Page 183 of Colt

“Even though he’s been an asshole recently, John’s usually okay. He wouldn’t see me go without.” Mom smirked. “Plus, he knows I’ve got too much on him. If he starts his shit with me, I’ll humiliate his ass so badly he wouldn’t be able to show his face in Church for months.”

Abi busted a gut so hard she nearly fell off the couch. Even I had to laugh. My mom was the shit. I bet she could even teach Samantha Jones a lesson or two.

The opening credits to Sex in the City flickered on the TV screen, and an arm slid around my back. I glanced left to meet Abigail's bright blue eyes. “Thank you, babe,” I whispered.

Her expression morphed into a grin, which was weird because I was sure her eyes glistened. “Anytime, Princess,” she murmured, resting her head on my shoulder.

Tears welled in my eyes, and Mom’s hand grabbed mine, squeezing gently.

Glancing right, I took in her warm expression as she watched Abi support me in the way only a best friend could. As much as my heart ached for everything I’d lost, I also appreciated the things I did have. I may have lost Colt for now, but I’d gained a new understanding of friendship.

Time passed, and eventually, I carried on. Colt may have left me bruised and broken, but I had so much love around me it helped patch over the hole he left inside. It wasn’t filled, not wholly. Now and again, the aching of my soul seeped through so forcefully it took my breath away, but over the days, I began to come to terms with him being gone. Everything hurt inside though because I could feel his disinterest whenever we spoke on the phone, as evidenced by a call I made to him two weeks later.

The hospitals where I’d applied for internships started getting in touch and arranging interviews. Colt had told me to call him as soon as I heard anything, so, two weeks after I’d arrived in Denver, I picked up my cell phone and pressed on his name, clicking the phone onto speaker.

It rang for ages before the call clicked in. “Hey,” Colt breathed.

My heart squeezed when I heard his voice. Missing him so much affected me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’d see him everywhere, in restaurants, bars. I’d dream of him, and it would feel so real that I’d wake up and expect him to be beside me, only to burst into tears when I realized it was all in my head.

“Hey,” I greeted him. “How’s things there?”

He paused briefly before sighing. “Fucked-up. My father’s fighting me at every turn. We got Mom outta the clinic yesterday, but she needs help. I’m lookin’ into places she can go and convalesce, but it’s a minefield.”

“Have you spoken to Sophie?” I asked. “She may know of somewhere. Or maybe call Mitch’s office and ask his advice.”

He went quiet for a minute. “Never thought of that.”

“Do you want me to call?” I asked him. “I can send any details to your phone.”

“Nah, it’s fine, Frey. I can do it. I need shit to take my mind off my father and his bullshit antics.”

“Let me help,” I pleaded gently. “You don’t have to do this by yourself. I can fly up there today if you let me.”

He groaned. “No, baby! My dad’s playin’ a game of cat and mouse. The last thing I need is you involved in his bullshit. I’m already livin’ on my nerves, worryin’ about what he’s got up his sleeve. I need you away from here and safe. It’s the only thing keepin’ me sane.”

My heart twisted painfully.

I got it, I really did, but I also wanted to support him so badly. Being separated was killing me, but I didn’t want to pile any more pressure on his shoulders. He was already bogged down with so much.

“I heard from Palomar Bay Hospital today,” I told him. “I fly up to Maine on Thursday.”

“Is that the one in the little fishing town?” he inquired.

“Yeah,” I confirmed. “I’m meeting with Doctor Manning. He’s head of trauma surgery there. There’s one position and they’re interviewing ten candidates.”

“See,” he murmured. “Bet they had hundreds of applicants. You did well to even get an interview and I know you’ll impress ‘em. You’re so fuckin’ amazin’.”

My throat burned with emotion “Do you think you can work in Maine?”

“There’re positions all over the country. I don’t think Maine has a big FBI presence though. Regardless of that, I don’t want ya takin’ a job for me, baby. You’ve gotta go where you’ll be happy and fulfilled. We’ll make it work wherever we end up.”

Bowing my head, I fought back my tears. We’d taken a step backward again. I hated him saying that shit. Why couldn’t he beg me to take a position close to him? It was what a partnership was supposed to be, surely? I didn’t mind compromising, it’s what you did in relationships, but he had to give me something to work with. Confirming a state would be a start.

“When are you going to speak to your new boss about where you’ll be based?” I asked tightly. All I’d done was walk on eggshells since he’d left. I was so scared of putting more pressure on him that I’d ignored him skating over the important stuff, but time was running out. I needed something.

“No,” he replied. “I dunno when I will, either. I’m meant to start in April, but with what’s goin’ on here, I can’t commit to much else.”

My heart sunk. “Please, Colt. I need an idea. I’m trying to keep us together but I can’t do it by myself. I feel like you’re slipping away from me.”

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