“Earlier this afternoon,” she admits, biting her lower lip. “Before we left for the mall.”
“Gracie,” I say gently, hating that she’s hurting.
“Caleb,” she returns with a faint smile, then winces in pain once again. “Oh man, these are the worst cramps I’ve ever had.”
“Didn’t you just have your period?”
She seems shocked by my question. “Since when do you pay attention?”
“I brought you home tampons, remember?”
She sighs. “Right. Yeah no, I’m not on my period.”
“You on the pill?”
“Yeah. Are we having the sex talk right now?”
I chuckle. “No, G. That is the last thing I want to be having with you right now.”
“So insulting. Aah.” She closes her eyes and presses her hand against her lower belly, pain etched in her features. “God, this really hurts.”
“I’m taking you to the emergency room,” I say, panic flaring inside me, sending me straight over the edge. I rise to my feet and hurriedly look around, spotting Jake first. “I’m out of here.”
He comes rushing toward me, concern in his gaze. “What’s wrong?”
“She’s not feeling well.” I gesture to Gracie, who’s sitting up with her eyes closed, concentrating on her breathing. “Maybe her appendix?”
“Oh shit.” Jake’s frown deepens. “You okay to drive?”
“I barely had one beer and some of her White Claw.” I wave a hand at Gracie. “I should be fine.”
I feel fuckin’ sober as hell right now, knowing Gracie is in pain and there’s nothing I can do about it.
“What’s going on?” Hayden appears, crouching down beside the couch and grabbing hold of Gracie’s hand. “Are you okay, babe? What’s up?”
“I don’t know. It hurts.” Gracie rests her hand on her front. “Right here.”
Hayden glances up, her gaze meeting mine. “Has she been complaining about pain?”
I slowly shake my head. “Not until just now.”
“Are you sober?”
“Hell yes.”
“Thank God,” Hayden says. “Is there an urgent care open up here at this time of night?”
“No,” Eli says with a shake of his head. “He’s going to have to take her to Fresno.”
“Not a problem.” Growing up around here, I know all the shortcuts. I can get her to Fresno quick.
“I don’t need to go to the emergency room,” Gracie protests, her voice weak. “Seriously, I can go to the campus medical center tomorrow morning. I’ll be fine.”
“No,” I say firmly. “You shouldn’t wait. You look pale, G. You need to see a doctor. Make sure you’re all right.”
Her face turns even paler, thanks to what I just said. I don’t mean to scare her, but shit. I don’t want to risk it. She needs medical attention, and I don’t think she should wait.
I grab her hand, giving it a squeeze. “You’re gonna be okay. I’ve got you.”