Life would never be normal for us again, not after what happened. We were going to have to learn to live with it, even though the pain seemed almost unbearable at times. I’d lived off adrenaline the past week, and my body felt like it was about to crash.
“I’m going handle business here for a couple of weeks and go from there,” I continued. “At least, until my father starts coming around. I need to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.”
Valentin’s brows furrowed. “You don’t think he’d kill himself, do you?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. He loved my mom more than anything in this world. Losing her has to feel like death. I can’t imagine being without Wren.”
He blew out a heavy sigh. “I know what you mean.”
“What about you?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. “How long are you staying in New York?”
Judging by the grin on his face, I didn’t think it would be long. “Just until tomorrow. I have a girl in Vegas who needs me.”
A laugh escaped my lips and it felt good. I was going to miss having my best friend around. “Something tells me it’s the opposite way around.”
Valentin opened his arms and I hugged him. “I never thought it’d happen to me,” he confessed.
“Same. But I’m glad it did.”
Valentin let me go, his eyes flashing with worry. “True, but now we have to hope we don’t lose it.” He patted my shoulder and smiled. “Take care of yourself, Michelson. My family and I are always around if you need us.”
The second he walked out the door, I walked past Benny and down the hall to what used to be my childhood bedroom. My mother had changed it into a guest room after I moved out.
Sinking down on the bed, I pulled out my phone and let my finger hover over Wren’s name. She had wanted to fly to New York for my mother’s funeral, but I knew she was both mentally and physically in pain. I wanted to be with her more than anything, but it was my choice for her to take a break from my world.
Before I could press thecallbutton, Wren’s name flashed across the screen. I let out the deep breath I had taken. Every time she called, I half expected her to say she didn’t want to see me anymore, not after everything that happened. That was the reason why I always hesitated to answer when I’d see her name.
“Hey,” I answered, hanging my head and closing my eyes.
“Hey,” she replied, her voice soft. “How’s everything going out there?”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Not good. My father still won’t speak to anyone. I’m hoping he comes around soon.”
“He will. Your father’s a strong man.”
He was, but losing my mother had taken everything out of him.
“How are you?” I asked her. “How is your body healing?”
An exasperated laugh echoed through the phone. “It’s a slow process. I keep telling my coach I’m ready to get in the ring, but she won’t let me.”
That made me smile. Wren wasn’t the type to sit around; she loved the action.
“Even with this time off from training, you’re still going to kick ass in October,” I told her.
The line went silent for a few seconds until her sigh broke it. “I miss you, Seth. I wish you’d let me come to New York.”
My jaw clenched; it killed me not to have her here with me. “Soon, Wren.”
“You promise?”
I laid back on the bed. “I promise.”
* * *
A knock sounded on the door and I jerked awake, the room was dim thanks to the disappearing sun. I looked over at the bedside clock; five hours had passed since I said goodbye to Wren on the phone.
When I turned to the door, my father was there, leaning against the doorframe. His button-down shirt was crisp, and he looked freshly showered. He wasn’t the same man just a few hours ago.
