“We’re going to St. Luke’s,” James told them. “If you go to registration in Emergency, they can tell you where Eileen is.”

“Okay, thank you so much. Eileen”—Archer turned back to call to her—“we’ll be at the hospital, okay?”

She didn’t reply, her eyes closed again.

It was a blur as Mrs. C handed them her keys and told them where to find her car. They ran to the staff parking lot and, breathless, Archer texted Betty from the passenger seat. Something happened to Eileen. Mateo and I are going with her to the hospital. We’re so sorry to miss the show. We know you guys can fill in the gaps.

Of course, Betty replied right away. Send Eileen our love if you can. Let us know how she’s doing, please.

I will. Love you.

Love you too.

He texted Lynn too, then didn’t remember much of the drive, only staring blankly out the window, watching the trees go by in a green smudge. At the hospital, they were directed to a waiting room and were told someone would come find them with an update once Eileen was stabilized.

Archer paced the dingy linoleum until Mateo handed him a bag of Reese’s Pieces from the vending machine. He sat and ate them in three handfuls, leg jittering.

“Are you Eileen Lamb’s friends?” A woman in a white coat with kind, tired eyes approached them.

Archer shot to his feet again. “Yes, that’s us.”

“I’m Dr. Farag. Ms. Lamb is resting comfortably, and you may see her now.”

“We can?” Tears filled Archer’s eyes. “She’s okay?”

“It was likely heatstroke. Our tests show she was dehydrated, and her blood sugar and blood pressure were low. She might have been overdoing it in this heat for someone her age. She’s doing much better now and will be just fine.”

Archer sighed and pressed a hand to his heart, willing it to slow down. “Thank you, Doctor.”

They followed the instructions to find Eileen’s room. Archer pushed open the door and they crept in.

“Archer. Mateo,” Eileen said when she saw them, her voice thin. “Oh, what you must think of me. How embarrassing.”

“Shhh.” Archer leaned over to leave a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Don’t be silly. We’re glad you’re okay.”

Mateo bent to kiss her too. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re just relieved.”

Eileen sighed. “That’s getting old for you. No fun at all.”

“Did they say how long you’ll have to stay in the hospital?” Archer asked, rubbing her shoulder.

“Overnight for monitoring. What time is it?” she asked, squinting at the clock on the wall. “I’ve lost all sense.”

“It’s eight thirty,” Archer said.

She gasped. “Wait—the finale! You didn’t miss it, did you?”

“It’s fine,” Archer said. “It’s only a show.”