Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I glanced up from my computer, where I was listening to an audio recording from a class I’d missed, to find Trevor standing in the doorway of Alex’s room. If he weren’t Alex’s closest friend, I wouldn’t recognize him in sweatpants and a hoodie. The hospital tended to be chilly, and Trevor made the mistake of wearing a skintight tank top and shorts the first time he visited. Now he came dressed for a snowy cabin, which was so unlike the flashy man we knew. But then, this situation was different for everyone. I’m sure I’d horrify anyone who knew me if they got a glimpse of how unkempt I’d become over the past few days.
“I’m fine, Trev. I’m not leaving.”
He walked straight to me and shut my laptop lid.
“Hey…”
Trevor captured my face between his hands. “You need to go home. I’m not asking, I’m telling you.” His voice was full of care, but firm. “You’ve been here almost sixty hours without a break. You’re exhausted, stressed, and you smell. If you won’t take a break for your benefit, do it for those of us who have to be near you.”
My eyes drifted to Alex. The nurse came in an hour ago to rotate him partway onto his side. Over the past few days, I learned how to help her maneuver him safely. Apparently, he had to be shifted every few hours to prevent pressure sores from developing. How was this his life?
“I can’t leave him.”
Trevor huffed. “Listen to me. You know they are not planning to take him off the sedation today, which means he will not wake up today. It’s noon now. If you go home and return at four, there is zero chance that Alex will wake up to you not being here.”
“I—”
“I will stay.” He patted my cheek. “The whole time. I promise you I will not leave him until you get back. Nicole should be here soon, too, right?”
I nodded. “Yes, uh, I think she’ll be here in an hour. I can’t really remember.” I ran a hand through my hair, sighing. My brain felt fuzzy. Remembering details and concentrating on schoolwork were getting difficult.
“It’s because you’re exhausted. Beyond exhausted, babe. Go. Home. Do you want the first thing Alex sees when he wakes up is you looking like you’re getting ready to audition for a zombie movie?”
“No, of course not. I just…” It felt physically impossible to separate myself from him, but Trevor was right. Soon, I’d hit my limit, and I’d be of no use to Alex if I crashed out. “You’ll call me if anything changes?”
“Sweetie, of course I will.” After a pat to my cheek, he released my face. “I know it’s not the same, but I love Alex too. And I love you. You do not have to go through this alone, okay? I know I’m delightfully petite and very pretty, but I’m a much stronger bitch than I look. I can help hold you up right now.”
God, what had I done to deserve such amazing people in my life? My blood family might be a mess, but this chosen one I’d found myself in was the real deal—people who loved and supported each other without question, even in their darkest days.
“Okay. I’ll go, but just for a few hours.”
Trevor nodded. “That’s perfect. I promise you’ll feel so much better, and that will be better for Alex.”
I pushed the rolling table away from my chair and stood. “Um…” My hand went to my head. What was I going to say? God, Trevor was right, I really needed a few hours to recharge before I went completely offline.
“Babe…” Trevor stood with his hands on his hips. “I’ve got it under control. I’ve been here with you enough to know what needs to be done. I promise I will channel my inner micromanager and make sure nothing is overlooked.”
“I know, I know. I’m just… shit… I’m cooked. Thank you.” I pulled Trevor in for a tight hug.
“I am so glad my friend found you, Ryder,” he said as he squeezed me back. “You two are everything I hope to have one day.” There was a sadness in his voice I should ask about, and I would. Once Alex was awake, walking and talking, I would be a better friend. I’d be the friend to Trevor he’d been to me in this time.
“Okay,” I said as I released him. “I’ll see you at four.” I turned to Alex and bent down toward his face as I grabbed his hand. Over the past few days, I’d become more comfortable touching him even though the bruising looked as bad, if not worse in some areas, as it did the night he’d been beaten. His doctor assured me this was normal, and the contusions would fade to nothing over time. “Trevor is making me take care of myself or some shit,” I whispered to him. “I guess you’d approve of that, which is the only reason I’m leaving. But I’ll be back soon, I promise. I love you.” I pressed a kiss to his slack lips, then one more for good measure.