Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“Us? Why?”
“Because you’ve all overcome tremendous difficulties, but you’re thriving.”
“Not all of us.” His thoughts strayed to Lirim, who hadn’t returned any of their phone calls since their visit.
“How about you bring it up with the group next time you see them and give me a call?”
“Okay.”
“Call even if you just want to chat. Maybe we can have coffee sometime?”
“Thanks.”
He left Prism Center that afternoon still sad, but knowing he’d be okay.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Brandon was waiting on the sidewalk outside the hospital when Driver finally got around to leaving. He leaned against the railing smoking a cigarette and basking in the sun. Driver hobbled closer to rest there as well. His armpits throbbed from the uncomfortable pressure of the crutches. They were going to take some getting used to.
“How’s Gran?” Brandon asked.
“Stable. They want to keep her another night, but she’ll likely go home tomorrow. She’ll need some rehabilitation. Her speech is a bit slurred.” Driver shrugged. “Could have been much worse.”
“And you?”
Driver met his friend’s concerned gaze. “Still sticking.”
“That wasn’t what I meant.” It was, they both knew it. The relief in Brandon’s expression gave him away.
“It’s tough seeing her so weak. I want to help them, you know? They’ve done so much for me. It’s my turn.”
Brandon released a puff of smoke. “Yeah. I get that. You and Harrison always tease me for being a Mamma’s Boy, but she doesn’t have anyone else. I like being there for her.”
Driver bumped shoulders with his friend. “You’re a good son.”
“So, are you going back to Harrison’s or am I driving you to your grandparents’ house?” Brandon snuffed out his cigarette and pushed away from the rail.
“Harrison’s, but I need to make a stop first. You mind?”
They started toward the parking lot. “As long as we’re back in the city before five. I need to set up.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem.”
Soon they were inside Brandon’s silver Honda Civic with the heater pumping warm air through the vents and Broadway tunes pouring out the speakers.
As Brandon pulled onto the street he asked, “Where to?”
Driver kept his gaze out the window. “Woodland Cemetery.”
Brandon was quiet for the entire drive from the hospital and Driver was grateful. For so long the anger and sadness had occupied every nook and cranny inside him, there’d been no room for anything else.
Especially love.
He needed to do this. He needed to grieve properly and let them go so he had space enough for better things.
But it already hurt worse than breaking his leg.
The gate was open when they pulled up to the main entrance. Brandon drove right through without comment.
“Jesus. I don’t even know where they are.” The road split three ways and everywhere rows and rows of gravestones cast shadows on the frozen grass.
“I think I remember.” Brandon chose to drive straight, taking them deeper and deeper into the wooded area.
It really was a beautiful place. The buildings were made of stone with classic lines. Large pine trees provided a comforting canopy and some natural peace. The grounds were well maintained and many graves had fresh flowers even though it was November.
“Shit, I should have bought flowers.”
“That’s not important.”
He supposed that was true. If the ghosts of his family really were looking down on him, they wouldn’t care if he placed meaningless blooms at their stones. He had something much more important to give them.
Brandon pulled up near some recent graves and put the car in park. “I’m pretty sure they’re over there under that oak.”
Driver looked in the direction he pointed but didn’t move.
“Want me to go with you?”
Did he? Yes. But this was something he should do alone. “No. Thanks though.” His fingers were ice cold despite the heater when he gripped the latch and pulled. The car door clicked open but he didn’t push it the rest of the way. He stared at the tree and the scattered gravestones at its feet. Somewhere among them his parents and younger brother were buried. This was real. Not a nightmare.
He was coming face to face with the truth he’d been running from for so long. He wasn’t ready.
Honestly, he’d never be ready. Which was why he forced himself to move. The car door was heavy as he pushed it wide and the air was cold enough to knock the wind out of him. At least that’s the excuse he gave when his chest constricted. He swung his feet to the ground and leaned against the side of the car, looking everywhere but that lonely oak. Brandon pulled the crutches from the backseat and handed them out.
With a nod to his friend, Driver took one staggered step forward, then another and another as the chill sank into his bones and the loss he’d held back for so long slowly rose to choke him.
Where were they?
He read the names on all the stones closest to where he stood but didn’t recognize any of them. He searched up and down a few rows until at last, he spotted it.