Page 16 of Lavender Lake
“You’re a good man, Bowman,” Hadley said.
“No, he’s not,” Declan said.
“And yet he’s your best friend,” Hadley pointed out.
“History at this point,” Declan stated. “It would take too long to find another one.”
Bowman shoved Declan’s shoulder, causing him to laugh.
Despite the fact that my father was in a hospital bed in a coma, my spirits lifted. Being around Hadley always had that effect. But it was something more now. Declan, Muddy, Bowman . . .
I’m home.
A stunning brunette with high cheekbones came into the waiting room while Declan and Bowman continued to verbally rib each other.
I frowned in confusion as she strode over to us. Her expression was wreathed with concern.
“Muddy,” she greeted, placing her hand on my grandmother’s arm.
“Jane.” Muddy embraced her. “So glad you’re here.”
“Of course,” the woman asked. “You hanging in there, Hadley?”
“Barely,” Hadley stated. Her gaze shot from me to the woman. “Jane. This is my sister, Salem.”
“Salem,” Jane greeted. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” I said in perfunctory politeness.
“Let me take you to see him,” Muddy said, grasping Jane’s elbow and pulling her away. Over her shoulder, she said, “Hadley?”
Hadley sighed. “Yeah, I’ll tell her.”
“Tell me what?” I demanded.
Hadley waited until Muddy and Jane disappeared before saying, “That’s Jane. Dad’s girlfriend.”
CHAPTER FIVE
The Hospital
“Girlfriend?” I shrieked.
Hadley winced. “Can you keep your voice down? This is a hospital.”
“I don’t care where we are!Girlfriend?” I snapped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
My twin glared at me. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I was worried you’doverreact.”
“This is un-fucking-believable!” I whirled and stomped out of the waiting room.
Blind rage colored my vision. Emotion blistered my throat and I was ready to spew it at anyone who came near me.
My sister, my own twin, hadn’t told me about our father’s girlfriend.
“Powell,” Bowman called after me.
I didn’t stop when I heard his voice. Instead, I continued to stalk toward the elevator. I pushed the button several times in rapid fire as if that would make it arrive faster.
