Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
That is until they do bloodwork and it shows I have traces of methylenedioxy-methamphetamine in my system—also known as MDMA—which is found in a drug called Molly.
I’m charged with vehicular manslaughter. I insist I haven’t done any drugs and ask for an attorney. Thankfully, Henry Burger, one of the best attorneys money can buy, insists on the bar pulling up their security footage, where it shows that while I was on the phone, my shot was delivered and Melissa slipped a pill into it.
I knew I felt off. I knew something was wrong. I never should’ve gotten behind the fucking wheel. I knew I hadn’t drunk enough to be drunk, but I still knew something wasn’t right. Melissa is dead, and even though they’ve dropped the charges, I’m going to have to live with this for the rest of my life.
Because I’m wrapped up in the charges and clearing myself, I’m not able to make it to see my dad. He has a second stroke, one they weren’t expecting, and this time they’re not able to save him. He dies and I never even got to say goodbye.
One decision.
One choice.
That’s all it takes for your entire life to change.
“Oh my God!” Harper brings her hands up to her mouth. Tears are streaming down her cheeks. “How did I not know all this happened?”
“Melissa’s parents were embarrassed by what she did. They didn’t want her actions to tarnish their family’s reputation, so they asked for the files to be sealed. She wasn’t eighteen yet, so they could do that. I could’ve sued just to have it on record that she was guilty, but I was just beginning my baseball career, and my attorney felt it was best to let it go so my reputation wasn’t fucked before I even got started. We all signed a contract stating the details of Melissa’s death would be kept a secret. The only people who have access to the files is the hospital.”
I glare over at Richie, who is looking like he swallowed something sour. “My guess is, Richie, using his title, requested the files to be sent over.”
“It stated she had semen in her,” he says, challenging me.
“That’s true, and the security footage showed she had fucked some guy outside in the back just minutes before I walked into the bar. They had just walked back inside, and the minute she saw me, she dropped him.”
“Richard, you need to go,” Harper says, standing. “What you did is wrong on so many levels. I could understand if you really thought Landon was a threat and you were doing it to protect me and the kids, but we both know that isn’t the case.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m only going to say this once. We’re over. We’re never getting back together. I suggest you take all that energy you’re using on trying to destroy Landon and get back together with me and focus it on saving your relationship with your children before it’s too late.”
She walks to the door and swings it open. “Goodbye, Richard.”
I can tell he wants to argue, but before he can say anything, I add, “And don’t worry about your job. While I would love nothing more than to fuck you over, I wouldn’t do that to Harper and your kids. But from here on out, I suggest you mind your own business.”
Richard storms out the door, and Harper slams it shut behind him, leaving only the two of us. When she turns around, she says, “I’m so sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about.” I would never hold her responsible for the shit he tried to pull.
“Actually, I do,” she says, walking over to me and taking my hands in hers. “I pushed you away yesterday.”
“It’s okay, Harp.” I lean down and kiss her sweet lips. “But next time, please don’t turn to Richie. Seeing you in his arms fucking hurt.”
“No, I didn’t. I wouldn’t do that,” she says, shaking her head. “When he showed up and told me about Melissa, I freaked out and got dizzy. I blacked out and he caught me. I was only in his arms because he put me in them while I was out of it. You walked through the door as I was telling him to put me down.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “Good,” I tell her, reeling her into my arms. “The only arms you belong in are mine.”
“Landon, there’s something you should know…”
I want to ask if she’s referring to her being pregnant, but I don’t say anything, letting her guide the conversation.
She pulls me to sit on the couch. “You aren’t the only one Melissa drugged.” She frowns. “The night I slept with Richard, she had slipped me a half a pill. She claimed she only did it to get me to loosen up. The weeks leading up to the party, I was missing you like crazy, crying and moping around. She said she wanted me to have a good time. When I slept with him, I wasn’t completely in my right stand of mind.”