Page 76 of You, Me, and Lucky Number 13

Brian chuckles a sound that’s equal parts proud and worried. “All right, kiddo. I’m in. You know I’d do anything for you. But let’s try the legal route first, okay? For Cole’s sake. As much as I enjoy seeing you at work…”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s too soon for anotherbring your sister to work day,” I agree, my gaze softening as I look at the man I love. “Thanks, Bri. I’ll keep you posted.”

As I hang up, I feel a spark of hope ignite in my chest. I lean over, pressing a gentle kiss to Cole’s forehead. “Rest up, hotshot,” I whisper. “I’ve got this covered.”

And as I settle back in my chair, my mind already racing with plans, I can’t help but smile. Let the games begin.

As the hours tick by, I find myself drifting off, lulled by the steady beep of Cole’s heart monitor. But my sleep is fitful, filled with dreams of screeching tires and crumpling metal.

I’m jolted awake by a gentle touch on my shoulder. It’s Maria, Cole’s pit crew chief, her usually cheerful face drawn with worry.

“How is he?” she whispers, nodding towards Cole’s sleeping form.

“Stable,” I murmur, stretching out the kinks in my neck. “Cracked ribs, cuts, and bruises. He’ll be out for a while, but he’ll recover.”

Maria’s eyes flash with anger. “Chad’s going to pay for this,” she growls. “The whole crew’s ready to teach him a lesson he won’t forget.”

I grab her arm, shaking my head. “No, Maria. We can’t stoop to his level. We’re going to do this right.”

She looks at me skeptically. “Since when are you the voice of reason, Lola?”

I can’t help but chuckle. It’s a valid question. “Trust me, I want nothing more than to introduce Chad’s face to my fist again. But we need to be smart about this. For Cole’s sake.”

Maria sighs but nods. “All right, what’s the plan?”

I fill her in on my conversation with Brian, watching as her expression shifts from skepticism to determination.

“Count me in,” she says firmly. “I’ll talk to the rest of the crew and see what we can dig up. Chad’s not exactly Mr. Popular in the pit lane.”

Just then, Cole stirs, his eyes fluttering open. “Lola?” he mumbles, voice thick with sleep and pain meds.

I’m by his side in an instant, my hand finding his. “I’m here, hotshot. How are you feeling?”

He manages a weak smile. “Like I went ten rounds with a brick wall. But hey, at least I’m prettier than the wall, right?”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. Even battered and bruised, he’s still an incorrigible flirt.

“Listen,” he says, his voice growing serious. “About Chad?—”

“Don’t worry about Chad,” I cut him off gently. “We’ve got it handled. You just focus on getting better.”

He looks at me, his eyes searching mine. “Lola, promise me you won’t do anything crazy. I know you. When you get that look in your eye?—”

“I promise,” I say, crossing my fingers behind my back. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. “Now, how about some ice chips? I hear they’re all the rage in fine dining establishments like this.”

As I fuss over him, making sure he’s comfortable, I can feel Maria’s eyes on me. When I turn back to her, she’s got a knowing smirk on her face.

“You lied to him,” she whispers as we step out into the hallway.

I shrug, not bothering to deny it. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. And right now, the less he knows, the better.”

Maria nods, a fierce gleam in her eye. “All right, Lola. Let’s go catch ourselves a snake.”

As we walk out of the hospital, purpose in our steps, I feel a surge of determination. Chad thinks he’s won, but he’s about to learn a very important lesson: You don’t mess with the people I love and get away with it.

CHAPTER THIRTY- ONE

LOLA

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