BOMB DROP
Eli
“Seriously, Eli, you need to slow down.”
Sebastian isn’t the only one using those words, and quite frankly, I’m sick of hearing them.
“I’m fine. It was a close call is all,” I argue from the hospital bed I’m stuck in until they release me.
“A close call this time, but what about the next time when it’s more than that? What will you be saying then? Nothing, because you’ll be six feet under, just like Mom and Dad. This recklessness has to stop. You could’ve died today. On your birthday, no less.Ourbirthday.”
“It’s a simple concussion—nothing to get bent out of shape over. I’m the one with the headache to go with it.” It’s not my fault another car clipped mine and caused it to spiral out of control before slamming against the curbing. The sucker should have known better than to try and pass at the time, but that’s a newbie for you. Racing cars is my new favorite pastime after our Las Vegas trip. I’ve become pretty good and am quite the contender in the local circuit.
“You’re not listening to me,” Sebastian growls in frustration.
“I’ve heard that before.” My brother and Cici are sounding eerily similar these days.
“This isn’t a joke, Eli. My concern doesn’t only apply to what happened today. It’s about your entire life, for Christ’s sake. You need to make better choices going forward. You have no concern for anyone but yourself. Do you think I want to be the last Dubree standing?”
Well, shit. He makes a fine point when he puts it that way. But people race cars every day. It’s not like I’m free diving with great whites. However, it’s on my list.
“Your silence speaks volumes. I can’t stand by and watch you carelessly live your life. It’s time for you to grow up and behave like a responsible adult.” He runs his hand through his hair and paces back and forth.
“Sebastian, I’m fine. Really. And I’m sorry about ruining dinner plans tonight.”
“Dinner is not the issue.” He turns and heads for the door, pausing at the threshold. “Don’t forget about our meeting with the trust attorney tomorrow. I’ll have Darryl drive us over. Be ready to leave by ten.” He walks out without another word. He’ll get over it when he realizes he’s upset over nothing.
My head thumps back against the pillow, making me wince. They need to give me something more potent for this headache. In the meantime, I close my eyes while waiting for Cici.
Something soft touches my hand, gently waking me. Cici’s beside the bed, holding my hand.
“Happy birthday,” she says shyly.
I chuckle. “Thanks.” I bring her hand up to kiss it. “And thank you for coming.”
She squeezes my hand. “I don’t need your thanks. I’m here because I care about you. That was scary.”
“It made for quite the birthday. I won’t forget this one anytime soon.” I smile.
“This is serious, Eli. Please stop racing.” Is Sebastian putting her up to this, or could it be that she cares about me more than she’ll let on?
I take in a big breath before sighing loudly. “It’s exhilarating. And I’m fine, so why would I stop doing something I love?”
“Sometimes you have to give up what you love to protect yourself. I love dessert, but I don’t eat it. Cocaine addicts love cocaine, but it’ll kill them. And in your case, you’d be giving up racing to keep yourself alive and ease your brother’s fears. He was a wreck when he called me. You’re the only family he has left—he doesn’t want to lose you.”
“Who’s the counselor now, huh?”
“Come on, Eli. Think about it.”
“What do I get in return?”
“A longer life.”
Not the answer I was looking for.
My stomach growls loudly, making us both laugh and thankfully changing the topic. “I’m starving. How about we blow this popsicle stand and grab a bite to eat? What do you say?”
“I say we wait until you’re released and make sure it’s okay with the doctor.”
