My phone finally comes back to life as we pull away from the curb, and I debate my next move for a moment before sliding my finger over the screen and opening my texts.
Ashton
Hey, Finn. Are you at work?
The bubbles pop up on the screen immediately, and I thank God for my best friend and his addiction to the screen.
Finn
Am I ever not working?
Ashton
You’ve got to sleep at some point.
Finn
Sleep is overrated. What’s up?
Ashton
Just wanted to talk.
My phone vibrates immediately with an incoming call.
I love this man. Some days, I think he’s the only family I have.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in surgery or something?” I ask instead of saying hello. “Pretty sure doctors making phone calls from the operating room is frowned on.”
“I’m eating breakfast, smart-ass,” he laughs in the way only he does. The one that calms my racing mind and reminds me to breathe.
“It’s almost noon,” I argue because it’s easier than telling him what’s happening. “I wasn’t aware surgeons had time for brunch.”
“I’ve been on for about twenty hours straight. I really don’t care if it’s breakfast, brunch, or a damn picnic. This bagel tastes like a Thanksgiving feast, I’m so fucking hungry.” He switches to FaceTime, and I’m treated to the view of my best friend holding an everything bagel and cream cheese up in front of his face.
While Jamie looks like a mix between his parents, Finn looks like a carbon copy of his mom. All dark hair, fair skin, and beautifully distinguished features. He’s handsome and funny and smart and safe, and I’ve never been attracted to him a single day in my life. Even if God knows it would have been easier if I had been. If only I could say the same about his asshole brother. “You in a car, Ash?”
“A taxi, actually.” I hesitate before adding, “I’m in Kroydon Hills...”
The driver clears her throat. “Not for another thirty minutes, you’re not.”
“Well, not yet, but soon,” I correct myself. “I just left the airport. I’m actually heading to your hospital.”
“You’re what? Why? Is everything okay?” he asks one question after the other, going into fixer mode immediately.
Finn’s good at that. Fixing things. Me included. “Do you need me to?—”
“No. I’m good,” I try to reassure him. But it would probably help if I was able to reassure myself. “I’ve got it covered. It’s just—my mom...” My throat works to swallow down my anger. “She was in another accident.”
“Shit, Ash. Again?” He cringes as the words tumble out. “I didn’t mean?—”
“Don’t feel bad. You’re not wrong. I’m not sure exactly what happened yet, just what charges she’s facing. Lucky me, I’m her emergency contact.” God, I sound like such a bitch, but my mother hasn’t been a mother in a really long time. And even if I may understand what pushed her over the edge, I still resent... well,this.
I hate what she’s done with her life.
Done to herself and to our family.
I hate that I’m the one who has to fix it for her.
