Page 139 of All I Have Left

It’s not going to happen overnight, but I know I need to work on it.

Dr. Nehls pulls me into a hug. “It was my pleasure, son.”

Leigha hugs me twice, gives me a box of chocolates to give Evie, and I’m on my way, and still pissed off. I can’t even tell you why, but, in all actuality, I suppose it has to do with having to waiting another week.

Inside his truck,Ethan stares at me, narrowing his eyes. “You cleared?”

I draw in a heavy breath and let it out slowly. No answer.

He laughs, starting the truck. “Poor fella.”

“Fuck you. Just go pick up Josh so we can get this over with. I’m hungry.”

It takes two hours to pick up Josh at the airport before we actually sit down to eat at the Village Tavern. Evie’s called me three times but I don’t answer. Instead, I send her a text telling her I have bad reception. It’s a lie, but what am I going to tell her? That it’s another week? She’s just as desperate as me. I don’t know why, but she refuses to let me get her off, which only makes me even more horny thinking about it.

Thankfully, once we pick up Josh, my thoughts are at least distracted.

“How are you, man?” he asks me. Josh took a job in Arizona and couldn’t stay around during my extended stay at the hospital. I think I saw him once that I remember, but I can’t blame him.

“I don’t have a job,” I snap when they’re delivered beer, and I get water. “No license. Can’t drink. Can’t fuck… I’m not awesome.”

“He’s cranky. Doc told him to wait another week.”

“For what?”

“Nothing.”

Ethan smiles around his beer. “Fucking. It’s been a long three months if you know what I mean.”

“Change the fucking subject,” I growl, shifting uncomfortably.

“Really?” Josh’s eyes widen. “Really? You guys can’t…you know.”

“Nope. They can’t. Apparently it increases your brain pressure,” Ethan adds, dipping a chicken wing into hot sauce. “They’re both so cranky.”

“You’re one to talk,” I point out. “You and Frankie aren’t any better. You fight constantly about baby names.”

“Yeah, but we’re at least having sex. And pregnancy sex isamazing. And, excuse me if I don’t want my son named Rocco.”

Josh shakes his head, laughter shaking his chest. “I fucking missed you guys.”

I knock Ethan’s beer over, on purpose. “Sorry.”

He scowls at me, the front of his jeans soaked. “You did that on purpose.”

“Nope.”

Beside me, Josh nudges my elbow. “At least your hair’s growing back.”

I refill my water glass, ignoring Evie’s texts asking how my appointment went. “And you’re losing yours.”

“What? No way.” His eyes dart to Ethan as he runs his hand over his head. “Seriously, am I?”

Ethan, who’s still dabbing the front of his jeans, shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe a little?”

“Fuck. I’m only twenty-seven.” Josh runs his hands through his thick blond hair. “How is that possible?”

Ethan sets beer-soaked napkins on the table, still glaring at me. “I think it’s hereditary.”

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