Really grumpy.
“If you feel like you don’t have enough strength, will you voice it?” Raising a brow, she stares me down like she has no faith in my word.
“Cross my heart and hope to die.” I do my cross and flash her a cheeky smile.
But she’s not smiling. She’s frowning actually.
“Too soon?” I tilt my head, bracing myself for the pillow she whips my way. It bounces off the wall overtop my head, but then I yelp when it hits my face.
Her glare shuts me up. “Don’t you dare joke like that. I’m going to have a heart attack.”
I guess it was way too soon. Oops.
“Yes, ma’am,” I chirp, sending her a salute as she walks backward to the door.
The lock clicks quietly as she leaves me alone. I lie back down on my bed, but instead of reading, I throw my arm over my eyes.
“Are you doing okay?” My sister’s soft voice brings me out of a trance.
Not even noticing the door opened, I spot her hovering by the door. I motion for her to come closer. I’m not surprised to see Leonidas right behind her, and both look worried.
“Guys, I’m fine.” I laugh, trying to break the awkwardness. “If I hadn’t been in the ocean and nearly drowned, this wouldn’t have been a big deal.”
“It was a big deal,” Leonidas scoffs, walking to the foot of the bed. Standing all awkward, like he doesn’t know what to say or do.
I hate this.
I’m fine.
“I’m just glad you’re okay. It was quite the scare.”
Seeing Amelia’s intentions of lying on the bed beside me, I scoot over.
She hugs my torso, and a tear trickles down her face. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
“Me too.” Leonidas sighs, body slouched forward, like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I hate that I’ve caused everyone unneeded stress.
“Try to forget about that because I’m here and I don’t plan on going anywhere.” I cup her head, and my thumb brushes circles on her scalp. “Let’s talk about something more important … like how we’re going to feel when court is almost over and how our show is canceled.”
Leonidas frowns. Reaching forward, he twists my big toe, making a high-pitched yelp escape my throat. “Let’s get something straight; you will always be more important than any of the things you just mentioned.”
My hand meets my chest. “I’m blushing. Stop it.”
He glares. “And I honestly don’t give a single fuck if we win in court or not. In my eyes, we’ve already won,” he says sternly, sitting near my feet. “We got out and are living our best lives professionally. It’s always going to be a win-win for us.”
“And the concert is already being rescheduled.” Amelia draws a heart on my chest with her long nails. “Our fans support us through thick and thin. This has never happened before, so they know it was necessary.”
“Maybe this happened for a reason.” Leonidas slaps his knees before making his way to the door. “Don’t blame yourself. We are not mad. Okay, bud?”
I nod, unable to form words.
Amelia pulls the sheets to her chest. “Can I take a nap with you?”
I hold her tighter as my answer, needing some comfort only a couple of people can provide me.
After all the chaos I’ve caused—from our most anticipated show getting canceled, which is in the works of getting rescheduled, to the news of my hospitalization all over the internet and our legal battle—my body drags me into the depths of sleep.
