Free Love Takes Hold: The Helena's Grove Series Book 3 by Ivy Alexander Page A

whether it would be faster to hail a cab or just run to the hospital. Judging by the traffic she decided to run. She had always enjoyed running but today her heart was already beating quickly, making it harder to breathe. Dodging people, she sprinted down the sidewalk in the early August heat, able to make the four blocks to the hospital in record time. Sweat was forming rapidly on her face as she walked into the hospital. She looked around, trying to get her bearings. She’d been to the hospital a few times but Zack was never in just one place. She made it to the floor she thought he’d be on and asked a nurse if she could page Zack LaFaye. The nurse seemed annoyed as she put her paperwork down and picked up the phone.
    “Zack LaFaye?” she asked again without looking up.
    “Yes please,” Jen said, trying to slow her breathing. She wiped the sweat off her brow, trying not to think of what she must look like.
    “He’ll be just a minute,” the nurse told her.
    Jen thanked her and found a chair to sit down. A full ten minutes later a man in a white coat approached her.
    “You’re looking for Zack?” he asked hurriedly.
    Jen stood. “Yes, I was told he was here today.”
    The man nodded. “He was supposed to work. I took his shift. Is there anything I can help you with?”
    “Wait, so you’re saying he isn’t here?” Jen was confused.
    “No miss, I’m sorry.”
    “Do you know where he went?” Jen was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. The one time she needed him to be here and he wasn’t! Just her luck!
    The man made a face as if trying to remember. “He said something about going home to help out an aunt of his. I didn’t really get any particulars. Is there an emergency?”
    Jen rubbed her eyes and ran her hands through her hair. “No, there’s no emergency. Thanks for your help.” She walked away briskly, heading as fast as possible back to their apartment. She had just booked a flight on her phone when she knocked once again on the door. Jeremy answered it; this time he was dressed but his hair was still uncombed.
    “Hey, you’re back.”
    “Just long enough to grab my bag,” Jen told him. She reached in the door and grabbed her suitcase.
    “Did you find Zack?” he asked.
    “Nope, but I will.” She didn’t look at him as she left but was sure she heard him mumble something about ex girlfriends never leaving well enough alone. Ignoring him, she raced away from the building, quickly got a cab headed to the airport. By now it was almost two o’clock in the afternoon. She cursed silently, knowing that by the time she got to Aunt Gabby’s it would be close to seven. She shook that away, she didn’t care what it took. She was going to see Zack today; she had to!
    Several hours later she was in a cab, on her way to Aunt Gabby’s house. Her leg jiggled nervously as she watched the outside world whiz by her. She couldn’t believe all that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. It felt like a dream. Her eyes felt heavy but she knew she’d never be able to sleep until she saw Zack. When the car finally pulled into Aunt Gabby’s driveway Jen was out in a flash. She choked on the muggy air as she hauled her bag to the front door. She knocked once and went inside.
    “Aunt Gabby! Aunt Gabby!” She walked to the back door and peered outside, Aunt Gabby was on her hands and knees, gardening as usual. Jen opened the door and bounded down the three steps.
    “Aunt Gabby!”
    The old lady jumped slightly and turned, looking startled. “Oh my goodness child!” She stood and held her hand to her chest. “I wasn’t expecting you!” She gave Jen a hug before adding, “You nearly gave your old aunt a heart attack.”
    “I’m sorry Aunt Gabby. And I’m sorry for showing up unannounced but, I’m looking for Zack.” She shook her head, talking fast as she tried to get everything out in between breaths. “I have to talk to him, I don’t know if you know but we broke up because I was stupid