Page 34 of Heal For Me

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Payson

Uncle Jet is a psychopath. There is no other explanation for this man’s schedule. He wakes up at three a.m. to workout, which consists of two hours of weight training, then a five-mile run minimum. He says he normally runs around town, but because I’m here, he is using a treadmill. I am all for a good workout, being an athlete and all, but that much activity before the sun even rises is absurd. I woke up the other morning from a bad dream, and heard thumping, so I went to check it out. I was definitely pleased to find him running versus what the heavy thumping sounded like.

I haven’t seen a single person—let alone a woman—since I arrived almost eight days ago. I’m not interested in meeting any of his company, but surely, the man has needs. Gross.

“Are you ready?” Uncle Jet pops into my room and frowns. “That is what you’re wearing?”

I glance down at my sweatpants and matching sweatshirt. Sure, the collar of the shirt and cuffs are ripped, but what does it matter? “I’m going in for surgery, Uncle Jet. Not a fashion show.”

He sighs like he does a lot during our conversations, as if it’s exhausting just speaking with me. “Why didn’t you mention you needed new clothing? I will get you a card so you can buy whatever you need.”

“I don’t want it. I have clothes.” Less now that some were used for my quilt, but enough. Besides, I don’t need him spending any more money on me than he already has with my room and feeding and housing me.

“I wasn’t asking.”

“You should get that tattooed on your forehead for how often you say it,” I mumble.

“Quit making me say it, then.”

I never had a parent I argued with in this way. It’s almost refreshing, but damn is he infuriating.

“Good morning, Payson. Ready to be cut open?”

“Er, as ready as you can be, I guess.”

Dr. Nick laughs before engaging Uncle Jet in conversation about all the boring shit, like my aftercare and healing time. The same stuff he mentioned last week when we set up the surgery.

Eventually, Ash wanders in with two coffees and passes one to Jethro. “Morning,” he grumbles before taking a seat next to me. When the doctor leaves, he leans over and kisses my forehead. “Good morning, babygirl.”

“Hi.” I smile. He returns one, but it doesn’t meet his tired eyes. “Not sleeping well?”

He shakes his head, but Jethro sits on the opposite side of me and grumbles, interrupting anything else he might have to say.

“You have to knock that shit off in front of me.”

Ash’s jaw locks but again, he stays silent. Very unlike Ash.

After a few minutes of them discussing my aftercare, Luca wanders in also carrying a coffee. Unlike the two broody assholes, his smile is as bright as ever, and it so nice to see his friendly face. I haven’t seen him since . . . well, I can’t remember, but I know it’s been a long time.

“Good morning. How are we today?”

Grumbles come from either side of me, but I smile despite their grumpiness. Luca makes it impossible to be upset. His personality is so lighthearted, you’d never know the loss he has endured. It’s rather encouraging seeing how positive and happy he is after losing the love of his life.

“Good. You?”

“Fantastico, thank you, Payson.” If he feels the tension between these two, you’d never know with the amusement resting in the depths of his hazel eyes.

“I’ve missed you.”

He flashes his bright teeth, but my head is quickly turned and a different set of lips mash into mine. Ash nips at my bottom lip and pulls away—or is shoved away by my uncle.

The warning coming from Ash does the opposite of scare me like I think he is going for. I want him to act like a caveman. I like when he is all jealous and possessive. Toxic, maybe, but hot, nonetheless.

Jethro and Ash continue their asshole-stare off while Luca makes himself comfortable and tells me about how he plans on heading to Italy for the summer to spend a few weeks with his family.

“I would love to visit there someday,” I tell him. I’ve never thought much about travel, but Italy is one place you hear all about. Besides, I love Italian food.

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