Bully Next Door

She had been so scared, but she’d called an ambulance, and as she rode with him in the back, she’d called Sean.

They were both sitting out in the waiting room.

“Maybe it would be better if you sit?” he asked.

“No, I’m not sitting.” Her heart was racing and fear chased up her back, threatening to claw at her. She felt sick.

Hector had told her that he loved her and then in her arms, he’d collapsed. What kind of man did that?

You love him too.

She hadn’t gotten a chance to tell him, and now as she was in the main waiting area, she didn’t know if she would get a chance.

“Sit down. Pacing isn’t going to do you any good, and believe me, we’re only going to find out the news when we’re allowed to.”

Verity wanted to shout at him, but instead, she sat right beside him, her legs bouncing.

“I don’t know how you can be so calm,” Verity said.

“I know Hector. I am terrified inside, but I also know he doesn’t appreciate those kinds of feelings being displayed.” His head was rested back against the wall and his eyes were closed.

To any onlooker, he appeared tired.

Verity didn’t like this.

“The doctor wanted him to avoid stressful situations,” Sean said. “What he had wasn’t a heart attack per se, but … it was a similar sensation.”

She listened as Sean told her everything. How Hector didn’t want to go the medicinal route, especially if it was something he could cure with relaxation himself.

Verity could just imagine Hector exerting his requests, telling others exactly what he was going to do with his life. She smiled and tears filled her eyes.

“You know he’s in love with you, don’t you?”

Looking at Sean, she pressed her lips together and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t … I … what has he told you?”

“Everything, or as much as he wants to tell his only friend.” He sighed. “I know he’s in love with you. He told me all about the whole cursed-house thing. Did he mention that to you?”

“Yeah. What do you think of it?”

“It could be true, but personally, how could finding the love of your life even for a second be cursed?” he asked.

She tilted her head to the side as she thought about it. “I guess you’re right.”

“No, I know I’m right. After Hector told me about those houses, I did some digging, and did you know all of the neighbors that have gotten married in that place have all stayed together?” he asked.

“They have?”

“Yep. Not a single divorce from as far back as I could go. Kind of cool if you ask me. Hector was always a lucky son of a bitch.” Sean turned, and Verity followed his gaze, seeing the doctor had come out to join them.

“Hector will see you now,” the doctor said.

“Is that good news?” Verity asked.

“It means that Hector has already been given the news and he’s awake.”

Sean took the lead, heading through the double doors and going to Hector’s room.

The man himself was sitting up, glancing through some leaflets as they entered.

“You have got to stop fucking scaring me like that,” Sean said.

Hector chuckled. “You know me. I’m all about keeping you on your toes.”

Verity stared at him, and there was no indication of a man who had a heart attack. He wore a hospital gown, and his face was a little pale, but other than that, he wasn’t hooked up to machines. Nothing to show there was anything wrong with him.

“What happened?” Verity asked, moving closer.

“Another … moment,” Hector said. “He wants me to stop trying to do so much. I’ve been asked to continue with my vacation time as he does feel it was working because my heart doesn’t show signs of any lasting damage, but he … it has been too close together, and he wants me to take it easy.” He held up some of the leaflets. “These have some of the medication stuff on them. I don’t like it.”

“Does he think you are going to have to start taking medication?” Sean asked.

“It might be an option I have to consider.” He shrugged. “It depends on … my future plans.”

“I can do the work,” Sean said.

“You’re not doing that,” Hector said. “Can we talk about that … some other time? I want to talk with Verity.”

She looked toward Sean, not wanting him to leave.

“Sure. I’ll go and get some coffee. “We’ll talk soon. Real soon.”

“You can count on it.”

Sean left the room, and she was alone with Hector. She didn’t want to be alone with him.

“I hope I didn’t scare you,” Hector said.

“If you weren’t in the hospital right now, I would have totally … hit you,” Verity said. “Other than the time with my mom, I can’t remember being so scared. Why didn’t you tell me that you were here because of … your, you know, health reasons?”