Page 125 of Drop Three

She lets out a dry laugh. “Let me explain. That’s not a bad thing. To me, you come across as someone who carefully picks who they let in.” I nod. “It’s justifiable given what you’ve been through. For a woman to be the calm in your chaotic mind is meaningful enough to move mountains, Bodhi. It’s pretty remarkable if you ask me.”

“You saying she’s my saving grace or something, Doc?”

“If you want to call it that. But I was thinking more like the eye of your storm. If you’ve ever been educated on hurricanes, you’ll know chaos and destruction make up the outer bands. The calmest part of a storm is the eye.It’s eerie and still, but serves a purpose. However, it’s the strongest and you’d never know it. In your case, this woman who calms you…she’s your eye.”

Navy is the eye of my storm.

When Dr. Banks breaks down the role Navy plays in my life from only her quick observation, it makes me want to tell the whole fucking world.

I’ve spent so much of my life worrying about how everyone else is, that I never truly examined my heart for what I want.

I know I’ve always wanted Navy. At least for as long as I can remember having feelings to the extent I have for her.

Feelings so deep and riveting one might call it love.

Is it love?Do I love Navy Hayes?My best friend’s little sister?

All it takes is for her full and raspy laugh to fill my body with overflowing peace. Her snarky remarks and witty humor remind me why life is worth living. And her goddess-like body has me begging to find my place at her feet.

Navy is an enigma of a woman and custom-built just for me.

“I think you may be right, Doc. I think she always has been,” I tell Dr. Banks.

“Maybe that’s a step with her you may want to consider. After all, it is your happiness at stake.”

“It is.”

“This woman makes you happy, Bodhi?” Dr. Banks asks.

Abso-fuckin-lutely.

I nod without hesitation. “Plenty to be satisfied for eternity.”

Now it’s time to handle one small but very important thing first.

Then, I get my girl.

* * *

It is noteasy to make amends.

Gaining closure.

It makes perfect sense why most people avoid it and live with shit for so long—until it kills them, at least.

Today, I’m choosing not to spend another day harboring the guilt I’ve felt every day for the last four years.

It’s time to defeat a demon that’s taken up too much space in my mind and break free. Break free from a burden I’ve already paid for, and make things right with a person I should have supported, no matter the cost.

The ringing on the other line resembles elevator music. It’s drawn out and somewhat daunting waiting for the receiver to answer.

Let’s hope she answers.

“Hello?” Shit. It’s her.

It’s been four years since I last heard Gwendolyn’s voice, and I have to say, she sounds much more mature than I remember. I guess time will do that to you.

I cough. “Oh, hey. Is this Gwendolyn?”

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