I assumed there was. Naomi looked at her. Why? Because I've had you in class for 2 months. Ellen folded her arms.
You apologize when someone else bumps into you. That almost made Naomi smile. Almost. Ellen continued. I also know Ryan Whitmore.
Naomi's expression changed slightly. Meaning meaning his father Charles Whitmore gave $4.8 million toward the athletic center. Naomi had seen the Witmore name on the wall. She had not known the number. Does that mean Ryan gets to decide who belongs there?
No. Ellen's voice sharpened. But money has a way of making people cautious when they should be brave. Naomi thought of the silent lounge, the dropped eyes, the phones. Professor Brooks looked uneasy now. If anything else happens, document it.
I already am. Ellen nodded slowly. Good. Naomi left class 10 minutes later and crossed toward the cafeteria loading entrance. The sky had darkened.
Cold rain blew beneath the overhang. A delivery truck idled near the curb, filling the air with diesel and the low vibration of its engine. That was when Naomi heard the fall, a sharp cry, then metal trays striking concrete. She turned. Gloria Bennett, 63, lay near the loading door beside an overturned cart.
One foot had slipped on the wet pavement. Her shoulder had hit first. Naomi dropped her bag and ran. Miss Bennett, don't move yet. Gloria's face was tight with pain.
My hip. I know. Naomi knelt on the wet concrete. Rain immediately darkened the knees of her jeans. Nia came through the doorway behind her.
What happened? She slipped. Naomi looked at Gloria. Can you tell me your name? Gloria frowned.
You know my name. Good. Stay mad at me. Gloria gave a strained laugh that turned into a grimace. Naomi kept her voice steady.
Don't try to sit up. A cafeteria worker called emergency services. People began gathering near the door. Naomi ignored them. She slipped her folded coat beneath Gloria's head, checked that she was breathing comfortably, and kept talking.
Look at me. I'm looking. Good. My shift. Your shift is over.
My supervisor can survive without you for one afternoon. Nia crouched nearby. You want me to call someone? Gloria shook her head. Just stay.
So, they stayed. The paramedics arrived 12 minutes later. By then, Naomi had missed the beginning of an anatomy review Ellen had warned them not to miss. She did not mention it. When the paramedics lifted Gloria carefully onto the stretcher, Gloria caught Naomi's hand.
You didn't have to sit out here in the rain. Naomi squeezed her fingers. Yes, ma'am. I did. Gloria looked at her for a long moment, then nodded.
Naomi stood. Her jeans were soaked through. Her coat was wet from the pavement. Nia handed her the gym bag. The bronze heron swung gently near the zipper.