Charlotte laughed, but it came out far too loud and forced. I could barely believe how nervous she was. The waiter set down two drinks, one in front of me and the other in front of Charlotte. She immediately sucked down half of hers in one anxious gulp. It didn't help that her phone started to ring.
“Here, Leo. Have mine. I haven't even finished my first one yet.” I pushed my new drink over to Leo as Charlotte held the phone up to her ear and hissed into it. Her embarrassed expression turned to worry.
“Ava, it's for you,” she said, holding the phone out to me.
“Excuse me,” I replied, taking the phone and standing up. I went to the
corner next to the water where the sounds of the bar were just a little quieter, but I still had to press my finger into my ear to hear. “This is Ava.”
“Miss Fairchild? This is Dr. Verner.”
It was as if I were dunked in ice water. All the warm tipsiness of the alcohol was gone and suddenly all the colors in the room were too bright and yet had no color.
“Is my dad okay?” I whispered.
“He's having another episode.” Dr. Verner's voice was calm, and that was good. If he had sounded even the littlest bit stressed, I would have screamed. “I doubt we'll even have to shock his system, but I wanted to keep you apprised of the situation.”
“Episode...” I gasped, trying to comprehend what was going on. It was hard to breathe.
“I'm fine, Ava,” my dad shouted from the background. “The doctor is just being cautious, sweetie. Don't worry about me!”
“Should I be there?” I asked. Panic rolled in my stomach, threatening to bring everything back up. Dinner didn't taste so good anymore.
“He's doing fine at the moment,” Dr. Verner assured me. “I can speak with you in the morning.”
I looked over at Charlotte and Leo sitting at the table. They looked so blissful, with Charlotte turning a fantastic shade of crimson and purple as she attempted to speak with Leo. She looked happy, though. I knew I would be the most miserable company if I stayed.
“I'll be there in just a little bit, “ I promised. I would worry and fret if I stayed. Better for me to go home where at least I could see the cause of my worry. “Thank you, doctor.”
I hung up the phone, staring at it for a moment and holding onto the railing overlooking the ocean. My knuckles went white and I had to force my lungs to inhale. This couldn't be happening. Not again.
I walked back to the table in a daze. Charlotte looked up, her face full of concern. “What's wrong?”
“That was Dr. Verner,” I whispered. I didn't want to say the words aloud. If I didn't say them, maybe they wouldn't be true. Maybe my dad would just be sitting at home playing on his tablet and be totally fine. “He's at the house with Dad.”
Charlotte's knees banged against the table as she stood up. “Holy crap, Ava...”
“He's fine,” I assured her quickly. “But I'm going to head back home. If I stay, I'll just be a giant ball of worry that sucks the fun out of everything.”
Charlotte didn't pause. “I'll come with you.”
I smiled at her, knowing that she really was my friend. She was willing to give up a night with her crush to come hang out with her freaked out friend and her dad.
“No, please don't let me ruin your night as well,” I pleaded. “Dr. Verner says he's fine, but I'm just a worrier. Please stay.”
Charlotte frowned. I could see the conflicting desires in her eyes as she weighed her options. She wanted to do both but I could see her leaning towards me and I couldn't allow that.
“Leo, will you please make sure my friend stays and has a nice time tonight?” I asked, turning to appeal to Leo. “It's her evening off and I don't want it ruined on my account.”
Leo nodded. “I'll make sure she has a wonderful time and gets home safely. You go be with your father.”
“Thank you,” I said, picking up my things from the table. “It was really nice to meet you.”
“At least let me walk you out,” Charlotte begged. I nodded, heading toward the exit while Leo held the table for her return. Seeing our motion, Elijah put some money on the bar counter and met us at the door.
Standing outside the bar in the warm night air, I felt better. I was glad I wasn't staying, but I was disappointed to miss out on the rest of our girl's night.
“Are you sure?” Charlotte asked again. “I don't want you to be alone.”