Page 28 of Drew
Drew says something so quietly, I can’t make out the words then turns to sit next to me. Reaching out his hand, he pulls me close. The only thing I can do is rest my head on his chest and listen to his steady heartbeat as he holds me against him. After a few moments, he inhales deeply, squeezing me tighter. I know without a doubt, he appreciates me being here. I thought it would feel awkward being here with him, but knowing I can give him this moment of solace, I’d sit here all night if necessary.
I sigh heavily as I relax into his masculine body and process the events of the day. I can’t believe only hours ago, we were in lab together, and everything was so different. I remember feeling nervous when he asked me to dinner, but my nerves have completely disappeared when it comes to Drew. He needed a friend, and I’m happy to be here for him. If our roles were reversed, I’m sure he’d do the same for me. The moment I fully relax into him, I feel him do the same. The constant strum of beeps from the machines and the steady breaths from his parents are all that can be heard while Drew and I watch his parents sleep in silence.
I’m not sure how long we sit here like this, but eventually, Drew’s deep gravelly voice comes out just above a whisper. “There’s nothing we can do for them now. Let’s go home and come back when they’re awake in the morning.”
I sit up and yawn heavily. “Sure.” Drew chuckles.
“You’re exhausted. Give me the keys. I’ll drive us home.”
“Are you sure you have room? I don’t have a lot of money, but I’m sure I could find a hotel.”
Drew pins me with his dark blue eyes as he deadpans. “No. I thought you’d be sleeping in the car. Or better yet—maybe I could see if there’s room at the youth hostel in town.” He shakes his head as if he’s clearing his thoughts. “Seriously, Abby, you’re coming home with me. It’s ridiculous to think anything else.”
Before I can utter another word, he grabs my hand and practically drags me out of the building.
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12
Drew
As if I’dlet her stay anywhere but at my place. It may not be much, but it’s home. Abby’s traipsed across the friggin’ state for me. I’m not about to let her leave now. Besides, it’s late, and we’re both running on fumes. From the way she felt heavier the longer she leaned against me, I doubt she’ll hold out much longer.
Abby’s quiet on the ride home. I have no idea if it’s because she’s nervous or about to pass out from sheer exhaustion. While we’re waiting at a light about five miles from my house, I see her eyelids finally give up the fight they’ve been diligently battling since we entered my darkened SUV.
Selfish as I am, I’ve hardly let her hand go, since the whole ordeal began at dinner.
Has it only been a few hours?God, it feels like months have passed.
Abby’s a true miracle. She’s been a solid rock. Her unwavering support means the world to me. I seriously don’t know what I would’ve done without her.
I hit the button to open the garage as I pull into the driveway. Once the door opens, my heart squeezes, and the reality of today’s events set in. Only Dad’s truck is inside. A shiver runs up my spine, knowing I could’ve lost them both today.
Don’t even go there.I scold myself.
Mom and Dad are okay. Don’t borrow trouble.
I quickly force my mind to focus on the simple task of driving.
Instead of parking in my usual spot on the driveway, I pull into the garage. It feels strange parking in Mom’s spot, but it also means I won’t be spending time scraping the windows tomorrow morning, when we return to the hospital.
Living in eastern Washington means you get to experience four distinct seasons throughout the year. My SUV hadn’t had a chance to freeze over completely while we visited my parents, but as we left, I noticed plenty of other cars in the lot were well on their way. Knowing Abby’s asleep also made my decision easier to keep her from slipping on our sloped driveway.
When I turn off the engine, Abby stirs. At first, she startles, but when I squeeze her hand in reassurance, a beautiful smile forms. “Hey,” she whispers. Her voice, thick with sleep.
“Hey yourself, Angel. We’re here. Want me to get your bag? I’ll give you a quick tour and let you get some rest. You look exhausted.”
“Sounds great,” she says in a yawn as she unbuckles and stretches before opening the door. Her dark-brown hair has fallen out of the ponytail she’d secured it in at the beginning of our trip, and she couldn’t look more adorable if she tried.
We make quick work of gathering our things and getting into the house. Once inside, another wave of emotion from the day hits me like a ton of bricks. Not having them here to greet me is beyond surreal. My throat tightens, and my eyes prick as I blink away my emotions. Of course, Abby picks up on my shift in mood. She’s like a lifeline I never knew I needed as she instinctively wraps her arms around me in a hug. The strength and solace I feel from her helps me relax into her.
“They’re fine. You’ve seen it for yourself,” she assures me. As if she knows exactly what I need, Abby squeezes harder to prove her confidence. “If anything changes, you’ll be the first to know. Let’s get you settled, so you can finally get some rest.”
I chuckle at her sudden protectiveness. “I thought that was supposed to be my line.”
Abby pulls back but doesn’t release her hold on me and smirks. “Give me the CliffsNotes version of a tour. All I need for tonight are the essentials—bathroom and where I’ll be sleeping. I’m sure I can figure out everything else in the morning.”
I walk her to what used to be my sister’s room, which my parents have long ago turned into a guest bedroom/office space for themselves. Since money was tight with Summer’s medical bills, we downgraded our home after she was in remission. Summer only stayed in the room less than a year before returning to the hospital. For the longest time, it just sat empty but eventually they chose to move forward. One summer, I returned home to find it renovated into what it is today.
