Chapter 30

Joe unlocked the apartment door and stood aside so Taylor could enter. He closed the door, and made sure it was locked. Taylor had stripped off her coat and kicked off her shoes. Joe stepped up behind her and gave her a kiss on the back of the neck. "I'm sorry I messed things up."

Taylor leaned against him. "It's okay, Joe."

"I scared you, didn't I?"

"For a few minutes. I'm just not ready to lose you again. The first time was hard enough. I don't think I can do it again."

"I'm sorry I scared you. But you're not going to lose me again. I promise."

She turned around and laid her head on his shoulder. Joe pulled her closer and held her, making small circles on her back with his hand. She closed her eyes and sighed. "I love you, Joe."

"I love you. And don't you dare say I love you more because there is no possible way that can happen."

She lifted her head. "Wanna bet?"

"Can't prove it. Can't win a bet without proof. But if you want to be silly enough to bet, I'll bet you Blackhawks tickets."

"Of course you would." She sighed. "Only the most expensive ticket in town."

"Babe, I'm not waiting till Spring to cash in. Baseball season is too far away."

"That's for damn sure."

Joe sighed when he heard Taylor's phone ring. Every time he tried to get romantic, he swore her damn phone went off. It was like someone had a spy camera on them or something.

Taylor broke away from Joe to reach in her purse for her phone. "It's a number I don't know," she said as she unlocked the phone. "This is Taylor."

She listened for a minute. "Oh. Oh my God. Of course. Of course I'll take care of that. Ok, yes, please do. Thank you." She disconnected and pulled up her phone list. She punched a number.

"What's up?" Joe asked.

"That was Mrs. Pagano. Pagano's been in a bad car accident. He's in the ER at Chicago Med. She said it doesn't look good." She punched numbers on her phone. "Hey, Stacy, it's Taylor. I just got a phone call from Pagano's Mom. She said he's been in a bad car accident. She asked me to call and let all of you know. She said he's in the ER. No, I don't know anything more. Can you pass it on, please? Thanks," she said as she disconnected.

Joe looked at her. He wasn't sure what she was going to do. "Are you going to go to the hospital?" he asked.

"I don't know if I should. Pagano might read more into it than what it really is. But his Mom could probably use some support." She walked over to him. "I don't know what to do, Joe."