But if anything, it’s holding me back even more.
Why?I’m not sure.
Tillie deserves to know.
Sheshouldknow.
But I can’t…
Goddammit!
“Tillie, I’m exhausted. I’m not really sure what I’m saying.”
She nods and caresses my cheek. “Of course. The painkillers will make you woozy. Rest. We have plenty of time.”
Taking a deep breath, I sigh and close my eyes, welcoming sleep.
TILLIE
Ryan drifts back to sleep, and I let his hand go, moving to sit back down in the armchair. I want to know what happened with Mel and who the hell Katie is, but I don’t want to push, especially while he’s recovering and has only just woken up. So, I’ll bide my time and ask again when the time is right.
Lunar sticks her head through the doorway and quirks a smile. “You okay?”
“Yeah, a little confused,” I murmur back, glancing at Ryan to see if he’s actually asleep.
She sighs, stepping into the room further. “These rockers tend to do that to you. Need a shoulder?”
I exhale, taking another quick glance at Ryan. There’s no movement, so I look back to Lunar. “Have you been able to find out who Katie is?” I whisper in case Ryan’s pretending to beasleep, but he doesn’t move at my question, and Lunar purses her lips and shrugs.
“Nope. Danger hasn’t said… why?”
I slump into my seat. “She’s a part of Ryan’s past. A big one. But I don’t know in what way.”
“An ex?” Lunar asks.
“Probably.” I shrug.
“Are you worried about her coming back?”
“No, nothing like that. It’s just… it’s just he shuts down when she’s mentioned. I think she really did a number on him.”
Lunar looks at Ryan and nods. “Could be why he’s been so anti-girlfriend… until you.”
“But then, why me?”
She tilts her head and smiles. “’Cause you fight him and didn’t throw yourself at him like a groupie. Plus, you like Ryan for who he is, not for his status. He saw that. He knows how rare chicks like you are.”
“I just hope one day he has the courage to tell me abouther.”
“I’m sure he will, but don’t push. That will make him close up even more.”
Nodding, I swallow and sink into the chair as she sits down next to me.
“You guys will be fine. You have to be. I need a couple to double date with.”
Giggling, I nod and pull my cell out to check on the feeds and updates on Ryan’s well-wishes.
One Week Later
