Page 60 of The Truth of Loving You

“He’s not here. I doubt he’s coming,” Alec said. “But I think Madyson is trying to play matchmaker. She said your souls are entwined, and she does not have the goddamn time to deal with this bullshit.”

Alec raised his hands in defense. “Listen, don’t shoot the messenger. You know how she gets. She wants everyone happily in love even if she’s heartbroken,” he said as if I’d known Madyson for years and just had to accept this as part of her personality.

I sighed. “Well, I was looking for a painting for my apartment, so I’ll do a quick perusal of the art and leave.”

“You do that.” Alec tipped his bottle of water at me. “I’m taking my bike to the storage garage. The saddest time of year.”

“Your motorcycle? I always wanted to learn how to drive one.”

“The place isn’t too far from here. You wanna ride? We can Uber back.” Alec tossed his water bottle in the recycle bin with a perfect arc. I was nodding and trying not to act like a kid about to get a new toy. His bike was out back.

“Hold on and keep your feet on the foot pegs. Never take your feet off the foot pegs.” He pointed his finger at me like I would ever do something so stupid.

Chapter thirty-three

Cole

Myphonepinged,butI ignored it. It wasn’t Shane, so it wasn’t important.

The lighting in the loft sucked for painting at night, but I had to do something, so I didn’t lose my mind. Both Lisa and my therapist told me I needed to give Shane time and space.

I was a mess, but I had to listen to their advice, realizing Shane wouldn’t return to his apartment because of me.

I’d been volunteering at The Q Solutions more, but that still left so many empty nights.

Shane wanted marriage and kids. I hadn’t been a great husband the first time. But I’d learned from my mistakes and would do better for Shane.

Kids.The thought brought the worst of my past to my mind. If I had a father who gave a shit if I lived or died, I might not be so afraid of being a father. A future where Shane co-parented with me sprung to mind; we’d have each other and spreadsheets.

If he’d give me another chance, I wouldn’t push him. Hell, giving up contact with him was killing me. Every day without Shane was harder than the previous. Absence did not make my heart grow fonder; it drove me crazy.

Alec and Madyson had been all over my shit to go to The Artistic Edge tonight. Madyson wanted me to see the night exhibit she’d put together. Alec told me it would be in my best interest to show up, but after the text from Shane, I wasn’t fit for a social situation.

Madyson called me a half hour ago. She would not give it a rest.

Now, my phone was pinging nonstop with incoming texts. Like blowing up my phone would get me to her gallery. She had to know me better than that. Fucking hell. I set my paintbrush down and wiped my hands before I grabbed my phone. There were endless texts with the same message.

Madyson: Shane’s in the hospital

I dropped the phone, and a stream of vile words left my mouth. Shane had to be okay. Nothing else mattered.

My body and brain were not functioning together. It took three tries to open my location app, and all the while my heart was beating out of my chest. I was afraid of what would happen to it if Shane wasn’t alright.

I couldn’t think the worst.

Fifteen minutes later, I was running into the emergency department like the devil himself was chasing me. The Uber driver got a huge tip because she totally broke some laws getting me here. Tonight, Uber was faster than getting my car out of the garage.

Once I cleared security and the sign-in desk at the ER, I confirmed I would take him home when he was released. I really didn’t give a shit if Sara tried to castrate me later. I was taking care of Shane.

I flung back the curtain to find a nurse adjusting Shane’s IV, his broken ankle raised, and Alec in the next bed with his wrist bandaged. Madyson cracked a joke about seeing Shane’s ass stamp.

“What the fuck is happening!” I roared.

All their heads turned to me in unison, except the nurse, who continued what she was doing and said, “Okay, this will help relax you and allow the local anesthetic to do its job. The doctor will be in shortly to reset your bone.”

“Who called Cole?” Shane was furious, and then his eyes glazed over, and a smile spread across his face. “Hi, Coleeeee.”

The nurse laughed. “No need to ask if you feel better.” She turned to me. “I’m Shane’s nurse tonight, and you are...”

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