Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Dom leans down and kisses her cheek. “Tell you what, baby. If they don’t have any at the barbecue, I’ll take you into town and get some.”
“What did I ever do to deserve someone as great as you?”
Dom laughs down at her. “That’s my line, Gorgeous. That’s my line.”
As they stare at one another, I walk away. I really can’t handle happy couples right now. It’s like rubbing salt into an open wound.
Chapter 32
Gabby
I feel like I’m going to fall over at any moment. I’m dead on my feet. The service might have been short, but the dinner after was not. There were lots of memories about my brother shared, a lot of laughter and tears—not to mention alcohol.
It also explains why I’ve been tasked with escorting the visiting clubs to where their rooms are. It was supposed to be Carlos’s job. Unfortunately, my baby brother got way too drunk with BB and a few of the other club members. He asked me to take over, and I agreed. I didn’t really mind. Dad is avoiding me. Mom’s not, but I’m not getting too close to her. I figure the least I can do for my father is to stay out of his way. Besides, it’s too painful to see the pain and anger in his gaze when he looks at me.
I’m kicking around the idea of getting a hotel room for the night. I doubt very seriously my parents will notice if I come home or not. All they manage to do right now is cry. When they’re not crying, they’re just silent. I’m really not sure which is worse. Although, when they are silent, my father will look at me and it’s crystal clear that he definitely blames me for my brother dying. I understand. I’m blaming myself, too. Thankfully, I haven’t seen the same look on my mother’s face, but I know that doesn’t mean she doesn’t agree with him. I figure she does. Thankfully, she isn’t making me feel like she doesn’t want me around. I don’t think I could take that right now. It’s hard enough dealing with it from my papi.
I know I deserve all of it. I’ve been trying to own up to my mistakes, not that I’m advertising that fact to my parents. Besides, I’m not doing it to show them I can be better, or to get them to forgive me. I know there’s no way that’s happening. I can’t even forgive myself. No, this is a personal thing.
Earlier, I’ve managed to apologize to T with Lyla standing beside him. It was really awkward—which I expected. I made sure they both knew that I wasn’t looking for forgiveness. I was honest and told them I know I didn’t deserve it. I just wanted Thomas to know he was a great guy and I’m sorry for ever hurting him and his family. I even approached Thea and apologized and asked after Breaker. That one might have been even more awkward than my conversation with T and Lyla. Dom wasn’t there, and I purposely waited until Thea was alone. I’m just not ready to face Dom right now. What I did to him was so horrible that I’m not sure I have the right to ever approach him. Honestly, I may just chicken out and mail him a letter. I’m just not that brave.
“You guys can follow me,” I murmur, trying to lock away all thoughts of the people I’ve done wrong. I smile at Ford and King, before quickly looking down. I can feel King’s gaze on me, but I ignore it as I walk to the room I designated for Ford. Opening it, I stand back. “This one is yours, Ford. There are clean towels and soap in the bath. If you need anything, just let someone know.”
“You got it. Thanks, blondie.” He salutes King, making him laugh. Then he goes in. “I’ll see you in the morning, brother,” he mumbles, and it’s pretty clear that he’s had more than his fair share of alcohol.
“See ya,” King laughs as his president closes the door.
“I put you in the room at the end of the hall,” I murmur to King, feeling self-conscious around him. I open it for him to go inside.
“This room looks a little nicer than the others, Wildcat,” he murmurs, looking around.
“It is. It’s mine,” she laughs. “It has the biggest shower. I figured as big as you are, you could use it.”
“This is your room?”
“Yeah. I never use it that often, but when I stay here, it is.”
“Where are you sleeping tonight?” he asks, watching me closely.
“I’ve been staying with my Aunt Katie and Uncle Torch. It has just been easier,” I tell him. I don’t confess that I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel tonight. He’d try to give up his room and I don’t want that. I can’t do anything to repay him for saving me, but I wanted to try to do something nice for him.