“So Colt’s ex showed up. She’s skinny. Fucking gorgeous.”
Joseph chuckles, and I frown.
“You’re jealous and think he’s gonna leave you? Dee… he just married you. He’s crazy about you.”
“No, I know. But, she brought someone with her.”
“Okaaay. Ominous much? Who?”
“She brought his son. He’s seven. Has stage five kidney failure. She came to see if Colt’s a match. He’s getting testedright now, and I don’t know how to handle it. I wanted kids with Colt so badly, and that got taken away. Then the very next day, she dumps a sick child in my lap like,‘Remember when we did this, Colt? Remember that? I love you, Colt. Check out my super-hot rack and take me on your lounge room floor like the wild dog that I am,’” I blurt it all out in one childish, mocking voice.
“Wow. So let me get this straight. Colt’s ex shows up with a sick kid, drops the news on you, and then flirts with your man?”
“Well… she didn’t exactly throw herself at him, but I know she wants to.”
He laughs softly. “You’re jealous of her, their past, and that he has a child that isn’t with you.”
“I’m a bad person, aren’t I?”
“No, baby girl. You’re human. Of course, this hurts. But Dee, if she’s there to save her son, maybe she doesn’t want Colt back. Or perhaps she does. Either way, you need to trust your husband. He loves you more than anything. And you love him. Don’t give up just because it’s hard. You’ve both been through hell. You’ve come too far to fold now.”
I close my eyes, guilt settling deep.He’s right. Again.
“Thanks, Joseph. You always put things into perspective.”
“Thank God. I thought you were gonna hate me for that reality check.”
“I do hate you… a little. But I love you more. I gotta go.”
“Go to him. Remind him who his wife is.”
“Thanks. You’re the best friend I could ever ask for.”
I end the call, nudge Princess from my lap, and walk to Colt’s mic stand, trailing my fingers over the metal. Joseph’s right. I need to stop making this about me and be there for my rock god. So I run upstairs, throw on jeans and a sweater—oversized, don’t care—and bolt back down and out to the car.
The hospital isn’t far. I find parking fast and rush inside.
I stare blankly at the signs. None of it makes sense. I ask a nurse, who sends me down a corridor so long I’m out of breath halfway through. I find another nurse’s station, shout my thanks mid-sprint, and tear around like a headless chicken. Panic sets in. I have no clue where Colt is. My feet burn. My chest tightens. I round another corner, come to a T-section, and mindlessly choose left.
There’s a waiting room. I skid to a stop at the doorway, gasping.
“Dee?” Colt says.
I look up and spot him—Hux and his mother beside him.
Tears hit instantly.
“Hey, hey, I’m here. What’s wrong?” he rushes to me, arms wrapping around me.
“I found you,” I whisper, breathless.
“Yeah, you found me. You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just… I should’ve been here with you. I’m sorry, Colt. I should’ve come.”
“It’s perfectly okay. But thank you for coming. It means everything.”
“I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out. I’m a terrible wife.”
