Chasing after You, page 2
After I tug on my suit pants, dress shirt, and shoes, I grab my ticket to getting Lily to talk to me. She knows nearly everything about me. This box may be the only thing of mine she doesn’t know, because it’s all about her—the box and my tattoo, I guess. I sift through the contents and smile, hoping this will be enough to entice her to listen. With my jacket and tie slung over one arm and my box for Lily under the other, I make my way downstairs into my bar.
I opened Endzone Draft and Barrel within six months of my career ending. The tackle looked textbook no matter how many times I replay it in my mind or watch the footage. However, a third significant concussion in five years was enough for me to wise up. The building was a dump when I bought it. With some professional assistance and a lot of sweat equity, I turned it into a successful sports bar with a craft whiskey distillery on the side.
“Morning, Miguel,” I greet my bartender as I enter the main area. Miguel has a similar background to me. We were teammates in high school. The only difference between him and me is I was afforded the chance to go pro for a short time. He wasn’t.
“Morning, boss. Looking spiffy. Wedding today, huh?”
I glare at him. “Yes. No, I don’t want to talk about Lily.”
“Can I admit I miss having Lily around, but Danica not so much?”
“You just did.”
He shrugs. “Good luck winning back our girl.”
I miss her to my marrow. “Not mine or yours.”
“At least one of us has a shot though,” he admits.
“Maybe.”
Confident in my choice to attend the wedding, I wave at Miguel and head into the parking lot. I set my jacket and tie on the seat and the box in the footwell on the passenger side. Realizing I left last night’s deposit in my office, I hurry back inside. After stashing the deposit into my bag, I sling it over my shoulder and make my way back to the bar. It’s then when I smell it—the telltale scent of rotten eggs.
“Miguel, get out!” I yell.
When he doesn’t answer, I search for him in the main area but come up empty. I stow my bag the near the coat room and resume my search, checking the storage room, then barrel room. As I move toward the basement, a loud boom reverberates, and the floor beneath my feet shakes. It’s the last thing I remember.
Chapter Two
Lilianna
Brave face, Lily. Smile and get dolled up. Today is about Frankie and Tommy. We’re getting ready in the bridal suite at the hotel near the Hartley Mason Reserve. It’s the same location Luca and Willa used for their wedding. It’s stunning, and both Frankie and Tommy have an affinity for the water. Truthfully, I do as well. All the Cappelli women, plus Ellie, my soon-to-be official niece, are almost ready. I was doing fine until my sister Lina asked if Leo was still coming.
“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him in a couple months.”
“Oh, Lily.” Lina judges me with two words and a disdainful tone.
“Do you know something I don’t?”
“No, but you can’t ignore him forever.” The look on her face says something else entirely.
“Spill, Lina,” I demand.
“Nothing to tell exactly. He asked me for advice since your heated exchange with Danica at the bar. He said you’ve been distant.”
“And?”
“I told him he needed to get you to talk to him.”
“I’m miserable and heartbroken. He’s the only person who can repair the damage. Except, he doesn’t want me.”
“Are you sure about that?” Lia, my youngest sister, asks, joining our conversation.
“Nothing he has said or done since I shared my feelings indicates he does.”
“How many times has he called or texted?” Frankie interjects.
No reason not to share the truth. “At least twice a day.”
“Lily!” Lina shrieks. “You need to hear him out.”
“Do I? If he loved me, he would’ve told me when I divulged my feelings to him.”
My sisters gasp collectively.
“You told him the truth?” Frankie whispers and takes my hands in hers. She looks gorgeous. Her Kelly Barnett original is a fitted, silk gown with covered buttons down her back and train.
“Yes, I told him the complete, unvarnished truth, and he didn’t respond in kind. I’ll be fine eventually. I’m sorry I messed everything up for all of you.”
The rest of my sisters swarm and hug me close. They understand the type of relationship I want with my future husband. Each of them wants it too. Our parents have been married forty-plus years. They love hard and completely, and still disagree, make up, go on dates, and dote on us, our brother, and our children.
The hardest part of choosing myself is Leo loses his family too. No matter how much it pierces my soul, I can’t go back to before I shared my feelings, even to give him his found family back. At least… it won’t be anytime soon.
Once each of us is photo ready, we take the bridal party photos beforehand. We move to the ceremony location while Ellie does a first look with her dad before Frankie does one too.
Frankie walks down the runner on our dad’s arm. Tears stream down his face like I’ve only seen once before—in his own wedding video. My father was the epitome of an overcome, emotional groom. He may have been overcome when Lina married Derrick, but I was younger and not paying attention to those details. Once Tommy takes her hand, I cautiously scan the crowd row by row and come up empty. I restart from the opposite side this time. Still no Leo.
Frustration blooms in my chest. This is all my fault, I admonish myself. He should be here despite our current status. I consider checking again, but I know the result will be the same.
Frankie gifts Ellie a beautiful necklace to symbolize the three of them as a family. Tess, Ellie’s mom, is here and smiling. Their relationship took some time to settle. Now Tess sees Frankie for what she is… an amazing bonus mom for Ellie.
The justice of the peace disturbs my thoughts, saying, “You may kiss your bride.”
Tommy dips Frankie as they share their first married kiss. Almost simultaneously, every cop in attendance—including Smithson, Davis, and Captain Ramirez—check their phones.
I’ve seen this scene before. Each one kisses their wife or significant other and rushes away. Unfortunately, after Smithson kisses his fiancée, Scarlett, he moves beside me.
“Lily, there’s been an explosion at Endzone.”
Leo. No, this can’t be happening.
“Is he…?” My voices cracks as I speak, and I grab his forearm to prevent myself from keeling over. It takes monumental resolve to remain on my feet.
“I don’t know.”
“Where should I go? There or to the hospital?”
Smithson considers his answer. “I would suggest York Memorial. By the time you get to the scene, EMTs will likely have started transport.”
Logically, he’s right. It would take me twenty minutes to get to the bar—what’s left of it anyway—whereas it’ll take ten to get to the hospital from here. “Thank you, Smithson.”
“You good?”
“Not even a little, but go.”
He turns and rushes to his vehicle.
Mama and Lia converge on me. Lia thrusts my phone and purse into my hand and takes my flowers.
“Call us when you know anything. We’ll talk to Frankie,” Lia informs me.
“Mama—” Tears flood my eyes.
In a strong, stalwart tone, Mama interrupts. “No, Lilianna. Do not even consider it as a possibility. You don’t have enough information. Leonardo needs you. Go now! Willa already left.”
I pluck off my heels and run to my car faster than I did in the state track championship race in high school. The route to the hospital is blurry as I fight back tears and break every speed limit to arrive as quickly as possible. I shove the shifter into park before rushing to the emergency room.
The ambulance bay doors slam open. My stomach is in knots as the EMT starts to speak. “Twenty-year….”
I stopped listening after hearing the age of the patient. I pace back and forth until the doors crash against the wall again.
“What have we got?” a nurse I don’t know asks.
“Male driver, unknown age, pronounced on scene.”
Not Leo. I can’t handle losing him. It’s one thing for him to be alive and happy with someone else. It’s something else for him to be gone.
My phone pings in my hand.
Willa: Where are you?
Me: Waiting in the ER. Do you know something?
Willa: I’ll be right there.
My sister-in-law’s position as director of nursing affords her access and faster updates. The fact she didn’t answer doesn’t ease my anxiety right now. Within a minute, she’s beside me.
“Willa, do you have any information?”
She loops her arm around mine, leads me forward, and says, “Two victims were brought here from the bar. Leo has a serious head injury and Miguel didn’t make it.”
Fear, anger, and anguish hit me at once. My knees start to buckle, but Willa is stronger than I give her credit for despite being markedly pregnant. She props me up against the door of a hospital room. My eyes dart to the monitor. A steady heart rate scrolls along the top of the screen. Then my gaze drops to the bed. The mixture of emotions coursing through me is inexplicable. I’ve never been ecstatic and distraught at the sight of his scruffy beard and imperfect nose at the same time. Tears rush down my cheeks as I attempt to enter his room.
Willa stops me cold with her next question. “Lily, who is his medical power of attorney?”
I push out a harsh breath. “Me.”
“Who is his neurologist?”
“Dr. Rothstein.”
“Okay. I’ll inform the on-call neurologist to contact Dr. Rothstein given Leo’s history. You need to deal with the blonde ball of fury in the private waiting room.”
My head drops of its own volition. The last person I want to see right now is Danica. “Can I?” Willa knows what I’m asking.
“Keep it brief. Only family is allowed to visit.”
Willa’s words make my stomach drop to my toes. I step inside his room and approach the bed slower than you would think. The nurse shifts to her left. My hand shakes uncontrollably as I reach for his. I cover his hand with mine and will every ounce of strength I have into him. Aside from the fact he’s unconscious and lying in a hospital bed, his outward injuries appear minor. There’s a small gash near his left eyebrow and some minor abrasions on his hands. Reaching deep for resolve I didn’t know I possessed, I step outside.
I don’t need to search for the number; I have it programmed in my phone. Leo went to a follow-up with Dr. Rothstein three months ago. Like every appointment since his first concussion, I was beside him. I leave a message with his answering service, indicating my call is urgent. There isn’t anything else I can do at this point except wait for the specialist to call me back. I send a message to Lina with an update.
Me: Leo has a head injury. Called his neuro. Need to deal with Danica.
Lina: Thanks. I’ll inform everyone. Good luck. LY
Me: LY2.
I steel my resolve and make my way to the private waiting room. With a deep breath, I knock and enter the room.
“What are you doing here?” Danica states.
Through gritted teeth, I reply, “The last thing I want to do is fight with you. I made the hardest choice I’ve ever had to make for Leo by walking away. Current circumstances dictate I’m back for now.”
“I want to see him,” she demands.
“No. They are only allowing family for now.”
Danica points her bony, unmanicured finger at me and spews, “You aren’t family.”
It takes deep strength not to break her finger. We are family in every way that matters. “Technically, no. However, I know how he earned each scar on his body, the name and contact number for his doctors, and I’m also his medical power of attorney, and he’s mine.”
She’s momentarily stunned silent. “What am I supposed to do? I want him back.”
Now it’s my turn to be speechless. As much as I would like to dig into her statement, I don’t have the time or gumption right now. “Danica, I’m sorry but you can’t see him right now.”
More venom spills from her lips. “It must be a heady experience to have all the power back, isn’t it?”
Be the bigger person, Lilianna. “The power was never mine or yours. It was always Leo’s.” I consider my words carefully. “I don’t know what happened between you and Leo since our heated discussion at Endzone. I don’t want to know, especially from your perspective. The best I can do is agree to let you know if he’s allowed nonfamily visitors and if he wishes to see you.”
She doesn’t dignify my statement with a reply. Turning on her heel, she leaves the private waiting room. I take a few settling breaths before returning to Leo’s side.
Nothing has changed since I left, other than Willa—clad in her bridesmaid gown showcasing her bump—looking out the window.
“Thank you, Willa,” I offer.
“Least I could do considering I sent you to deal with the she-devil.”
Containing a laugh is impossible. “She wasn’t happy to see me at all.”
“I gather she didn’t take the news well.”
“More like she wasn’t pleased I’m here and she can’t be. Although she did mention they aren’t a couple anymore.”
Willa raises an arched eyebrow. “Really? Not something she should share if she truly wanted to get in here.”
“She shared after she demanded entry.”
“That makes more sense,” Willa observes. “Dr. Rothstein is on his way.”
“Thanks. Can I lay with him?”
“Be careful of the tubes.”
I nod. “Willa?”
“Yeah?”
Palpable sadness constricts my heart. “When Miguel’s brother arrives, please let me know.”
“I will.” She leaves the room.
As carefully as possible, I lie on the edge of the bed beside Leo and set my hand on his chest lightly. “Leo, I don’t know if you can hear me…. When you asked me to be your medical decision maker, I didn’t intend for it to be so soon.” While I gather my thoughts to share more, Dr. Rothstein arrives. With slow and precise movements, I push to my feet.
“Miss Cappelli, I would have preferred to see you again under different circumstances.”
I take his extended hand. “As would I.”
He scans Leo’s chart and makes a few notes. “His chart indicates he likely suffered a blast injury from the explosion but wasn’t a primary victim. The results of his CT scan are pending. Once I review it, we can determine next steps.”
“Thank you. Does his chart indicate whether he regained consciousness at all?”
“Only indication is he kept repeating ‘Stella.’ He’s sedated right now.”
Oh, Moon. He leaves the room, presumably to request the test for Leo, and I sit on the edge of the bed again.
Before I speak to Leo again, Willa knocks on the doorframe. “The rest of the family is in the large waiting room.”
“Thanks, Willa. I’ll be out soon.”
“Okay. I’ll let them know.” She closes the door as she retreats.
My gaze settles on the man I love more than words could ever properly express. If only he loved me back…. Yet there’s no place I would be than right here. Maybe, after Danica’s admission, we might have a chance for an “us.”
A technician appears in the doorway to transport him for his scan.
I swipe the stray tear and press a kiss to his forehead. “Don’t quit on me, Moon. We have things to discuss.”
He wheels Leo down the hall, and I make my way to the waiting area with my family—our family.
Chapter Three
Lilianna
Every family member is still decked out in their wedding attire, except for Antonio. He shed his tie and dress shirt already. Frankie and Tommy are here as well.
“I’m sorry, Frankie.”
She pulls me into a hug. “Nothing to be sorry for.” My sister releases me.
“You should be packing for your honeymoon in Turks and Caicos.”
“We have time,” the bride replies.
“Promise me you’ll go.”
“We will,” Tommy assures me.
“Auntie, is Uncle Leo going to be okay?” Em asks with her arms wrapped around me tightly. They have always addressed him as “uncle” though we aren’t a couple.
Lying isn’t my intention, but I don’t have a good answer for her. “I hope so, sweetie.”
“Me too. He builds amazing forts, and I love him lots.”
Same, Em. Same.
“We brought you some food and a piece of cake.” Mama shoves the Styrofoam carton into my hands. “Eat,” she demands.
There’s no room for me to dismiss her. I take a seat and dig in to the food. Surprisingly, it’s tasty lukewarm.
“Do you have an update?” Lia asks cautiously.
“Not really. They’re running tests. Considering his older injuries, Dr. Rothstein is checking everything before making a recommendation. I can’t fathom a guess as to what he would suggest as a treatment. The last time Leo had a concussion, he needed to get glasses and decided to quit the game he loves.” I can’t imagine making a life-altering decision for him. Yet it’s exactly the position I may find myself in.
“How you holding up, piccola?”
My father has been calling me tiny since I was a young girl. “I’m doing the best I can, Papa. He’s….”
“Your other half, and you’re hurting because he doesn’t see it.”
I’m rendered mute. Of course my father would see my love for Leo painted on my face.
