin likes to cook when he’s feeling any kind of emotion, so you don’t need to eat it, but he needs to cook,” Anya whispers, squeezing my hand gently.
I understand all too well the need to stay occupied. With a sigh, I relent. “Griffin, whatever you feel like making is great.”
Paxton strides in, a storm cloud of worry hanging over him. “Just got off the phone with Brock. They haven’t found anything yet,” he says, frustration evident as he shoves his phone into his pocket and begins to pace the floor.
“Thank you,” I say, not really knowing what else to say. Have you ever had that feeling? Like you know there’s impending doom lurking around the corner? That’s how I feel right now, and there’s nothing I can do to make it go away. Nothing at all.
I try to focus on happy thoughts, but the dread persists. My hands shake, and my teeth chatter despite the warmth in the room.
“If something had happened, one of us would’ve heard by now,” Paxton says, trying to sound reassuring as he rocks on his feet.
“He’s right,” Anya adds softly, her voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.
I don’t miss the nervous expressions that pass between Anya and Paxton before they hide them behind forced smiles. Everyone is as concerned as I am, and we’re all just trying to think positive.
“I love him, and if I lose him, I don’t know how I’m going to carry on,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face.
Anya and Hartford grab hold of me, and I can no longer fight my emotions. I’m terrified, and I know they are too, which only makes it worse. Their fear mirrors mine, amplifying my dread.
“Nothing bad is going to happen. Shepherd loves you and this baby more than anything. He’s always been a grumpy guy until you came into his life. Believe me, nothing bad is happening,” Paxton says from above, trying to sound confident but his eyes betray his worry.
Tripp sits next to Anya and rests his hand on my shoulder. “Shepherd would be pissed if he saw us sitting here thinking the worst.”
For a few minutes, the room is filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by the sound of my phone ringing. My heart stops. I push away from everyone and grab it.
“Hello?” I answer, my voice trembling.
“Is this Felicity?” a woman asks.
I look around as everyone stares at me, their expressions a mix of hope and fear. “Yes, who’s this?”
“I’m calling from Saint Pierce Hospital. Your husband, Shepherd, has been in an accident.”
I cover my mouth, my mind unable to absorb anything she’s saying. “What?”
“He’s gone back for a CAT scan but wanted to be sure you were told he’s here.”
“How bad is it?” I ask, clinging to the hope that it has to be somewhat okay if he’s mentioned me, right?
Right?
“I don’t have any information. I’m so sorry, I was just told to call you.”
I nod even though she can’t see me. “I’m on my way.” I hang up without another word and keep staring at the floor. “He’s at Saint Pierce Hospital. He’s been in an accident.”