Chapter 7
SHANE
-Is Liam okay?
-Shane! -his voice was broken, as if the words were refusing to leave his throat-. I need you to listen to me.
I looked at him, worry tightening my chest. There was something in his eyes that sent chills down my spine, a foreboding feeling that what was coming was imminent and dark.
-What’s going on, Gigit? Where is Liam? -I asked, struggling to hide the unease that was beginning to bloom within me.
-It’s Liam… he’s sick. We need to go back to Chicago.
The words hit me like a bucket of cold water; worry engulfed my mind like a hurricane sweeping away everything in its path. What had happened to him?
-But… -I hesitated, looking at Gigit with a mixture of anticipation and fear-. What exactly happened to him? Why are you here and not with him? Is he in the hospital?
The man in front of me hesitated, his expression becoming more serious, as if every word he could utter was a risk too high. Deep down I knew that the truth was dangerous, and I also knew he couldn’t lie to me completely.
-No, he’s not in the hospital. He refused to go to one. He just wants to see you -those words made my legs weak; I grabbed the door frame to steady myself. Was he dying? Did he want to see me one last time? With a pressure in my chest and tears welling up in my eyes, I looked at Gigit-. I need you to trust me and come with me. I promise I’ll explain everything.
I doubted that any words from this man could calm her; the only way to be at peace would be to see the man I loved.
-Alright, but I have to talk to my parents first. I promised I would tell them about Liam.
The weekend had turned into a whirlwind of fast movements for me; it had been busier than any other weekend I had ever had. Now I understood a little why he hadn’t responded to any of my messages. Gigit nodded, and as best as I could, I went back inside to find Mom and Dad watching me from the living room.
-Mom, Dad -I said, my voice trembling-, I have to leave.
Their gazes met, concern written on their faces.
-Where are you going, sweetheart? -my mother asked, her tone laced with that maternal love that had always surrounded me.
-to Chicago… to see a friend.
-Is everything alright? -Dad asked. With tears already rolling down my cheeks, I couldn’t deny it.
-I don’t know. I just have to go. I’ll keep you updated. I’m sorry for the abrupt way I have to leave.
-Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. -Mom said-. Is it about him? -she asked as I turned to go up the stairs to grab my things.
Without saying a word, I ran up the stairs and entered the room, where I found Marc in his boxers.
-Wow, I didn’t know you were ready for some action… What the hell is going on? -he approached in two strides and grabbed my shoulders-. Why are you crying? Did something happen to Emmanuel? -my head hurt, my tears clouding my vision.
-It’s Liam. His best friend is here… I have to go with him.
-Wait. What do you mean you have to go with him? -I stepped back, freeing myself from his grasp and began to gather my clothes, ignoring his questions.
-As you heard, I have to go with him. Liam needs me.
-In that case, I’m going with you. I’m not letting you go alone with any strange man, let alone one I don’t know.
I nodded, relieved, because I also wouldn’t want to leave with someone I didn’t know. Soon, we both had our things ready and went downstairs to find my mother in the kitchen and Gigit with my father.
-So you’re this man’s secretary.
-That’s right, sir.
-And he’s the owner of that restaurant chain you mentioned? -Holy shit, this was a conversation I would have loved to have with my parents, but apparently, Dad beat me to it.
-We’re ready.
-We’re? -Gigit asked, looking up, his eyes landing on Marc behind me. I could feel both men sizing each other up.
-I’m ready to leave whenever you are -the desperation to run and go straight to Liam was consuming me.
-Alright, let’s go.
-Good thing I got here by taxi, or else we would have had to travel in three different cars -Marc commented with humor to lighten the mood. After we said goodbye to my parents, the three of us left. I got into the car with Gigit, while Marc got into mine. I took the wheel and started the car, honking as a farewell to my mother, who was standing at the door; I waved my hand, still with tears streaming down my cheeks. Marc did the same by honking the horn.
A mix of relief and nervousness washed over me, with a rapid heartbeat in my chest. Even though Gigit was driving at a dizzying speed, I couldn’t feel impatient as the scenery flew by, and the journey seemed to stretch on. Every now and then, I turned around to make sure Marc was keeping up with us.
I couldn’t help but ask him:
-What time are we going to get there? -I finally asked, trying to divert my mind from what really worried me.
-Maybe in an hour… give or take. -Gigit told me, his gaze alternating between the road and me.
-You’re not heading to the city -I mentioned again an hour later, seeing that he had taken a detour before entering the city.
-He’s not there. He decided to go back to his cabin in the woods.