Page 103 of Rebellious

“I’m going,” I bark, my voice hardening. Ripping open the package, I take out the wipe and scrub it against my skin where I’ve seen Aspen do it. I barely have time to drop the wrapper before Theo is shoving the syringe in my hand.

I swallow, just staring at it.

“It can’t hurt any worse,” he says, taking a step back.

I don’t need him to explain. He knows he walked into a shitstorm. I am in pain. I let his daughter leave. He might not know why or how deep our feelings ran, but he knows I lost my best friend.

“Don’t think about it,” he tells me.

My hand trembles and I don’t have the give a shit to hide it.

“On the count of three,” he tells me.

I nod, all this feeling a little ridiculous, but such is my life right now.

“One.”

I don’t wait for him to get further. Instead, I take a deep breath and pierce my skin, imagining her face—all smiles and enthusiastic yays as I inject the insulin. Aspen would have been impressed I finally gave myself a shot. Although, I always thought she’d be here but, I assume, that’s why she sent her father. To make sure I took care of myself, without her.

My chest tightens. Even from afar, she’s still taking care of me.

“All right then,” Theo says, holding his hand out for the needle.

I cap the needle and hand it back. He retreats into the bathroom and opens and closes the cabinet doors until he finds the sharps container we discard the used needles in.

“I don’t have a sucker,” he says, returning. “But I have a piece of gum.” He reaches in his back pocket. “Oh,” he snaps. “Not sugar free. Guess you get to live instead.”

I shake my head, finding my shirt and slipping it on. Hopefully the blurry vision will settle down soon.

“All right, ask me your question.” He takes his seat, his elbows resting on his knees.

I sigh. I guess we’re doing this. A few minutes ago, I wanted to do anything to delay the insulin shot, but now that I’m calmer, I’m thinking this won’t end well.

“Go on, Jameson, ask. I won’t sit here and stare at you all night until you’re ready to talk. Only the female Von Bremens have that level of patience.”

I laugh, understanding why my father enjoys these chats with his best friend. Theo has a way of easing the tension, even if it’s at your own expense.

Sitting up straighter, I level with him. “Did Aspen send you to check on me?”

He doesn’t hesitate. “Yes. Next question.”

“She told you I didn’t know how to give myself shots?”

His brows arch. “No, she failed to share that information. I just happened to be a lucky asshole and walk in on this little disaster.”

My head cocks to the side, digesting his words. If she didn’t tell him about the insulin, then what exactly was she checking on?

“Believe it or not, Jameson Number Two, my wife and daughter care an insane amount about the men in our family. I don’t get the privilege of telling them no when they ask me to check on their boys.”

Ah. “She was worried about all of us?”

The doorbell rings, and Theo gets up. “I’m sure part of her wanted to make sure you were all okay.” He shrugs. “But I think you know the main person she wanted to make sure wasn’t drowning himself in cheap beer.”

He walks out and a few seconds later, I hear him talking to someone before the door closes.

“Get out here, Bennett! I’m not eating in your bedroom like some lovesick teenager.”

I stand, fighting off a smile and make my way to the kitchen. My vision is clearing and I’m starting to feel normal.

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