Page 91 of Road Trip
Katie met me at the house. “So you’re here? For good?”
I wasn’t sure exactly how to answer that. “I’ll be in and out. I’m going to be helping Abra with her mother and grandmother for a bit, so…”
Katie exhaled in a huff. “Fine. But, Kelly?” She looked over my shoulder, and I could see her warring with herself. “I know you have someone in your life now, and I’m happy for you. I just…”
Katie let loose the waterworks. I pulled her in for a hug and sighed. No matter how much the drama had driven me nuts as a kid, she’d always be my little sister, and I couldn’t stand to see her in so much pain.
“What can I do? I don’t know how to fix things for you.”
She pulled away from me. “God, Kelly. I don’t need you to fix me! I’m not like one of your cases or whatever!”
“Katie, that’s not what I mean—”
“You’re always trying to fix me! Can’t you just be there for me? Just let me be a mess and still fucking give a shit about me?”
“Come on, Katie. You know I love you and I would do anything for you—”
“You know what? Don’tdoanything, okay? Don’tdo anything.I just need you tobeFuck. I can’t even…”
Katie stormed off toward the main house, and I took a deep breath. I mumbled to myself as I took several trips from the truck to the house, carrying in everything but my clothes and toiletries. Oh, and my guitar.
What was Katie going on about? I was there for her every time she called me! I listened to her and tried to help her move on from her boyfriend, tried to help her find a job. Oh. Well, what the heck else was I supposed to do?
I thought about what she said the entire way to the hospital. I couldn’t get the look of disappointment on her face out of my mind. But I had to collect myself. I had another woman to try to be there for…and not mess up with.
Before climbing out of the truck, I fastened my ankle holster with my Glock and pulled my bootcut jeans down over it. I would have to talk to Abra at some point about carrying a weapon. I had no idea how she’d feel about the reality of me carrying one at all times.
I texted her that I’d arrived and asked her where to meet her. She texted me which waiting room she was in as I jogged up the walkway. I made it to where she was and had barely turned the corner when she launched herself in my arms.
