Page 52 of Real Sexy
What would I have been willing to promise to make sure Boone pulls through?
When I see his family huddled in the corner of the waiting room, his dad curving an arm around his mom’s shoulder and Grant squeezing her hand on the other side, I know the answer.
Anything.
They look like such a solid unit that I don’t want to cross the floor to interrupt them.I’m an outsider, and I know it.I fold my arms around my now chilling skin and squeeze.
Grant releases his mom’s hand when he spots me and rises to his feet.He strides toward me and yanks off his hoodie before stopping in front of me and draping it around my shoulders.
“You’re not gonna say no.I could see you shivering from across the room.”
Cocooned in the huge sweatshirt, I push my arms into the sleeves and curl my fists into the fabric.
“Thank you.I would’ve been fine.”
“Maybe so.But Boone would kick my ass, and Ma would ask what happened to the manners she beat into me as a kid, so we’ll just go with it.”
“Thank you,” I whisper again.
Then he shocks me.Grant closes both arms around me and squeezes me against his body.
“It’s gonna be okay, Ripley.He’s stubborn.He’s got too much life ahead of him to do anything but live it on his own terms.”
The tears that were falling fast in the bathroom spill over again, and sobs rack my body.“You can’t lose him.Ky needs an uncle.Your mom and dad—”
Grant hugs me tighter.“We’re not gonna lose him.None of us are.You included.”He presses a kiss to my head and holds me for long minutes as I cry my tears on his shoulder.
No one held me when I cried for my mama.I curled up by myself and sat in the corner of the bathroom after I mopped the floor, bawling until I had nothing left, so I appreciate this hug more than Grant will ever realize.
I’ve known Boone’s family for just over twenty-four hours, and they’ve already given me more than mine has in almost thirty years.That thought sends another wave of tears spilling over.
Finally, I snuffle back my sobs, lift my head, and swipe at my eyes.“Thank you for that.”
Grant meets my gaze, and instead of the skepticism that was there only a couple of hours ago, I now see approval.
“I’m the one who should thank you.”
Before I can ask him what he would possibly need to thank me for, he adds, “Come on.Let’s go sit with Ma and Dad.We’re stronger when we lean on each other.”
His simple words hit me deep inside.
We’re stronger when we lean on each other.I’ve never had that.I never thought I would have that.And now, in this family’s nightmare, the guy who I thought was an asshole is drawing me into the fold.
“Okay.”
We cross to the corner of the room where Mr.and Mrs.Thrasher wait, and sit in silence until a man in scrubs comes out from behind double doors and turns toward us.
“You’re here with Mr.Thrasher?”
“Yes.We’re his family,” Mrs.Thrasher responds, and the description causes my heart to clench.
“He’s awake, but we’re taking him right now for a CT scan to check for further damage.We’ll get you back there as soon as he’s done.Please have a seat, and I’ll be out shortly.”
He’s awake!
“Praise the Lord,” Mrs.Thrasher whispers, grabbing my hand and squeezing.
Mr.Thrasher crushes her to his side.“Thank God.You know we raised a strong boy.”
