Page 49 of Dancing on Air

“Oh no.” She sat up and glanced around for her clothes. “What happened?”

“My mother didn’t say much. Chest pains. They’re taking him back for an EKG now.” He was pulling on his clothes while she put on her own. He stopped suddenly. “I’d like you to come with me, if you feel up for it.”

She thought about denying him and just returning to her place, but in truth, she doubted she’d get any more sleep. It was a quarter till four in the morning, and her first class was at seven.

“Sure,” she said, pulling on her shoes. “I’ll just go freshen up.” She motioned to the bathroom then disappeared inside.

She braided her hair quickly and touched up her makeup until she looked passable. In truth, she knew she looked like a woman who had just pulled herself together after spending a night making love.

When she stepped out, Max looked up at her. “I’ve got us a car. They’ll be here by the time we get downstairs.”

She followed him out and rode in silence to the hospital, holding his hand in hers the entire way.

She could tell he was worried about his father. Even though they had issues, she could easily see the love he had for the man.

“Has he had health issues before?” she asked him.

Max shook his head. “Not that I know about.”

“He’s healthy. I’m sure he’ll be okay.” She leaned into him.

Max nodded and then wrapped his arm around her. “Thanks for being with me during this,” he said softly. “I’m being selfish, but I really don’t want to do this alone.” He kissed the top of her head. “Besides, I really didn’t want to let you go this soon.”

She smiled and enjoyed the few minutes they had in silence.

The moment they stepped into the hospital, everything changed. Cora had met Elizabeth Sharpe once before. She’d seen the woman more than a dozen times, but she’d only talked to her once.

It wasn’t a particularly good experience either. Elizabeth Sharpe was a very difficult woman to narrow down. She dressed in only the best clothes. She held herself like a very stiff socialite yet when she moved she was as fluid as any dancer. When she spoke, she demanded not only attention but full obedience.

Cora had never seen the woman have a genuine smile or laugh. It was all very staged. Even the way she was interacting now with Max felt forced.

The moment they had stepped into the waiting room, the woman’s eyes ran over her, and Cora could tell she was being quickly judged.

“There you are, Wyatt.” His mother rushed towards him. “Your father is in with the doctor now.” His mother gave Cora a look, as if dismissing her.

“Why aren’t you in there?” Max asked.

Cora saw Max’s mother’s entire demeanor change. “Because I was waiting on you.” She took Max’s hand and started marching down the hallway. When Max glanced back at Cora and motioned, she started following. She stopped when Elizabeth jerked to a stop and turned towards her.

“Family only.”

“Why don’t you head back and see how he’s doing. We’ll wait out here.” Max dropped his arm and then walked over to Cora and took hers.

She followed him back to the waiting area and sat until his mother came back almost half an hour later. Max had sent a few messages to Missy and had taken a call from her in that time.

When his mother returned, she looked pissed. Seeing Elizabeth Sharpe on the verge of anger scared Cora.

Her own mother had never been an angry person. Not until that day she’d pulled a gun on JT had she ever really feared Pam Thomas.

Cora knew that whatever happened now, it was in her best interest to remain quiet and out of the way.

“Well?” Max stood up and blocked his mother.

“He’s fine,” his mother said, waving her hands. “It was just heartburn.” Max opened his mouth, but then his mother turned towards her. “Whatever was between you”—she motioned towards her son—“it ends now. You are nothing to this family. We have a reputation to uphold, and we can’t afford your drama.”

Cora’s eyebrows shot up. “My… drama?”

“The tabloids are going to have a field day with this little news of your father’s health. I’m going to have to work overtime keeping it from them. If they get wind of this little tryst, it will just be fuel on the fire.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s us or her. I mean it, Wyatt. End it now or I will.”