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He nods. “I’ve got him.”
I stand and bend over close to Hunter's ear and whisper, “I need you to wake up, Hunter. I need you to fight. The baby and I love you.”
I wait for some sort of sign that he can hear me. A finger tap. An eyelid flutter. But there’s nothing. I guess miracles like that only happen in the movies.
When I arrive at Blue Whiskey, it’s ninety minutes before opening, yet there’s barely any staff. The only person I see on the floor is Gage.
“Megan,” he greets me in a surprised tone. “How's Hunter doing?”
“There hasn't been any change,” I answer somewhat dismissively. “Where are the servers, Gage?”
“They called out.”
“Why?”
He raises an eyebrow as if my question is an odd one. “Because the owner was shot in the head here three days ago, Megan. They don't feel safe.”
“Bad things can happen anywhere at any time. It shouldn't stop people from coming to work.”
“Megan–”
“We can't run a nightclub if there's nobody in here to serve customers.”
The bartop is already spotless but Gage wipes it down as we talk, a habit I’m learning is common for him when he deeply considers what he will say next.
“Are we sure it's even a good idea to keep the club open right now?” he asks.
“You want to close the club?”
I hear heavy footsteps walking towards the two of us. Vaughn and Christian are descending the staircase with scowls on both of their faces. Each of them gives me a tight bear hug and has a seat at the bar.
“Closing the bar is not an option,” Vaughn says to both of us. “I was lax with security because I underestimated just how many enemies we have, but I won't make the same mistake again.”
I haven't said it out loud because I haven't had the time or opportunity to, but when I look down at my swelling belly (and feet), I finally find the nerve to say what I’ve been thinking since this happened.
“You won’t make the same mistake? I’d hope not because Hunter won’t survive another shot to the head.”
Vaughn’s expression tightens but I continue with my rant.
“Security is what you do for a living. You're supposed to be an expert. What do you mean you were lax about it? Why? There have been nothing but life-threatening situations at this club and at the apartment since I met Hunter. Were you lax those times, too? How many more lucky chances do you think Hunter has?”
Vaughn’s eyes drop to the floor. I don't mean to hurt him like this, but it's time for everybody to get a reality check including Hunter's friends.
“That's not fair, Megan,” Christian retorts, sitting on the other side of me
“What's not fair is that Hunter is on a ventilator, and we're all sitting here discussing the future of his business,” I say.
“Well, since you seem to be in the mood for difficult conversations, the reality is that Hunter's priorities have changed since you entered his life,” Christian counters.
“Are you saying I’m the problem?” I reply in disbelief.
“I’m just saying that things are different. He doesn’t always take Vaughn’s security recommendations or my legal recommendations because now there’s a new variable in his life: you.”
“So you guys suck at your jobs now because I'm around?”
“Megan, I know you're upset, and I know you're scared, and I get that you blame me for Hunter getting shot, but no more than I blame myself.”
Vaughn’s eyes grow glassy.