Page 93 of Timber's Line
“You think?” I growl.
“All of you need to calm down,” Sal’s voice rings out behind us.
“We just ruined her,” I tell him.
“The thing with Hickory is that we love everyone. She’s family, and through time, she will understand everything. Eventually, she will forgive you.” He looks straight at me.
I doubt she will ever forgive me. I didn’t know she was going to be here.
“Why was she here?” I ask Memphis.
“I asked her to come so she could hear what Oscar had to say,” he says sadly.
“Why didn’t you warn me?” I turn on Rome.
“I honestly didn’t know she was coming. I thought it was just us. I figured you were falling down the rabbit hole again, and the scene at the gym told me that was true. We should have believed you, and for that, I’m sorry. Now that we all know the truth, we need to figure out how to fix this mess,” Rome says.
“How?”
“We come together as a family.” Memphis stands and so does Oscar.
“You need to make her see that she belongs despite what people have said about her,” Oscar tells us.
I don’t think we can fix this.
“I fell for her. You think I’m falling down the rabbit hole? I know I am. But Timber was this peace I needed. No nightmares when she was around. I want to protect her and love her. She’s perfect,” I tell them.
“Time to fight,” Rome says, handing us coffees.
“Thank you,” I reply.
“I need ratings, so whatever you do, make it spectacular,” Sal says, heading for the door. I’m sure he’s headed back to Shane’s. They are probably trying to figure out how to talk to her, just like we are.
“Did you tell Ever?”
“Yeah, Austin and her dad are waiting to see if she comes home.”
“She won’t. She’ll go to think,” I tell him.
“Somewhere with animals,” Rome echoes.
“She will show up for the show,” Memphis replies.
“She won’t be into it. You probably should text the others and tell them what happened. I’m sure I’ll get my ass kicked.”
Memphis snorts. “They might try to kick mine as well.”
“I have a bad habit of open mouth insert foot syndrome,” I groan.
“Welcome to my world.” Memphis laughs.
“I’m glad you know the truth about me.”
“You were right, we know you, and we should have believed you.”
“This whole thing sucks,” I mutter.
“It’s time we make it not suck.” Brice grips my shoulder.
