Unstable

"File this.''

He slides it onto my desk and leaves. I do as he says and without a glance he goes into the file.

When he's finished with the woman and she leaves, I notice that no one else is booked until mid-afternoon. In my pocket my phone vibrates. I pull it out and look at the screen. Jake. I press ignore. I can't talk now. Besides, we don't really talk after the shower at the gym and I don't want to piss Jason off even more. Speaking of Jason, he comes out of his office, hands shoved in the pockets of his black pants.

''How was Phoenix?''

He asks rather friendly. His blond eyebrows are slightly furrowed, but I know he's trying to clear the air between us.

''Fine.''

I reply.

''Olivia and I spent a lot of time together, so it was nice.''

My phone vibrates again, emitting a muffled buzz.

''Your phone is ringing.''

''I'm at work. It'll have to wait.''

Jason's lips curve into a playful smile.

''Are you feeling okay? When have you ever ignored a text message or phone call at work?''

''Well, I owe you now. You've put up with a lot from me...'''

Damn it. I can't find the right word.

"Bullshit.''

"Right.''

I laugh.

''It's time to give back a little and act like a proper employee.''

She leans on my desk and just like that, the animosity between us is gone.

''Please don't start doing what I asked you to do on my account.''

I laugh.

''I'm not that bad!''

My phone lights up again, vibrating against my thigh.

"Answer it. I'll ignore it just this once.''

I smile gratefully at him and pull my phone out of my pocket. It's Jake again. I tilt the screen slightly toward me so Jason can't see.

''Hello?''

''Sandra, Jesus Christ!''

His deep, angry voice startles me. Even Jason heard it. His eyebrows raise slightly and his jaw clenches.

''Why haven't you been answering your phone?''

I feel my cheeks heat up and my heart pumps blood rapidly through my veins. What could have him so upset? He sounds desperate and worried. His voice makes my stomach clench, threatening to make the blueberries and yogurt I had for breakfast rise.

''I'm at work, remember. What's wrong? Why are you so angry?''

"I'm sorry.''

Take a deep, relaxing breath.

''Your dad had a heart attack...''

My heart stops and my throat constricts. I break out in a sweat, a cold sweat sliding down from the back of my neck to my back, and I swallow my saliva with tears in my eyes.

"Sandra?''

Jake calls my name as tears spill over the edge.

''Is she okay?''

I bite my bottom lip too hard and immediately taste blood. Jason leans forward, but I can't see him. All I see is my father's angry face.

"He's alive and he's in the hospital. I'm here with him and your mom. Do you want me to come get you?''

"No, I'll be there soon.''

I don't want Jake to drive here and then back to the hospital. I hang up and wipe the tears from my cheek.

''Is everything okay?''

Away from there. I shake my head.

I need a ride to the hospital. My dad's had a heart attack.''

Jason runs to his office and grabs his jacket and keys.

''Let's go.''

I get unsteadily out of my chair still in total shock. I'm glad my dad is okay, but the thought of coming so close to losing him eats at me. Is it because I yelled at him? Jason's car is parked right in front of his store. It's a nice, sporty, sleek, red car. Inside, the material is leather and comfortable. However, thank God I'm wearing a seat belt. Every time he turns a corner, I hold on to the seat for fear of slipping. We park outside the hospital and Jason follows me from the car. In any other circumstance, I'd be worried about Jake's reaction when I show up with Jason, but there are more important things I have to worry about right now.

I run to the janitor. The woman is alarmed by my frantic behavior and I control my breathing, trying to look less frazzled.

''James Williams. What room is he in?''

I bite my nails as she searches her computer.

''Four-three-zero.''

Jason thanks him and I tear down the hall. I take two elevators before I find his room. Jake leans against the outside wall. He's twirling the phone between his fingers and chewing on a toothpick, thoughtfully.

"Jake!

I call out to him.

His head turns to me and his eyes melt from worry to relief, that is until he looks past me and sees Jason. I wrap my arms around Jake's neck and pull him to me. His strong arms wrap around my waist and he plants soft kisses on my neck.

''I was really worried.''

He says.

''I thought you were taking the bus.''

''Jason brought me...it seemed a little more realistic.''

I give him my best "be nice" face and turn away from Jake and walk into my dad's room. The machines beep around him and Mom reads a book in the recliner in the corner.

''Sandy? I thought you had a job?''

Dad wonders as I approach his bed. His voice is a little tired, but other than that, he looks fine. Mom puts down her book and jumps out of her seat to hug me. As she takes me in her arms, tears stream down my cheeks and I can't stop them. They are tears of joy, tears of sadness. I am so relieved that he is okay, but I still feel guilty. If I hadn't argued with him, maybe this could have been avoided.

''I'm so sorry.''

I cry.

He shifts on the bed unable to sit up.

''This is not your fault. I should have listened to the doctor and your mother, and to you in the first place.''

Mom's hands rub my shoulders as she tries to calm me down.

''It's no one's fault. We got lucky and when we get home it's nothing but steamed veggies and grilled food for you.''

Dad nods sheepishly.

''If it wasn't for Jake.''

He says.

''I don't know if I'd be here.''