Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 137324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
She frowns slightly. “Actually, yes. He was really worried about you two.”
“So I shouldn’t be surprised if he stops by?” I’m not sure if I can face one of Dex’s brothers right now. Especially Gray.
“I don’t know about that. Well, maybe. He was supposed to stop by Sully’s gym sometime this week.”
“Ugh, I need to stop by there. I haven’t taken a class in a while.” I playfully throw a punch in the air in front of me. “Need to keep my skills sharp.”
She chuckles softly. “I wouldn’t mind going with you.”
We’re quiet for a few minutes, enjoying the meal she so thoughtfully made.
“So, do you want to talk about it?” Serena dabs her napkin against her lips and rests it on the table.
I don’t need to clarify what it she’s referring to. “Who told you?”
“Gray.”
“Ugh, he knows already?”
“I think he was the first one to see Dex…you know, afterward.”
“I can’t.” My eyes burn and I really don’t want to cry right now.
“I’m here to listen, Emily,” she assures me. “I’m on your side no matter what.”
“Thank you.” I sit back and dab my napkin against my mouth. Where do I even begin?
I babble out the whole story starting with the visit to the clubhouse, missing Libby’s calls to come pick her up, and losing my mind when I saw her in the hospital.
“I don’t know. I just snapped. What if it’d been worse? Her two friends are still in the hospital.” I lower my voice. “You saw her face. They said it wasn’t severe enough for a plastic surgery consult, but I don’t know.”
On and on I lay out all my fears and worries from the normal to probably the little absurd.
“Oh, Emily.” Serena pushes her chair back and stands, coming close enough to wrap her arms around me in a warm, comforting hug. The competing scents of baby powder and garlic fill my nose. “You’re a good sister. I’ve been in awe of everything you do since we met. Accidents do happen. And it’s not your fault.”
“But I should’ve—”
“Emily,” she says a little sterner. “Not your fault.”
“But—”
“What if you picked her up and your car was the one that got T-boned by the drunk? Huh?” she asks with more force behind her words. “Then you’d be in the hospital.”
I don’t know if that’s quite how the universe works. But I don’t want to argue with her either, so I just accept the hug.
“Why don’t you go on up to bed,” she suggests, releasing me. “I bet you haven’t had any sleep.”
“No. You made dinner.” I stand and pick up our bowls, taking everything to the dishwasher.
She lets out a heavy sigh but lets me clean up the kitchen.
Then, stern Serena makes an appearance. “All right. That’s enough cleaning. Time for bed.” She points to the hallway. “Now, young lady.”
“Damn, you’re really nailing this mommy gig,” I tease.
“We’re going to talk tomorrow. Is Libby going to school?”
“No, I want to keep her home one or two more days. I need to call the school tomorrow, though.”
“Okay. I’m up early, so I’ll take care of whatever she needs in the morning. You just sleep.”
“Serena—” I protest.
She holds up one hand, cutting me off. “To be honest, there’s a high probability Lincoln’s going to wake you up at some point in the middle of the night.” Her lips twitch into a nervous grin. “So sleep while you can.”
“He can make all the noise he wants.” I reach down and tickle Lincoln’s tiny foot. He kicks his legs at me. “Let me go up and get you clean sheets—”
“Actually, I have a few things I need to bring in from my car. Can you help me with that? Then I’ll send you off to bed.” She pins me with a stern look. “I know where the sheets are and how to make a bed.”
It takes another hour and a bit of protesting from Serena, but she came all this way, made dinner, and plans to stay to help out. I can at least make the guest room bed for her.
“Emily, that’s enough.” Serena shoos me out of her room. “I know where everything is, remember? We’ll be fine.”
I still have to check on Libby. Quietly as possible, I open her door. My eyes adjust to the shadowy space. She managed to prop up her arm on a stack of pillows and seems to be sleeping soundly.
“I’ll hear her if she gets up,” Serena whispers behind me.
Dead on my feet, I can’t protest any longer. I nod, give her a quick hug, and head to my room.
Alone with my thoughts, the reality of the last forty-eight hours hits me like a kick to the backs of my knees. I change, slip into bed and stare at the ceiling.
Sure, now I’m too tired to sleep.