If one of the guys had tried that, they might’ve lost a hand.
“You won’t be able to see her if you choke yourself to death.”
“You learn to eat fast in the military.” I shrugged.
“I’m aware, or have you forgotten I raised three kids who served?”
“No, ma’am.” Plus, John was a Marine.
“Madi’s not leaving. Take ten minutes to eat like a human.”
“Do I have to make polite lunch conversation?”
“No, but try swallowing before shoving the next bite in.”
“I can do that.”
I wouldn’t break any records, but I finished the seasonless chicken breast and soggy vegetables as fast as Mary would let me.
Chapter 49
Madi
“They’re on their way,” Dad said after glancing at his phone. Mine had fallen out of my pocket during our escape and was now extra crispy. Something I’d learned when I asked for my belongings and the plastic bag they gave me had nothing but torn, blood-stained, smoke scented clothing.
All of which had been tossed.
“When will my phone get here?” I asked impatiently. I hated having to rely on everyone else to relay information. And much to my surprise, I missed the ability to chat with my brothers in our group chat.
Sure, we mostly gave each other shit, but it was all done with love.
A soft knock on the door interrupted my meandering mind.
“Come in.” Dad called to the door. To me he said, “It should be delivered later today. I’ll have Jay bring it when he visits this evening.”
“Thank you.”
Matt looked impatient as fuck as my mom rolled him into the room.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” he volleyed back, his smile reaching his eyes.
“How’d your surgery go?”
“Good.” He lifted his arm. “I’ll be good as new in no time.”
My muscles relaxed knowing Matt would heal a lot quicker having had a successful skin graft.
“Just because…”
Matt stood, and I forgot what I wanted to say.
Right, infection. “You still have…”
Matt stalked towards my bed, a predator closing in on his prey.
If I’d been standing, my knees would have weakened.
