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“I don’t know if—”
“Shh.” Reg pulled me into his arms and crushed me to his chest. “I’ll be here.”
And then he was gone.
And my heart went with him.
CHAPTER 33
WAYLON
The drive from Wood Hollow to Richmond took approximately nine hours. I stopped in Philly for food and gas and arrived at my new apartment in the late afternoon. Almost immediately, I thought about texting Reg to let him know I’d made it. He liked to know stuff like that.
I didn’t do it. I dropped my duffel bag in the foyer and surveyed my new home. It was…awful. Very white, very cold, very boring. I’d had a bed and linens delivered. There was some assembly required and laundry to do, and I just couldn’t be fucked.
I thought about driving to my folks’ house, but that seemed like a pain in the ass, too. I called them to let them know I’d arrived, though.
“That’s wonderful!”
I curbed a sigh. “Yeah. I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon. I can pick up Em from school.”
“Misty’s taking Em and a couple of his friends bowling tomorrow. She took the afternoon off.”
“Oh. I’ll come for dinner then.”
“Wonderful. He’ll be thrilled.”
“So…everyone’s okay? Misty’s okay?”
“She is. You worry too much, Way,” she chided.
I felt suddenly deflated and defeated. “Probably true, but if something happens…”
“Something’s always happenin’, honey. That’s life. Misty has to learn how to stand on her own two feet. That’s all there is to it.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
Mom hummed in agreement. “Now how’s your new apartment?”
It’s been less than thirty minutes, and I fucking hate it.
“Uh…fine.”
Silence.
“Way?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“What are you doin’?”
“Nothing. I’m tired from the drive, but…I’ll be there tomorrow. I can take Em and his friends to dinner or something.”
“That’ll be nice. He’ll love to see you.”
I made a noise that didn’t quite sound human.
Fuck. The hole in my heart ached like a physical thing. I leaned forward and lowered my head between my knees. “What am I doing?”
