I pull into the car park of Wimbledon Stadium. Next to me, Cally gasps, as though she's just realized what we're doing here.
“Are you serious?” she squeals.
I nod. “Half an hour on centre court, you versus me. Get all of your freaking out done today, so by Tuesday you're ready to just give it your all.”
“Oh my God, I can't believe this.” Her eyes widen and she laughs. She turns around and squeals at Jim. “Dad, it’s freaking Wimbledon.”
He laughs, and I can see that he's happy his daughter is happy. “How did you wrangle this?” he murmurs, impressed.
“I’m the best player Britain has ever seen.” I shrug. “I get everything I want.”
Chapter Fourteen
Scarlett
I listen as the doctor explains to me that Jake will need to be in the hospital for the first week of the trial. After that, depending on how he is responding, he may be a candidate to receive the rest of the treatment at Ryder’s house.
Jake sits next to me, his eyes glued to his PlayStation, oblivious to how much this trial might change his life. For him, this is just another trip to the hospital, one of many treatments that blend into one another. I love that my boy is so oblivious to how life-changing this could be. I love that despite all he’s been through, he’s still just a little boy.
“So what now?” I ask, biting my lip.
Doctor Howe smiles at me. “We admit him, and begin the trial first thing in the morning.”
I nod, blinking back tears. I reach over and put my arm around Jake. He looks up at me with his big green eyes, no doubt wondering what's going on.
“You're going to be in the hospital for a few days. The doctors are going to try and make you better, okay?”
He considers this seriously before responding. “Do I get to take my PlayStation?” he asks, his eyes full of concern.
I laugh and nod. “Of course you do. You can take anything you want.”
“Okay. I’ll do it.” The determination in his voice makes me smile. He's such a strong little boy. The strongest.
Much stronger than me.
***
It's nearly nine o'clock in the evening when I leave the hospital. I feel anxious, as I always do when I leave him. I hate being away from my baby, but I need to be strong for him. I’m also nervous about seeing Ryder. I hate feeling ashamed of who I am, but that’s exactly how I feel right now; like I’m not good enough for him. That’s not who I am. I might’ve been that girl once, but I’ve worked damn hard to love the person that I am. I don’t want to mess that up.
I walk out the front and wait for Ryder. I can't see his car yet, so I sit down on a nearby bench. My phone buzzes. I assume it's him, telling me he's on his way, but when I pull the phone out I see it’s Penny calling me.
“Hey,” I answer. I feel bad that I haven't spoken to her since the misunderstanding. She doesn't even know that he knows. God, I'm such a bad friend.
“Scar, thank God you answered.”
“What is it? What's wrong?” My heart pounds as I wait for her to answer.
She sighs, her voice shaking. “The police are looking for you.”
“For me?” I squeak. “What do they want with me?”
“I don't know, but they’re asking questions. The fucking FBI was on my doorstep yesterday asking about you,” she panics.
“I don't know what to say,” I mumble thickly.
My heart is thumping so hard I can feel it pound against my hand as I rest it on my chest. What the hell is going on? The FBI? This has to be about Tony. There is no other explanation. I feel sick as I cover my face with my hand.
“What did you tell them?” I ask, choking back tears.