Page 77 of Wild Night

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The beeping sounds of what I assume are hospital machinery play in the background. I’m trying to open my eyes, but it’s not working. They aren’t working. I feel as if something heavy is sitting on my chest, maybe even lying across my whole body. I can’t lift my arms or legs. I can’t open my eyes. Nothing works.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The sounds lull me back to sleep, back to nothingness.

POSEY

I watch as they walk through the door. I know exactly who they are without them needing to say a single word. And as their eyes scan the room, I watch as his find mine. I know he’s Justin’s father because he is an older version of him.

Perfectly.

The woman is polished but still dressed comfortably. Her hair is up in a bun at the back of her head. Her makeup is subtle and flawless. Her clothes clearly on the more expensive side but not flashy in any way.

The man doesn’t walk up to me immediately. Instead, he makes his way toward Bullet, and I watch as their heads bend slightly as they speak to one another. The woman does notwalk toward Bullet. Her eyes find mine, and she moves toward me. It’s then that I notice her purse. Chanel. Not that I own a Chanel purse, but the quilting gives it away, and I can tell that this woman doesn’t do fake. These are, without a doubt, Justin’s parents.

“Are you Justin’s young lady?” she asks as she approaches.

I’m not sure what I expected her to say, and I know I’m not at my best, but I’m still taken aback that she even came over to me, so I nod. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I tell her my name.

“I’m Posey Bennet,” I say, stretching out my hand.

She pushes my hand away gently, then wraps her arms around me in a hug. I close my eyes, my arms wrap around her as well, and I inhale her scent. I’ve never had a woman hug me before like this. And I don’t know why, but it feels really nice, and she smells like Chanel No. 5, too.

“Justin told us about you, sweetheart,” she murmurs into my ear.

Unfortunately, I have to break the hug, because I don’t want her to think I’m a big weirdo. Releasing her, I take half a step backward, and she does the same at the same time. But she doesn’t look away from me. Her eyes search mine as her lips curve up into a small smile.

“Well, you are absolutely beautiful. I am sorry we’ve been forced to meet this way.”

“Me too,” I whisper.

Her smile doesn’t fade as she gives me a wink. “I won’t barrage you with an interrogation yet. But let’s sit down. The men will tell us what’s happening when it’s time.”

God.

I don’t know how this woman became part of this rough club, but she is exactly what I need right now. Dakota is great, but she has her own issues, given that Bullet has been part of this wholething, and I can tell she wants to get home to her baby. She’s been pacing just as badly as I have.

“I’m Mae Whitmore,” she says. “You can call me Mae. Lloyd is my husband and Justin’s father. He’ll inform us of what’s happening as soon as he’s able.”

Mae hooks her arm in mine and guides us toward the chair that is just out of earshot of the men’s little gathering. That’s a little disappointing because I would like to hear what’s happening, but I guess it’s not my business.

“John called us right away,” Mae says as if she’s answering a question. Maybe she just needs to talk as much as I feel like I need to pace. Nodding my head, I turn to face her slightly, giving her all my attention.

I open my mouth, but then hear someone call out and ask for the family of Justin Whitmore. Mae is up and over at that doctor like a shot. I don’t even know how she moved that fast. I watch them, knowing I shouldn’t be over there.

I hold my breath, then her eyes flick to mine, and she lifts her hand, motioning for me to join them. I let out my breath in a whoosh, and it’s my turn to sprint toward them.

I don’t know what’s going to happen, what’s going to be said. But I don’t care. I’m standing here with the two people who love Justin most in the world, and they’re letting me join their tight-knit circle. I have never felt so accepted in my whole entire life.

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