When You Least Expect It

28

I turn to explain to Whitney what he said, she asks if I'm going to go. I'm not really sure if I need to or if I should wait for news here. Picking my phone back up I hit Jason's name, I'll just ask what he wants me to do. It rings a few times before he answers.

"Derek, I've been trying to get a hold of you for the last hour. It's bad man and it's my fault."

Confused I ask, "What do you mean your fault? Were you with her? What happened?"

His voice cracks slightly as he starts to explain, "No, she came to the house wanting to talk I told her to go talk to the dude she screwed while she was home. I don't know why I couldn't just hear her out. What is wrong with me. Because of me she took off upset and rolled her car flying down a gravel road."

"Jason slow down. This isn't your fault. Don't blame yourself for this. Do you want me to come up and sit with you? How is she?"

"Don't ruin your night over my dumbass." He sighs and I can tell he's crying now. "I haven't gotten to see her yet but I'll let you know as soon as I do. Her friend Sarah called, said Riley told her not to call me." His voice catches, "Derek she could have died because of my fucking ego man."

"Is Taylor staying with you? I don't mind coming up to sit with you. Stop beating yourself up I'm sure she is going to be fine."

He says Taylor is going to stay and he promises to call when he knows more on her condition. I turn back to Whitney, "Well, that's one way to spend Valentine's Day huh?"

She nods and pulls the covers back inviting me to get back into bed. "I can think of much better ways to spend what is left of the night."

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It's been a few days now. Riley is still in the hospital but doing well. She ended up with a broken leg, broken collar bone, a couple broken ribs, and a nice little bump on the head. If all goes well, she'll go home tomorrow.

Whitney and I are on our way to the hospital to take her and Jason dinner. He hasn't left her side since he was allowed in. On the way we stop at a little flower shop so Whitney could pick her out a nice little bouquet to brighten her spirits. Things have been going well since we officially became a couple, she still won't let me go back to her place though and she won't give me a real reason why but since Jason has been out I haven't pushed the issue.

When we walk in Jason is giving Riley a foot a massage, her right eye is still black, and she has a cut in her eyebrow. She looks up as we walk in and smiles. "Hey you two! Aren't y'all just the sweetest, look honey they brought you flowers."

Jason turns towards us, "Aw, how nice. For me? You shouldn't have."

"We didn't, these are for the tough little lady sitting in that bed." I point the flowers at her. "I'd hate to see the other guy."

Riley laughs, "Oh you all are just so funny. Thank you."

Whitney places the vase on her bedside table, "How are you feeling?"

"Oh I'm fine. I keep telling him to quit making such a fuss over me but he just won't listen. I'm out of here tomorrow finally! I have classes to get back to."

Jason huffs, "Yeah in a couple more weeks. You ain't going nowhere until the doctor says so. You're going home and keeping yourself in bed."

She rolls her eyes at him and I laugh. "Nurse Jason seems pretty strict. I'm glad you're feeling good though Riley."

We chat for a few more minutes before Whitney starts hinting that she's ready to head home. I give Riley a hug telling her to make sure that nurse Jason is treating her right and leave them to their dinner.