Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
She looks just like her dad, Garrett, right now. It must be an English trait to be concerned about all those around you. Hollis is one of the most caring guys I know.
I don’t know what the hell happened to Penny.
The runt got left with all the shitty-ass attitude genes.
“I’m going to look soon,” I state, unable to meet her stare any longer. “Promise.”
Up until yesterday, I’d been in hell with my migraines. When Garrett prescribed some medication to me, I saw such a difference. I couldn’t look at my phone without blinding pain assaulting me. Now I can do a lot of things I couldn’t do even just last week.
Again, I could kiss that man.
“As much as I’d love to stick around and play house with your sexy ass, we really do have to get going,” Cal says, leaning over to kiss his girl. “Loden on his way?”
“Should be here any minute.”
The moment her loud-ass, flirtatious gay friend saunters into the cabin, Cal and I bail. I’m not sure what my surprise is, but his excitement is contagious. Whatever he has in mind is going to make me happy.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been happy.
The sun is bright today, despite the recent snow, and is blinding. I squint against the harsh rays until Cal pulls his sunglasses off and hands them to me.
“Put those on,” he instructs.
Reluctantly, I obey. Only because I can tell the bright lights will send me down the tube of despair all too quickly if I’m not careful.
Just one more thing to add to the list of shit that makes my life difficult these days.
“You gonna tell me what’s up, man?” I ask as we drive in silence, the usual music blaring out of Cal’s speakers absent.
“I got you a job.”
All the excitement I’d felt fizzles out. Dread trickles through my veins. I can barely look at my phone, much less a computer screen. Shit’s fucked up in my head right now.
“Are you fucking for real?” I groan.
“Hell yeah, I am. You need it, T. Not because of the money. For your sanity. Now that you have some meds, you can get a handle on your life. I hate feeling like you’re slipping away from me.”
His words hit me in the gut, making me clench my teeth and glare out the window. I thought I was doing a damn good job of keeping that shit from Cal. Apparently I have suicide risk written all over my face.
“I’m not slipping away from you,” I grunt out. “Chill already.”
“I’m not gonna chill,” he says in that stubborn-ass way of his that always infuriates me. “I’ll fix it. I’ll fix you.”
Oh, come the fuck on.
“I don’t need fixing,” I grit out. “I’m fine.”
“Yeah, physically, you are,” he agrees. “That motherfucker nearly killed you and it destroyed your fucking body, but you’re not fine up here.” He taps the side of his head. “And not because your head was crushed in. Because all that time in the dark and now in pain, it’s fucking with you. It’s leading you down a path you won’t come back from. I read up—”
“Hold up,” I snap, barking out a harsh laugh. “You read up? On fucking what?”
“You, asshole. People like you. Victims of head injuries and comatose patients. The forum I follow is a wealth of information. You’re fucking depressed and I can see the light in your eyes dimming each day.”
I go to roll my eyes, but the action makes me wince in pain. Instead, I kick my big-ass foot up on the dash and slouch in my seat, pouting like a goddamn kid.
Like her.
All thoughts of being pissed at my best friend and overwhelmed by my own situation disappear as the image of that young girl I saw yesterday come to mind. Trembling bottom lip. Dark skin a few shades lighter than my own. Saddest fucking eyes on the planet.
She’s mine.
She has to be.
“I’m sorry,” Cal mutters. “I’m not trying to overstep. I’m trying to help you. I love you and want what’s best for you. If it comes off as being an asshole, then too damn bad. I’ve known you since we were little kids. We’re brothers in every way that counts. Brothers don’t let each other fade into nothing.”
“I know,” I grumble. “I’m just being a dick. Truth is, I don’t think I can do it, man. The computers are hard on me.”
He snorts. “You don’t think I know that? I’ve negotiated a job for you that requires zero computer work. I promise you’re gonna like this gig. Trust me?”
“Unfortunately.”
My phone buzzes and I pull it out, bringing the screen close to my face so I can see it, to find a text from Grandma.
Grandma: Come get your mail, Terry.
Me: I will later. I still need to grab the rest of my shit.