“No. I just—didn’t know what to say.” My fingers tightened around the phone as I fought the urge to spill my guts. “All that sounds really great.”
“Oh.” Her pitch rose in surprise. “Okay.”
“I don’t want to be by myself, if I’m being honest.” Part of me wanted to slap those desperate syllables back into my mouth, but the other part of me didn’t give a damn. If she thought I sounded like a big, scared baby who couldn’t sit in the ER without someone holding his hand, well, she’d be spot on.
“Oh. Okay.” She repeated herself, the words soft and breathy this time. “Well, do you want us to come there?”
I wasn’t used to asking for help. Back when I lived in Oklahoma, my support system was a given, and I took it for granted. So much so that I jetted and hit up bars when grief called because I knew Mama was home with Cade. I knew the McCarthys and the Holmes were watching my six; they’d have my back no matter how stupid I acted.
But the night I met Tag changed everything.
No more shortcuts. No more help. No more drinking.
I had to be a father. Had to be strong. Had to rise up even when I wanted to die.
She prodded when I failed to answer quickly. “You want me to bring you a coffee? Or is Cade hungry for something?”
My cheek rolled as I worked my jaw around my answer. “Coffee sounds great.”
“Good because I could totally go for an iced latte right now. I think there’s a Starbucks upstairs. What do you like?”
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a Starbucks coffee. Years.I didn’t even know what they had on the menu. “Just, uh, get me one of whatever you’re having.”
She clicked her tongue and hummed. “Great choice. I have impeccable taste.”
Despite the anxiety coiled around my chest, I chuckled.
“Can Cade have a cake pop? I can’t even say the wordStarbuckswithout the girls harassing me for one.”
A shuffling sound and a squeal filled her end of the line. “Are we getting cake pops?!”
Hollie giggled into the phone. “See? Told you.”
“He’d love one.”
“Perfect. We’ll see you soon. Text me your room number.”
“Will do. Thank you, Hollie.”
“Of course.” I heard the smile in her voice and smiled back. When we disconnected, I was still smiling, thankful to have someone in my corner.
A soft knocking sound drew my eyes away from my phone. “Knock knock.”
I shoved it into my pocket as Hollie’s head peeked through the door.
I stood, “Hey.”
“Hi.” She gave me a shy smile as she ducked into the room. Izzy and Nora filed in behind her. They ushered in the scent of warmth and sunshine with sweet smiles. Looking at them, you wouldn’t know that Cade and I ruined their afternoon. Hollie lifted a coffee up to me. “I got an iced hazelnut latte with oat milk. Hope you like it. I never order anything else.”
“Looks great.” I took it and waved to the chairs along the wall. “Have a seat.”
Hollie thanked me but didn’t sit. Her eyes flicked to Cade and she drew closer to the side of his bed. “How are you feeling?”
Cade gave her a quiet smile. “I’m a little sore.”
“Those stomach muscles probably feel bruised, huh?”
“Yeah.”
