Page 130 of Alexander: Alexander's Story

“I just came to see if you needed anything…I don’t want to stay. I know I’m not welcome,” she glances between Britain and me, still flanking him. “But Silas text that things aren’t going as planned, and I–” she shrugs, “I can get coffee as good as anyone.”

“Here,” Brit stands. “Have my seat,” but Matthias grabs Brit’s hand, shaking his head at her.

“Coffees would be great,” Matt tells Julie, and she looks grateful for it.

“How many?” She looks around the waiting room, trying to count.

“Seven,” Matt says quickly.

“Full house, okay. I’ll be back in a few.”

Brit sits back down, but I notice Matt doesn’t release her hand. Brit doesn’t try to free it, either. She threads her fingers with his and whispers to him, “That’s actually really kind of her, Matthias.” He nods.

Matt is Connie’s only blood-related child. Everyone else loves him and calls him Dad, but everyone also feels like Matt has the most to lose here. We all know it.

Jess takes the seat directly across from mine, so I pull out my phone and do the only thing that feels right.

A

Hey, Connie is in surgery today, and I don’t think it’s going as anticipated, so I just wanted to let you know. I know you both care about each other. A lot.

Em

I’m so sorry to hear that it’s taking a turn. I’m already at the airport. I’ve been on standby for two flights already. I’m trying to get there.

I swivel my head to look at Brit, knowing she would have been the one to say something.

You’re coming here?

Trying to.

Why didn’t she just ask Blanks to charter her a flight? I don’t hesitate to call in a favor. I’m on my feet before I can even think about it.

Which airport?

I’m at Newark. It has the most flights westbound, so I thought my chances would be higher?

It takes five minutes to bump someone else’s charter heading west, then order a car to pick her up from Newark.

A

There’s a car waiting at departures. It’ll take you to Teterboro airport. Just check in at the front, they’re expecting you.

Em

You don’t have to do this, Alex. I’ll get a flight eventually.

The only thing that would make today better is for you to get on that plane and come here. Please.

Her bubble of dots comes and goes. My heart races. I hope, then pray, and then I hope some more that she was walking to departures, and that was the reason for the hold-up. It’s ten more minutes before I get a response.

I’m in the car. See you in a few hours.

Okay.

I sit back down, tipping my head up to the ceiling, feeling relief. Feeling overjoyed that she would be here. I close my eyes and run a hand through my hair before sitting up straight again.

I could tolerate the waiting room purgatory knowing she’s coming. I could make it through anything knowing she’s on the other end of it all.