Page 33 of Absolution

"Smiling looks good on you," Lee grins. "now, spill!"

"Fine, but there really isn't much to tell. Doc cut her foot while we were running on the beach Saturday morning. I found a vet nearby and took her there for stitches."

Lee nods. "Go on."

"What can I say, she's gorgeous and not interested in me."

"That's a given! She's a vet, so she's intelligent and some women like wounded creatures. Did you tell her you had..." Mark taps his temple. "you know, brain damage?"

I shift in my seat, glaring at him. "I don't have brain damage."

"Actually - " Lee grimaces, not wanting to agree with Mark.

"Don't encourage him! You all know I have a head trauma, which caused a traumatic brain injury. I don't have brain-damage." I flail my arms.

"It's okay little dude." he turns to Lee. "Is his sparkly helmet here? I think he's going to need it."

I rear back, flipping him off. "Fuck you, I'm done."

"Oh, stop! Ignore him, I need more deets."

"The big lug is right." I side-eye Mark. "Scarlet is breathtaking and intelligent, but I'm not the man for her. I'm damaged, no matter how much I'd like to pretend I'm not."

"Since when does anyone listen to him? You're not damaged, you have an injury." Lee narrows her eyes at me. I understand what she's telling me, I do. Moving beyond who I am now, and who I used to be, usually is the next step. Except, I'm not normal, and neither is my situation.

"Most injuries don't run the risk of causing someone else harm. That wouldn't be fair to her or me."

Mark shakes his head. "Get the hell out of here with that shit! You know damn well, that's an excuse. You went home and no issues, so now you're going to make one up."

"Why in the hell is Doctor Phillip here?" Quinn cuts in.

"Sure, guys. Tell everyone to come in and help diagnose me. By the way, its Phil."

Quinn's head bounces between Lee and me. "Who's Phil?"

"Sweet Tea and lemons!" I bound from my seat, headed toward the door before stopping in my tracks. I whirl around, eyes wide. "Where in the hell did that come from?"

"No clue, but it's fucking hilarious!" Quinn doubles over with laughter.

Mark taps the side of his head, eyes round. "Brain damage."

"Fuck you, assholes." I flip them off, turning to leave as Lee catches me by the arm.

"Slow up, Creed."

I roll the stress from my shoulders. "I think I'm losing my mind, Lee. I've had the same nightmare for two years. I want to meet someone, to have an actual life, but it isn't possible."

"Why not?"

"What can I offer any woman? A lifetime of doctor's appointments, a gimp leg, and the possibility of losing my shit on her if I have flashbacks." How in the hell did we get here? I didn't come here to talk about relationships beyond my parents. But I'd be lying to myself and everyone else if I didn't admit that I'm more than interested in Scarlet.

"We're talking about a date, not her hand in marriage." Mark quips. "Or would you like for me to show you how it's done?"

"Yeah, we can talk you up. Give you some tips. In case you've forgotten." Quinn elbows Mark.

Mark rubs his chin, nodding. "What does she look like?"

"A redhead, curvy, and stunning."