King nodded, understanding what I meant without having to say it. “Good. Find them and fast.”
I saluted him with two fingers to my temple, then headed out to find Kansas, but King’s voice stopped me.
“Waverley is moving in with the old ladies. Keep Stitch close tonight.”
Surprise had my brows furrowing, but it was the only outward sign hearing that news bothered me. No, not bothered me. I didn’t care where she was. I wanted her moved, so we had Connor nearby. King had done me a favor before I had to ask.
Kansas had his feet up, watching cartoons and eating a taco. He almost dropped it when he saw me. He was a fucking nerd who wouldbe best kept indoors, but he was an asset, so I didn’t hurt him too badly when I kicked his legs off the table.
Chapter 9
My heart broke for Connor. Rosa and Warren told me a bit about what happened, but I could see it for myself now. He wasn’t the same, he got confused and his eyes often went distant, even after cracking his usual jokes. He’d clung to me so tight when he first arrived at the house.
I’d held in my tears, but he could tell, giving me a sad smile and whispering, “I’m still here, Curtsey,” using my old nickname.
I’d missed him so much. He’d done nothing to hurt me. Now he wasn’t the same person, and I’d lost so much time with him. I told myself not to think of it that way. He was still here and even though I could see he was troubled, he was trying hard to keep me smiling.
Even after Hudson gave him some kind of signal and Connor quietened a little, lost in some memory, he still held my hand.
“So I’m gonna be hanging around a few days. We have a patching in coming up so we can spend some time together. Would that be okay?”
“Of course,” I squeezed his hand. “I’m on lockdown, so I’m going to be bored out of my mind,” I told him with an eye roll. “I can’t think of anyone better to keep me sane.”
“Ha, the guy with the brain injury keeping someone else sane. There’s gotta be a tragic comedy in there somewhere.”
I ran a hand through my hair, thinking about his words. “Do you do that often, Con?”
“What?” He asked, but I could tell he knew what I meant.
“I know I’ve been… gone, but you can talk to me. You don’t need to put yourself down.”
His mouth flattened. I’d always been able to talk to him, but he looked on the verge of lashing out. Had I pushed him too hard?
I hated not knowing what to expect or understand what was wrong with him. Before I could worry any further, he burst out laughing, startling me.
“Humor was always my thing, Curtsey,” he reminded me. “People are uncomfortable because they think it’s the only way I can deal. You’ve known me since you were a kid. When have I not got a kick out of seeing people laugh?”
“I know, but-”
“No buts,” he said with a smile more grimace than anything, not like the easy Connor smile I knew growing up. “I’m fine. This is the new me,” he held his arms out wide then looked around. “I’d offer to take you on my bike for a spin around, but they took my keys away.”
He was flitting all over the place, and I tried to keep a smile on my face.
“Well, join the club. They wouldn’t even let me have any keys.”
“That’s because bitches only ride at our backs.”
“That right?” I folded my arms and glared at him.
“Well, unless they’re called Waverley Curtis and steal the keys,” he grinned.
I’d have to ask Warren for more information on his brain injury. I wanted to understand what the right way to handle this was. I didn’t want to hurt Connor by saying the wrong thing.
“You two ready for some food?” Rosa popped her head out of the front door.
“I can always eat,” Connor got up, rubbing his belly. “And I can think of no better place to do it.”
He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me towards the house. I saw how Rosa looked at him when his back was turned, a flash of pain in her eyes, but she wiped it away when Connor reached out and pretend punched her arm.
