Page 76 of Forever Mine
Ash comically points at him, then transfers his derisory finger at me. “Ditto what he said.”
I know their outrage comes from a place of love.
“I had Julien.”
Fallon pulls my desk chair toward the bed and sits down. “You are so goddamn stubborn sometimes. Need I remind you that you have me, too? You have Ash.”
“Damn straight,” Ash agrees.
Fallon’s hands land on my legs, his touch both imploring and supportive. “What can I do? I’ll pay for your therapy. Kick David’s ass. Buy you and Julien a house to live in near campus. Whatever it is, let me be there for you.”
“You’ve always been there for me.”
I wish Fallon could see himself the way I see him. He thinks he’s broken. The fuck up. The black sheep of the family. All I see when I look at him is my hero.
Ash raises his hand and mumbles, “I’d like a house.”
“If David doesn’t back off, tell me.”
“I can handle David.”
I don’t want Fallon going after him like he did Justin. David is still my friend, and it’s a friendship I’d like to keep. However, if he keeps pushing for more, I’ll have no choice but to walk away.
“He gets physical with you again, all bets are off.”
Ash looks horrified. “David hit you?”
I do a metaphorical facepalm. “No, he didn’t hit me.”
I’m thankful when my phone chimes.
SexyBoyfriend: SOS.
Me: SOS?
SexyBoyfriend: I’m at the hospital. It’s Liz. They think she had a seizure.
I pullinto the emergency room parking lot, but it takes a minute to find an open spot.
Me: I’m here.
SexyBoyfriend: They’re admitting her. Want to keep her overnight. I’ll meet you in the front lobby.
I thunk my head against the steering wheel before backing out to find a parking space closer to the front entrance of the hospital.
Hospitals and I are not friends. Too many bad memories. Julien after Marshall hurt him during the soccer game. Me after Justin beat the shit out of me. And the smell. Hospitals always smell of rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. It’s a bitter, unpleasant odor that invades your nose and sticks to your tongue.
Getting out of my car, I head to the front entrance, only to bump into Fallon on his way out. How did he get here so fast?
“Have you seen Jul—” He walks right by me. “Are you leaving? Fallon!” I call when he doesn’t stop.
Not even glancing my way, he slams the door of his Porsche shut and wheel-spins out of the parking lot.
What the hell?
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
I jump when Julien grabs me in his arms, almost toppling me over with the force of his hug.
