Page 11 of Wild Card

“You make it sound like a revolution.”

“Call it what you want, those of us on the right side of morality. We don’t fuck over the ones we love.”

“I didn’t ask him to choose.”

“People with integrity don’t need to be asked to do what’s right.”

Her words bounce in my head. “I need to call Dad.”

“You should.”

“It’s just that he… he treats me like I’m about to break.”

“Are you?”

I snap my eyes to her. “Absolutely not.”

“Then prove it. You’ve always been an overachieving workhorse, but you turned into a machine when that prick admitted to cheating on you.”

“I was disgraced.”

“For no reason. Your dad has a mixture of guilt and stupidity. Prove to him you’re not affected anymore.”

“I can do that.”

“A good way to do that is to go out with me tonight and act like a normal twenty-six-year-old.”

My eyes narrow. “Nicely played.”

She shrugs. “I’m determined.”

“No Tom’s.”

“No Tom’s.” She blows out a frustrated breath. “Tonight,” she mutters under her breath.

I don’t even argue that there will be no more Tom’s in my future.

2

TALON

“What the hell?”I exit my truck at the same time Rowan steps out of her SUV.

“Thought you may want some company,” she chirps, adjusting her sunglasses.

“You mean a babysitter?”

“I’m here for support. What if the session is intense and you need a ride home?”

“Babe, been in physical therapy before.”

“That was different.”

“Think I can handle it.”

“I don’t want you to handle it. If you’re in pain, you shouldn’t be alone.” Her lip quivers and voice cracks on the last word.

I step forward, raising her glasses. Her blue eyes are pooled with tears. It’s no wonder my best friend fell in love with this woman. Her eyes alone tell her story. Kind, beautiful, loving, selfless… and currently swimming in guilt.

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