Page 85 of What Hurts Us

“Well, this is just peachy,” she grumbled. “I was supposed to lead the Ladies Auxiliary meeting tonight.”

“I’ve already called my aunt,” Layla said kindly. “She’s got it under control.”

“And there was the town hall meeting tomorrow that—”

“It’ll be just fine. I’m sure one of the other ladies can handle whatever presentation you were going to make,” I filled in.

“But what about the food drive! I was supposed to—”

“Gran!” Layla and I shouted in unison.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I will call Mrs. Gould. I think she could use something to do. She’s a little bored these days.”And it’ll keep her from tying up a 911 operator.“And if she can’t do whatever needs to be done, Layla and I will take care of it.”

“But right now you have to rest,” Layla said firmly. “And after your surgery, you have to rest then too.” Her smile was soft as she gave Gran’s hand a squeeze. “It will take the entire town to fill your shoes, but those shoes will still be there for you to wear when you’re back on your feet.”

“You’re irreplaceable, Gran,” I said.

Her crabby demeanor seemed to soften with the knowledge that the town wouldn’t forget her over the few days she’d be in the hospital. In fact, it was probably the exact opposite. The entire population was likely in a tizzy, buzzing about what to do to help Gran. There would be a pile of casseroles on her doorstep, no less than three lawn care companies battling for the honor of taking care of her yardpro bono.The Ladies Auxiliary probably already had a schedule made, detailing who would visit Gran each day. Groceries would be brought without warning. Her car would be washed and shined. Hell, she could probably get a new roof and some siding out of the ordeal if she wanted to.

“Don’t do any wedding planning without me,” she huffed.

Layla’s smile was sad. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Gran’s eyes fell to Layla’s hand. “It’s beautiful on you. I was worried there would never be another woman to join the Fletcher family that was worthy of that ring.” She fluffed her short cloud of silver hair. “Not everyone can be as fuckin’ awesome as I am.”

We laughed.

The door clicked open, and my father poked his head inside. “Mom, I’ve gotta head out. Felicity is home from college for fall break, and Mike Jr. has a ball game. Cynthia wants to have a family dinner.”

Acid burned my throat. I kept my eyes trained on the hospital blanket covering Gran. Layla’s hand on my back was the only tether to reality.

“I suppose I shouldn’t keep you,” Gran said dismissively as she turned her eyes back to college football highlights. “Do close the door behind you. I only want family in here.” She made a show of clasping my and Layla’s hands.

“Call me if you need something.” With that, he left.

29

LAYLA

It was dark by the time we got home. Gran finally kicked us out of her hospital room and told Cal to take me home. We rode back to her house in silence and made sure everything was locked up before getting into our separate vehicles and heading home.

Neither of us bothered with dinner. Cal stripped out of his uniform and jumped in the shower while I prepped my duffle bag for the twenty-four-hour shift I would start when the sun came up.

Melancholy hung thick in the air like a wet blanket. Gran’s accident, then the face-off he’d had with his father, were weighing heavily on Cal. I slipped into a black nightie and tiptoed across the hall.

Callum was craned over, toweling off his hair when I walked into his room.

“Hey,” I said.

He looked over his shoulder as he tossed the towel in a hamper. “Hey.”

I didn’t want to beat around the bush. Not when we had already been through quite a day. “Do you want me to sleep with you tonight, or do you need some space?”

He didn’t meet my eyes as he turned down the sheets. “Yes and no.”

That… That wasn’t the answer I was expecting. Cal slid under the covers, laid his head on the pillow, and stared at the ceiling.

“Can I ask you something?” I began as I padded across the room and sat on the edge of the bed. His arm draped across my legs instinctively. “And I want you to be honest.”

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