“Why would I be upset? You laid it out; doctors look after people first. I get what you mean.”
It made sense.
Back then, I would have already thrown a tantrum, crying and pushing for a reason.
I used to be foolish, thinking that the one who cries gets a treat.
But I forgot that someone who truly cares gave you the treat even when you stay quiet.
Quiet hung on the other end for a long beat.
“Tonight I’ll come get you. Wait for me at the airport.”
The ride from the airport to home took an hour and a half.
I didn’t turn him down.
By the time the plane touched down, it was already past 1 a.m.
Outside the airport, lightning cracked, and rain poured in heavy sheets.
I looked around but didn’t spot Chase.
I checked my screen, and the flight info that I had sent him ahead of time was right.
I rang his number.
Eight tries, yet no reply.
I stayed another thirty minutes, then finally waved down a taxi.
Inside the taxi, I slept and woke again as the car bounced along the road.
Jolted awake by a loud burst of thunder, I naturally stared out the glass.
Through the heavy downpour, this wasn’t the route home.
My chest tightened.
I reached into my pocket, grabbed my phone, and quickly pressed my emergency contact.
The call connected at last, yet what came through was a loud crowd cheering.
“I passed my probation period today! Chase says he’s paying for everything tonight!”
Someone teased, “You work in the morning. Don’t drink too much.”
“Then tomorrow our whole team should just take the day off. Chase, is that fine?”
Chase’s voice sounded warm. “Okay. Tonight, you all just need to keep Zaria cheerful and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow I’ll let everyone take a group day off.”
“Wow, Director Gordon is powerful. Guess this is what it’s like when someone is your family.”
“Stop messing around, quit talking nonsense! If Astraea catches wind of this, I’m doomed. She’s super cold.”
Before I managed to speak, the call cut off by itself.
Cold sweat slid down my spine. Staring at the now-dead phone, I pushed calm into my tone.
“Hubby, I’ll reach home in ten minutes. I already sent you the plate number, right? Wait for me at the entrance.”
As I lowered the phone, my eyes met the driver’s through the rearview mirror.
Thin, slanted eyes held nothing but clear bad intent.
“Miss, this storm’s too strong, the roads are rough. I had to swing around a long way, so the cost…”