“I know. Thank you, Aunt Melanie.”
After ending the call, I consider Aunt Melanie’s words.
Look at your aunt, at your uncles. They’re all fine. All their children are fine. No one inherited your grandmother’s mental illness.
And I realize…
She mentioned Uncle Joe, Uncle Talon, Aunt Marjorie…
She didn’t mention my father.
Chapter Twelve
Brendan
I rise when Ava returns.
She walks into my arms and murmurs, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I kiss the top of her head. “I understand. You’re just worried.”
She nods against my chest.
“No one’s been out to talk to us yet, and Gina went to get a Coke. I guess we just wait—”
She looks up. “What?”
I gesture toward the door. “Here comes your mom.”
“Oh, God,” she says.
“She doesn’t look too bad. Let’s just hear her out. If it were something really bad, a doctor would come out.”
Ruby comes toward us, a bit haggard and pale, but she’s not crying. “Where’s your sister?” she asks Ava.
“She’ll be back in a minute. How’s Dad?”
Ruby lets out a heavy sigh and hugs Ava. “He’s going to be fine.”
“Was it his heart? A stroke?”
“Neither. They suspected a mild heart attack, but they couldn’t find any blockage or any cardiac damage. His heart rhythm is good now, and his EKG is perfect.”
“Then what was it?”
“The doctor thinks it was a panic attack.”
“A panic attack?” Ava gasps, her eyes wide. “Dad doesn’t get panic attacks.”
“That’s what I told the doctors. He’s never had one before. At least not as long as I’ve known him.”
“Panic attacks are common,” I offer. “My mother has had a few.”
“I know they’re common,” Ruby says. “Just a first for Ryan.”
“A panic attack in the middle of his anniversary party?” Ava shakes her head.
“Yes. Your father doesn’t have great timing, does he?” From Ruby.
Gina returns to the waiting area, holding a bottle of Diet Coke. “Mom! Is Dad okay?”
Ruby nods, hugging Gina and then Ava once more. “Yes, he’s going to be fine.”
“Oh, thank God!” Gina bursts into tears.
Ruby kisses her daughter’s forehead. “Just like you. You never cry until it’s good news.”
“I just… I couldn’t…” Gina sniffles.
“We’re all happy that he’s going to be fine.”
But there’s an edge to Ruby’s voice. An edge that perhaps only I hear.
And I get the feeling that she’s not sure everything’s going to be fine.
“Will we be taking him home?” I ask.
“Not until tomorrow,” Ruby says. “They’ve given him some medication, and they want to keep an eye on him for the night, make sure there’s nothing they missed.”
“Would they do that for just anyone?” Ava asks. “Or is it because he’s a Steel?”
Ruby sighs. “Does it really matter, Ava? Your father’s getting the best care.”
Part of me expects Ava to fight her mother, but instead she says, “That’s all I want. For him to get the best care.”
“He is. This is the best hospital in Grand Junction, and it’s one of the best in the nation. So he’s in good hands.”
“What should we do?” Gina asks. “We all came in the truck.”
“You all can go on home,” Ruby says. “Uncle Talon and Uncle Joe will come pick Dad and me up in the morning.”
“Are you sure we should go?” Gina asks.
“I’m sure. If you want, you can get a room at the Carlton, but your dad isn’t in any danger, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be sleeping in your own beds.”
“If you’re sure,” Ava says.
“I’m sure.”
“Can we at least see Dad?” Gina asks.
Ruby bites her lip lightly. “He’s a little out of it right now. But yeah, if you’d like to see him. I’m sure he’d like to see you both. I got permission to bring you back, but only for a minute.”
Ava and Gina go with their mother back into the ER, while I stay in the waiting area.
A panic attack.
Ryan Steel had a panic attack at his anniversary party.
Ryan Steel, who’s never had a panic attack in his life.
Whatever they’re keeping from Ava has got to be the source.
And I swear to God, I will make sure it does not harm Ava in any way.
Chapter Thirteen
Ava
My handsome father is pale, and he’s wearing a green-and-white hospital gown. His eyes are closed, and an IV is attached to his left hand. Why an IV? He must be dehydrated.
Mom kisses his forehead. “Ryan, the girls want to see you.”
He opens his eyes and smiles—sort of. “Hey. How are my lovelies?”
“Scared to death,” Gina says.
“I’m so sorry.” Dad clears his throat. “I’m pretty embarrassed about the whole thing.”
“Don’t be embarrassed,” I say. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”
“I’m better than okay at the moment.” He gives a goofy grin. “They’ve pumped me full of something that’s got me feeling pretty good.”
“Good. Not that I want to see my father stoned, but…” I chuckle.
Dad’s eyes are heavy lidded, and a yawn splits his face. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been this stoned.”
Gina jumps on that. “You mean you’ve been stoned?”
“Of course not,” Mom says.
Dad just chuckles.
“Is there anything we can do for you, Dad?” I ask.
“Just let it go,” he says. “Let it all go.”
“Let what go?” Gina asks.
“Ryan, the drugs are talking.” Mom smooths Dad’s hair.
“I just don’t understand it, Ruby. Why this? Why now?” Dad furrows his brow but doesn’t go rigid. Probably the drugs. Just a second ago he wanted to let everything go.
“Ryan…”
“Whatever is bothering you, Daddy, just forget about it,” Gina says. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Right. It doesn’t matter,” I echo.
And still the tower pulses in my brain.
The tower.
The fucking tower.
“Girls, your father needs his rest,” Mom says.
“Okay.” I squeeze Dad’s right hand. “I’m so glad you’re going to be okay.”
“Me too, Daddy.” Gina kisses the top of his head.
“Let us know if you need anything, Mom,” I say.
“I will. I don’t want you girls to worry. Dad is fine, and we’ll be home tomorrow.”