Page 133 of Falcon

“I’m glad someone else is showing him with actions just how serious this is, though I’m not happy that you’re both hurting in the process. My brother can be a stubborn ass sometimes.”

“Yeah, but…I really love him, Nora.” I finally admit to someone other than him.

“I know you do. That’s been obvious on both of your parts for weeks. You two just needed to catch up.”

“I didn’t mean to fall in love with him.”

“You sound like you’re trying to apologize for loving my brother.”

“Maybe I am. I don’t want you angry at me, Nora.”

“I’m not. Not at all. You did what you had to do to protect yourself. You are your number one priority. I would have done the same thing as you.”

“Is he okay?” I ask.

“Not at all. He’s a mess, to be honest. He keeps calling and telling us to let him know when you’re home safe.”

“Don’t tell him I’m still here. I don’t want to distract him. If he’s really going to fight tomorrow, he needs to be as focused as possible.”

“I won’t say a thing to him about it. I promise.”

“Thank you.”

“For what it’s worth, Arya really misses you around here and the peanut butter treats you give her. She’ll be glad to have you back.”

I wipe tears from my cheeks and smile for the first time in twelve hours. “I’ll make her the biggest batch when I get back the day after tomorrow.”

The reality of that, of leaving, sinks like a brick in my stomach.

“I’ll be sure she knows. And Faith? Don’t be afraid to do whatever is best for your mental health. Even if that is leaving.”

“Thank you for understanding. That means more than you know.”

“You’re in California and the weather is beautiful. Why don’t you call an Uber, go to the beach, soak in some vitamin D, and really take a moment of serenity to think. Take advantage of the locale.”

“That’s not a bad idea. If I don’t, I’ll stay locked up in this room and if anything, that’s just going to make things worse.”

“Good. That makes me happy. Call me if you need anything, all right?”

“I will.”

But I don’t want to go to the beach.

No.

There is only one place I can go right now where I will feel at peace. Where I can really think.

I open my phone and order a ride on a rideshare app before quickly getting dressed and heading out.

Falcon

“Falc. Come on, man, you have a workout to get to.” Joe is pounding on my hotel room door, but I don’t move from where I am on the bed.

I have no desire to get up and see anyone today. I don’t want to work out. I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to do anything but lie right the fuck here and think about what a damn idiot I am.

“Don’t make me call security to open this door to check on your well-being. I’ll do it. I’m not afraid to cause a scene.”

Christ sake.

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