Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
I gripped onto the steering wheel tighter. Why didn’t she push me away? I knew the moment we drew apart and looked at each other that she had been just as confused by that kiss as I had been. Everything was starting to feel blurred. I had no idea why in the hell I said we were dating when Clare made it clear she didn’t want to lie to my family. And because of that, now she felt obligated to stick to the story that we were dating.
My hand pushed through my hair, and I almost slammed my fist down on the wheel. Instead, I turned to see Clare staring out the passenger window, completely lost in her own thoughts. I reached over and took her hand in mine.
Once we got to the hospital, I pulled into a parking spot, shut off the car, and jumped out, expecting Clare to already be ahead of me. Instead, she was sitting in the passenger seat staring out the window.
Opening the door, I bent down and gently touched her arm. “Hey, are you okay?”
A tear slid down her cheek and it felt like my breath had been sucked from my lungs. I reached in, pulled her out, and wrapped her in my arms.
“They’re going to be okay, Clare.”
She practically sank into my body as she lost the battle and started to cry.
“They’re all I have, Wes. My parents and Tim. They’re all I have.”
I drew back and cupped her face. Using the pads of my thumbs, I swept her tears away. “That’s not true, Clare. You’ve got Rory, Harmony, Angie, Finn, Preston. My parents. Me. You have all of us.”
She sniffled and shook her head. “I’m scared, Wes.”
Pulling her back into my arms, I held her tightly. “I’m here, Clare. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere, I promise you.”
• • •
Rory walked up and handed me a cup of coffee before she sat down next to me.
“How long has she been asleep?”
I glanced over to see Clare curled up sleeping on the small sofa in the waiting room. Both of her parents had made it through their surgeries, but they were in ICU. Her brother got clearance for an emergency leave and had flown straight to Boston from where he was stationed in California.
I exhaled. “She fell asleep about an hour ago.”
Rory sipped her coffee as I stood and paced while I drank mine.
I’d finally talked Tim into heading to his parents’ house for a shower and a few hours of sleep, but Clare had refused to leave the hospital. I called Rory to see if she or Autumn might be able to bring Clare a change of clothes since she was still dressed for the anniversary party.
“Wes, it’s nearly six AM, why don’t you head on home.”
“No,” I said with a shake of my head. “I told Clare I would be here for her and I’m not leaving.”
I could feel her eyes on me, but I ignored it and kept walking back and forth.
“Wes?”
The sound of Mandy’s voice caused me to instantly stop walking and freeze in place.
“Wes, is everything okay? Why are you here? Is everyone okay?”
Turning to face Mandy, I cleared my throat. “Mandy, hey. Yeah, I mean, everyone in my family is fine. I’m here with Clare.”
I pointed to Clare curled up on the small sofa sleeping. “Her parents were in a car accident.”
Mandy covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh no. I hope they’re going to be okay.”
All I could do was nod. Having her here felt…wrong.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met,” Rory said as she stood and made her way to Mandy. “I’m Rory Ward.”
Mandy looked confused.
“She’s Finn’s wife,” I stated as I motioned between to the two women. “She’s also Clare’s best friend.”
Mandy smiled and shook Rory’s hand. “I’m so sorry, I hope her parents are okay. Clare seems like a very…sweet person from the few times I’ve met her.”
Rory’s brows raised ever so slightly. “You’ve met her?”
With a soft laugh, Mandy said, “Yes, um, I’ve run into her and Wes a couple of times.”
Turning to look at me, I could see the questions zipping through Rory’s head.
“If you need anything, Wes, please let me know. I volunteer here at the hospital all the time, so I know the best places that deliver food, or if you want to leave and grab a bite to eat. I can also send some pizza’s here to the hospital.”
“Thanks, Mandy, I appreciate it, and I know Clare does as well.”
Smiling once again, Mandy’s eyes moved across the waiting room to Clare, then back to me. “Well, I need to go. I was dropping off some pizzas for the nurses on this floor. I’ll talk to you later.”
I awkwardly waved goodbye. “Yeah, see ya around.”
Mandy walked up to me and gave me a hug. “Everything will be fine. Promise.”