Page 72 of Broken
500
502
504
Then—
506
The door is cracked, and I peek in. Linda sits in a chair by the bed, but from this angle I can’t see the boy.
I step back.
Avery is right. He doesn’t know me. He has a concussion, and the last thing he needs is some stranger storming into his room.
I wipe the sweat from my brow.
And then I leave.
“What doyou mean you just left?” Miles demands.
The three of us are at a restaurant having dinner. Rather, they’re having dinner. Even after having burgers, they’re eating again. I can’t. My stomach is rolling with nausea.
“What was I supposed to do? I’m a stranger to the kid. And Avery…” I rake my fingers through my damp hair. Fuck, it’s hot here. Even inside.
“I understand where he’s coming from,” Austin says, poking a piece of broccoli with his fork.
“I fucking don’t,” Miles counters. “That’s your kid in there. And your woman.”
I take a drink of my scotch. It’s a scotch kind of evening. “The kid has a possible brain injury. He doesn’t need a long-lost father showing up.”
How could she keep him from me? After the way we reconnected in Montana… I thought there weren’t any secrets left. They just keep on coming.
“You haven’t heard her side of it, man,” Austin says.
“I’ve heard all I need to hear.” I take another drink. “I would have been there for her. I would have done anything for her and the kid.”
“But she didn’t know that, Chance,” Austin says. “All she knew was that letter.”
“Goddamned letter.” I polish off my scotch and wave to our server, holding up the glass.
He nods and heads to the bar.
“Easy,” Miles says. “You’re not a drunk, Chance.”
I frown. “Tonight may change that.”
The server brings my drink and sets it in front of me.
“He’s cut off,” Miles says to the server.
“Fuck you,” I grit out.
“Take it out on me,” Miles says. “I can handle it. Just don’t take your anger and frustration out on booze. Or on your woman.”
“Do you love her?” Austin asks.
“I’ve always loved her,” I easily admit. “I never stopped. Even now, I’m mad as hell, but I still want to grab her and kiss her. Protect her from everything.”
