Melt With Me - Melissa Brown Page 0,1
by a car.”
“Shit, is he okay?”
“I think so. He’s breathing again, thank God.” I said, looking down at the man lying on the gurney and staring at me in confusion. “Hi,” I whispered down to him. “You’re going to be okay.” More than anything, I wanted to believe my own words. I wanted to believe Burton would be all right. But there was a knot in my stomach that wouldn’t go away.
Burton looked puzzled as he studied me.
Don’t worry, you don’t have amnesia. You have no idea who I am.
“Lyra, I gotta go. I’m riding with him to the hospital. Will you be okay handling the signing on your own? I’m so sorry!”
My store, The Lit Wick, was a book-and-candle shop that hosted local authors for signings each month. On this September day, we’d scored Lyra’s favorite romance author, who’d traveled from Portland. Lyra had been talking about it for months.
“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry. I got this. She’s already settled in, and we’re moving through the line. Just do what you need to do.”
“Thanks,” I said with relief, knowing that if anyone could handle a bookshop filled with excited readers eager to see their favorite author, it was Lyra Castillo, employee of every freaking month. I was so damn lucky to have her. Placing the phone back in my pocket, I leaned down and locked eyes with the man.
“This is the woman who saved your life, Burton,” the paramedic said with a warm smile as she patted his shoulder. “She gave you CPR.”
My cheeks reddened and I shrugged again. “Hi. I’m Maren.”
He nodded, one hand clutching his chest. A tear rolled down his swollen cheek, and he closed his eyes. My eyes welled just watching him, and I was flooded with emotion, imagining how terrified he must be.
“I’m going to stay with you until your family comes, Mr. McTavish.” I said, suddenly realizing that his family must have had no idea what happened. I turned to the paramedic. “Should I call someone for him?”
She nodded and leaned down, patting his shoulder once again. “Burton, do you have someone we can call?”
Slowly he nodded and shifted uncomfortably on the gurney, retrieving his phone from his back pocket. Shaking, he placed it into my palm. I pressed my other hand on top of his. “I’m not going to leave your side, okay? It’s all going to be all right.”
I couldn’t disguise the trembling in my voice as I dialed the last number in his recent calls.
Peter.
Peter, pick up. Please pick up.
“What’s up, Dad?” the deep voice said casually into the phone.
Dad. Thank God, it’s his son.
“Um, hi. My name is Maren, and I’m with your dad. He was hit by a car.”
“Oh God.” His voice dropped an octave as fear crept in. “Is he… I mean, is he alive?”
“Yes, and he’s breathing. He’s having trouble talking, though. We’re in the ambulance now and headed to the hospital. Seattle General?” I said, making eye contact with the paramedic. She nodded. “Yes, Seattle General. Can you meet us there?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m not in the city right now, but I’ll be there. What was your name again?”
“Maren.”
“Maren, will you stay with him until I get there?”
“Of course.”
Just as I ended the call, Burton groaned, grabbing his left arm. His knuckles turned white as he clutched.
“Burton, are you having chest pains?” the paramedic asked, crouching down beside him. Burton nodded, his cheeks scarlet. Adrenaline shot through my belly once again as I watched, feeling helpless as he struggled to get comfortable.
“I feel sick,” he muttered beneath his oxygen mask. “Like I’m gonna throw up.”
“Is there time for an EKG?” the paramedic asked her cohort.
“No, we’re here.” he said, reaching into his gear and retrieving a small white pill. He removed the oxygen mask and placed the pill in Burton’s mouth. “Chew this. It’s aspirin. And try to calm down.”
Burton obeyed orders and chewed the pill. His face contorted into a grimace as he dealt with the pain in his chest.
Luckily, we had arrived at the hospital. The ambulance stopped and the other two paramedics opened the back door, pulling Burton and the gurney into the cool air.
“Go to the waiting area,” the paramedic said as she hopped down, offering me a hand. “Someone will find you.”
Stunned, I stood in the hallway of the hospital, watching as they jogged Burton through the ER.
“Code Blue.” the announcement came through the loudspeaker, and I knew it was for Burton.