Page 61 of In Their Hearts
I hesitate, then answer honestly.
* * *
I’d rather come see you. My apartment is… not where I want to be right now.
Okay. Just know he’s pretty banged up, but he’s okay. He needs to rest.
He needs you, Jo.
* * *
Relief washes through me, warm and shaky.
* * *
Oh, okay. I’m on my way.
Okay. Drive safe.
* * *
I put the phone down and sit there for a moment longer. My heart is pounding, but not with fear this time, but something fragile and unfamiliar.
Hope.
I don’t know what I’m walking into.
I don’t know what comes next.
But for the first time in my life, I’m not running. I’m making a choice for myself. I’m choosing to live. I’m choosing a new path forward.
32
Clay
Grant needs to stop. He continues to fuss over me like I’ve broken every bone in my body, not wanting to leave my side for a minute. I know how he feels, almost. It was close to holding Jolee in that warehouse. Except then I didn’t know I’d fall flat on my face in love with her.
Grant put on my favorite movie, and I’m trying to follow orders and rest. I’m still without a phone, and he won’t let me have his. He said that I overdid it with my messages last night. He’s not wrong, but still no word.
I’ve got it bad for her.
My heart empathized with her instantly. I couldn’t turn my back or leave her. Grant is right, I have a lot of love to give, and I want to share some of it with her.
I attempt to close my eyes, and fake sleeping sounds like rest to me. My body is sore, and my lungs still burn a little, but I’ll be fine. This has been one heck of a few months between Jolee getting hurt and this explosion.
I’m starting to rethink the calmness of Whispering Waters. The lake is peaceful. The trees, birds, and space are heavenly. The blood, guns, and chaos, not so much.
But we also have a sense of community that is growing through despite everything. Derrick and Matthew found a way to share their love with Star. Maybe I should talk to Derrick. See how they are making things work. They all looked so happy at their wedding. It reminded me of our wedding, and I know Jo fits into our picture of happiness, too.
I try to shut my mind off, knowing Grant will chain me to this couch if I even think about getting up. That sounds kinky, though. He does have a thing for rope, and there’s plenty of it around here. Or maybe if I lie here like a good husband, he will agree to cover me in cum later.
The click of a door, feet shuffling, and whispers hit my ears. Great. I’m not delusional and making up voices. How strong are my pain meds?
“Clay.” A sweet voice whispers. I must be dreaming because that’s her voice—Jo’s. I squeeze my eyes shut harder.
“Clay, love, you aren’t dreaming, and I know you aren’t sleeping.” Grant’s firm tone pulls my eyes open. What the heck is going on?
I blink a few more times, and it’s Jo. Like, really here. I try to sit up and take the sight of her in. I want to cry with relief that she’s here and in one piece.
