Page 32 of Revival

I have no right to comfort her heartbreak, let alone even look in her direction, but after last night, I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms and usher her gently into sleep.

Fortunately, she had enough alcohol to accomplish that without me stepping over that invisible line.

Sutton

You’re a dick, Silas

Silas

Sutton

Where are you, Spencer?

I should have knownmy elopement to an island wouldn’t escape my nosy brothers’ notice.

Me

I’m out of town for a few days

I’ll be back

Sutton

I’m holding you to that. Next time, give me a heads-up, yeah?

Me

Sorry

A waveof nausea hits suddenly. I haven’t seen banter like this since I lost Lucas. Fuck, I miss that guy. He was my best friend over the last ten years, and just likethat,he was gone.

Pushing my head back into the cushion, I throw a forearm over my face and close my eyes.

I’m doing this for you, buddy,I think with a note of sarcasm.

Living life. Facing fears. Correcting past wrongs. It all feels like the right thing to do when you escape death.

My stomach cramps again with the weight of fresh grief. At least it feels fresh. It’s been eight months, and when it hits, it’s like I’m transported back to that hospital bed where our boss told me he was gone.

The wall slides open behind me, rocketing me back to the present.

“Good morning,” Cortney chirps.

Fuck me. She’s wearing itty-bitty jean shorts with a simple white tee that hugs every curve of her torso. I try not to stare at her tan legs as she walks out into the fresh air.

“Sleep well?” I ask.

“It was heavenly. There’s something glorious about waking up in a comfortable bed and knowing I don’t have any responsibilities waiting for me. Here. This is for you.” She offers me a white to-go cup, the ring on her finger sparkling in the morning sun.

“Thanks.” I groan and straighten on the lounge chair.

Her brow furrows. “Did you get up extra early or something?”

“I slept out here.” I pop the lid. A wisp of steam rises in front of my face, delivering the scent of fresh black coffee.

Cortney pauses her cup halfway to her mouth. “You slept out here?”

---