Chapter 6

Leo

“You can’t tell me anything?” I asked the nurse at the front desk again. She shook her head and glared at me, and I winced.

“I’m so sorry. I know I’m not supposed to ask you these things. You’ve already told me that you can’t tell me anything because I’m not family or on any paperwork. I’m sorry. I’m just going to sit here and wait for her family to show up. I’ll stop bothering you.”

The nurse glared at me again, and I quickly made my way to my seat, trying not to get kicked out. Because I had a feeling if I didn’t walk away now, I would end up escorted out of the hospital waiting room by hospital security.

My heart still raced, and I couldn’t get the sight of May hurt out of my mind.

It was just a coincidence that I had even seen the car run that stop sign. It was an issue because the other street didn’t have a stop sign and was cross-through traffic. Meaning the people used to the stop sign sometimes forgot it was there or purposely ignored it.

I had been in my living room and saw the car go too fast through the intersection out of the corner of my eye. The sound was familiar, metal against metal, the screeching of tires. I dropped my mug of coffee and ran out, afraid that someone had been hurt.

It wasn’t until I looked through the driver’s side window that I saw it was May. As soon as I did, I cursed under my breath and was grateful that the door was open. She had tried to open it herself, likely bleary and not even realizing she was doing it. I called 911, as had a couple of other neighbors. They had gone over to check the man who ran the stop sign. I knew he was fine. He ended up only needing a few stitches on his forehead. I’d been able to hear him shouting that he hadn’t seen the stop sign and then he had thrown up because he was afraid he’d killed someone.

The man had looked remorseful for hurting May, but that didn’t make everything okay in my eyes. I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to look at him if I saw him again. It was just a little too much for me. I didn’t know why I was having such a strong reaction to this either. It wasn’t as if May was my girlfriend. But she was a friend. And I needed to make sure she was okay.

It shouldn’t matter that she wasn’t my girlfriend.

It only mattered that a friend was hurt.

I pulled up my phone, knowing our Montgomery Ink Legacy group text was flaring with questions about May, but I didn’t have any answers. I had called Brooke as soon as they loaded May into the ambulance, knowing I would follow after giving the police my statement. I didn’t have any of May’s family’s contact information, but I knew Brooke would. And since Leif was right beside her, I knew everyone at Montgomery Ink Legacy would know what was going on, and I wouldn’t have to be on call at work like I was scheduled to be.

Apparently, all I was supposed to do was pace in this hospital waiting room, wondering what the hell I was doing.

I needed May to be okay. She had been so pale, blood on the right side of her face and a small bruise on her chin. I didn’t know if she had a concussion or if she had broken anything. She hadn’t been hit hard, but the car had struck her at just the right angle that it had spun the vehicle and the airbags had deployed—that was what had knocked her out. At least from what I could tell. For all I knew, I was completely wrong, she was hurt, and there was nothing I could do.

A woman with dark hair and May’s eyes walked into the waiting room and looked around, appearing slightly frantic but still composed.

I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go over and talk to her, so I stood, waiting as she walked past me to the reception desk.

“I’m looking for my daughter. May Loveless.”

The nurse spoke with Mrs. Loveless, and I stood back, waiting, knowing it was probably unethical for me to be so quiet, trying to hear what was going on. But, damn it, I needed to know.

When May’s mother looked as if she was letting out a breath of relief, I nearly staggered back, but I hadn’t heard anything, so I didn’t know for sure.

The receptionist nodded over her shoulder toward me. When May’s mother turned, her eyes narrowing, I braced myself.

Oh, hell. This wouldn’t go well.

“You. What happened?” she yelled before coming straight at me. She wore heels yet was still far shorter than I was. Her head barely came up to my chin, just like May’s.

Still, with all the energy and attitude in the woman, it felt like she was eight feet tall. “What is your name? How do you know May? Why are you here? What happened? Tell me.”

I blinked and looked at her. “I’m Leo. I work with Leif Montgomery. The accident happened a couple of houses over from my house.”

“Why was May on that side of the neighborhood?” she asked, her eyes narrowed.

I held up my hands, trying to act innocent because I was. And I was a little worried. “It was pure circumstance. I live a couple of streets over from Brooke’s house, where May works. I don’t know where May lives. I don’t know if she lives in my neighborhood or if she was just driving around to see someone. Maybe going to Brooke’s. I honestly don’t know. I only saw the accident.” I explained exactly what’d happened, minute by minute. As Mrs. Loveless’s shoulders relaxed slightly, I still didn’t know if I was in trouble.

“You’re the one who called Brooke? The tattoo artist?”

She didn’t sound rude when she said tattoo artist like some people did, so I had to count that as something. What? I didn’t know.

“Yes, I work for Leif. I’m a tattoo artist.”

And then tears spilled from May’s mother’s eyes, and she wrapped her arms around my waist. I blinked but hugged her back, gently patting her shoulder. “I’m sorry. There wasn’t much I could do. But I kept her still. And I called 911. Your daughter’s very brave, Mrs. Loveless. She’ll be okay. She’s strong.”

“I know my daughter is strong. She’s an amazing woman, and I love her. And you saved her.”

I sputtered. “Oh. I didn’t do that. Anyone would’ve called 911.”

Mrs. Loveless stepped back and wiped her tears. “Call me Judy. My last name is always a little ironic, considering I got it from the man I loved.”

“Judy. Mrs. Loveless. I don’t know what to call you. You scare me.” I hadn’t meant to say that last bit, but Judy only grinned .

“That’s what I like in a man. I’m just kidding with you. I’m a little nervous. I only wanted to say thank you. Brooke explained to me what happened, and then the authorities contacted me as well since I am May’s emergency contact on her phone. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m going back there as soon as they let me to speak with her. Will you stay?”

I swallowed hard. “Oh. Of course, I will. I want to make sure she’s okay, too. I didn’t want her to be alone.”

May’s mother smiled at me. “You’re a good boy, Leo. Now, I’m sorry for yelling. It was a little more drama than planned. My sister should be here soon to make sure everything’s okay. Because we want the family to be here for her. So, you stay here, and we will update you with May’s condition.”

I nodded as she walked back to where the nurses stood, leaving me alone in the waiting room once again.

The doors opened, and Brooke walked in alone.

“I thought Leif would be with you.” I let out a breath before holding out my arms. She wrapped hers around me and hugged me tightly.

“He’s home with Luke because we didn’t want to worry or scare him, you know?”

I nodded. “That’s good.”

“Any news?”

I shook my head. “They’re not telling me anything. I’m not family.”

“The authorities have me on the paperwork as an emergency contact, but I don’t have any updates.”

“May’s mother is a fierce storm. I like her. She’s here and will keep us updated.”

Brooke gave me a look. “You met May’s mother?”

I nodded. “She just showed up. She’s really cool. Scared me.”

“Judy Loveless has a way about her. She’s soft and sweet sometimes, but could rip your heart up the next minute if you dare hurt her family.”

“Good to know.”

I was a little worried that it sounded like a warning, but I didn’t say anything.

Before I could say more to that, the door opened again, this time with May and her mother coming out. May had a small Band-Aid on her forehead, but everything else looked normal. She appeared unhurt, other than the bruise from before. Or maybe I was just seeing what I needed to see.

She met my gaze, her eyes widening before she smiled softly and looked at Brooke.

“You guys are here. Thank you.”

“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice coming out far more growly than I had planned.

“I’m fine. I hadn’t eaten dinner because of…things,” she said, her gaze darting to Brooke and back. “And between the adrenaline and the airbag, I passed out. I don’t have a concussion, thankfully. But I just want to go home and rest.”

“You will be resting,” her mom said. “I’m going to take May home now. I’m sure there are a hundred other things you’ll have to do, but for now, you’re going to let your mother take care of you, young lady.”

“Whatever you say, Mom.”

“Your aunt was on the way here, but now I’m having her meet us at my place. She’ll bring dinner.”

“Thank you, Mom. I love you.”

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Brooke said as she moved forward and hugged May.

I stood back, my hands in my pockets, feeling awkward.

All I had wanted was a cup of coffee, knowing I had an after-hours tattoo scheduled. I’d eaten an early dinner and planned to head out for my eight p.m. appointment. And now, here I was.

Because May had been hurt. So I stood with clammy hands, feeling like I was a big brute in a room with a bunch of delicate women who could break me.

May met my gaze again. “Thank you. For being there. For calling everyone. I’m so embarrassed.”

“What do you have to be embarrassed about? It wasn’t your fault. I gave my statement. You’re not going to get in trouble. I promise.”

“Thank you, Leo,” she whispered.

An awkward silence settled as May’s mother looked between us, and then, somehow, we were saying our goodbyes, and they were leaving. Brooke gave me a look, and I shrugged.

“What?”

“Leo.”

“Don’t,” I said, a little harsher than intended. “I know she’s off- limits. I know she’s your damn nanny.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “And she’s one of the best people I know. Just like you are.” Confusion settled in her gaze, but all I could think about were Leif’s words.

I wasn’t good in relationships. I didn’t settle down. Despite what everyone else thought, I wasn’t the guy who ended up with forever. My sister had that in spades. I didn’t get that.

“And what happens when it goes sideways? When you think I’m one of the best people you know and then realize it’s because of me when it doesn’t work out? It would be awkward. And I don’t want it to be. So, don’t worry. She’s not for me. She’s a friend. And I’ve probably told you too much because it freaked me out to see her hurt. Don’t worry.”

I left then, needing air. Brooke stood back, her eyes wide and then narrowing before she pulled out her phone.

I just kept going, ignoring whatever the hell was going on.

May wasn’t for me. Everyone had told me I couldn’t get with the nanny or whatever other damn things they’d said. So, I wouldn’t. I would be good. I wouldn’t fuck things up.

Even though it felt like that was all I was doing these days.

I got in my car and headed to my sister’s place, knowing it was late but needing to see someone. I needed to be with someone who didn’t have any expectations.

She opened the door before I even knocked, her husband sitting on the couch behind her, my four nieces piled on top of him.

“What’s wrong? You didn’t text or anything.”

I cursed. “It’s late. I should go home.”

“Tell me. You said May was in an accident? Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. Going to be fine. I just…she’s not mine, you know? And everyone keeps reminding me that she’s not.”

My sister’s face fell, and then she held out her hand. “Come on. It’s Disney movie night. We’re staying up far too late because the babies are keeping me up.” She put her hand on her massive belly. “I love you, brother mine. Let’s watch some Disney princesses kick ass and cuddle with my babies. We’ve got you, Leo. And then tomorrow we can talk about exactly why you think you aren’t good enough for May.”

“Caroline,” I warned.

“No. If you don’t think you’re good enough for her, I want to know the reasons. If people are saying that you can’t be with her, I want to know why. If she doesn’t want to be with you, that’s one thing, but I haven’t heard you say that.”

“She doesn’t want to be with me. If she did, I would know.”

“Men,” she said, rolling her eyes. She closed the door behind me and pulled me into the living room, shoving me onto the couch next to her husband.

He just smiled and handed over one of his daughters. My youngest niece settled onto my lap, and then we were all cuddling and watching Disney movies. I figured since I wasn’t figuring out what the hell was going on in my life, at least I could be Uncle Leo.

At least I would always have that.