Page 88 of One Little Mistake
“Don’t.”
“I will, Ash. Someone has to. You’re not yourself.”
“Would you be?”
“No, I wouldn’t. But I also know you wouldn’t let me get away with this shit. You’re angry. I can see it building, and you have to let it out.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” He attempts another drink, so I grab him a refill. I notice with each sentence his voice gets weaker.
“Tell me what you’re most angry about.”
“Fuck off. What do you think?”
“I know you’ve never given a shit about your appearance, and that your limp will heal. I think something is going on that you haven’t told anyone about, and it’s eating you alive. I know Lexi asked you to look into Pacen months ago, and now she’s missing, and you’re here instead of home recovering. So, tell me, little brother, what is it that has that rage burning in your soul?”
“Fuck you.”
“Good, get it out. What else?”
Ashton’s water glass goes flying by my head, and I see Loki poke his head in the second it crashes. I hold my hand up to keep them all away.
“What else, Ashton?”
“Pacen. East. Fucking Pacen almost got us killed, and now she’s gone.” Ashton struggles to his feet, then forces his way out of the kitchen.
Loki and Seth, obviously having heard that conversation, enter the room, and we all stare at each other in shock.
“How did P-Pacen almost get him killed?” Lexi’s voice is barely audible.
Loki pinches his neck while Seth paces the kitchen.
“Pacen was staying with him when we were attacked. He thinks she gave someone our location,” Seth finally admits.
“Oh my God,” Lexi squeaks. “I-Is this my fault?”
“What? No, Lexi. No, none of this is your fault or makes any sense. I think Ashton is hurting and is grasping at straws,” Loki states in earnest.
“How do you know she’s missing?”
Loki and Seth exchange an expression I don’t recognize before Seth answers, “Dillon called.”
I sit and listen to their explanations for almost an hour before I admit I’ve had enough and make my way out to the porch while Lexi and GG get everyone settled.
I’m leaning back in the Adirondack chair with my eyes closed when I smell her. My body is so in tune with hers that I know she’s here before she even sits down. Finally, after a few minutes, she slides into the chair next to me.
When her head lands on my shoulder, I smile despite the chaos surrounding us.
“I’m going to therapy,” she says softly.
I lower my arm and draw her in closer. “That’s where you’ve been going every day?”
She nods against my chest.
“I think that’s great, Locket. Truly. Do you think it’s helping?”
“I haven’t killed you yet, so that’s something,” she replies cheekily.
“Sure is.”
