Page 96 of Wrecked

Beth looks gutted, pale as a ghost, as she nods. “Miguel gave him a ride to the airport early this morning. He’s gone to his mom’s.”

Dayton, Ohio?

I can feel the blood leave my face. There’s a roaring in my ears, and the room starts spinning. I drop down onto the side of Beth’s bed and rub my forehead.

He’s gone.

I turn to face her. “Did he say how long he’d be gone?”

“No. He said he was going to recuperate at his mom’s house, and maybe get physical therapy and strength training there.”

That would takemonths.

I cover my eyes with one hand. He’s left me. I finally screw up the courage to face her. “I fucked up, Beth. I really fucked up.”

She agrees with me. I can see it on her face. “Don’t worry. He said he was coming back. He promised.”

As Beth’s revelation swirls in my head, Shane walks into the room carrying a food tray. “Here you go,” he says to Beth. “Light toast with a little bit of butter and a cup of decaf with cream and sugar. I also brought you some strawberries. They look good, and you like strawberries.” He nods to me. “Hey, Cooper. You okay?”

“No, I’m not okay. Sam’s gone.”

Shane nods. “I know. I’m sorry. He asked me not to tell you until after he was gone.”

I feel sick. “It’s my fault.”

At least Shane has the decency not to contradict me. “Give him time,” he says. “He said he’s coming back, and I believe him. And if he doesn’t, I’ll go after him myself and drag his ass back here.”

I laugh, although the sound is hollow and bitter. “Even if he does come back, it might not be for me. He didn’t leave Chicago, he leftme.”

Shane’s expression hardens. “Then you’d better get your act together before it’s too late.”

It goes without saying it might already be too late.

* * *

Life goes on. Beth’s pregnancy is developing well. Shane dotes on her, seeing to her every need. Hell, we both do. She’s the only bright spot in my life right now.

Without Sam, I have nothing. No joy. No pleasure in anything. I realize now how much I crave his presence, his laughter, his smart-aleck ways. I miss holding him at night. I miss kissing him until he can’t breathe. I miss baking him cookies.

I miss everything about him.

I haven’t heard a single thing from him since he left. Not one damn word. I tried calling and texting him, but he blocked me. I guess that tells me everything I need to know.

The only thing saving my sanity right now is that I have his sister’s cell number. I’ve been communicating with Rachel in secret for weeks now. She’s agreed to keep me up to date on Sam’s progress.

She assures me he’s progressing as expected, at least physically. She lets me know when he’s able to use the crutches, when his cast comes off, when he starts physical therapy. What she won’t tell me is how he’s doing emotionally. She tells me enough to let me know he’ssafe. I guess that’s all I can ask for.

Eventually, when the two-month mark passes and there’s no sign of Sam returning, Beth starts moping around. I think Shane’s at the end of his rope. He’s talking about going down to Dayton to fetch Sam himself and haul his ass back to Chicago.

If Sam does come back—please, God—the only chance in hell I have of mending this rift between us is to deal with my past once and for all. I have to put Sweetwater behind me. I have to get justice for Cody. And there’s only one way for me to get that—by returning to my childhood home and holding those who were responsible for Cody’s death accountable. I have to do this if I ever hope to have a chance of moving past the trauma and regaining Sam’s trust and—what?His affection? His love?

One evening after dinner, Shane comes to me and says, “I’m going to Dayton tomorrow to bring Sam back. He’s been gone long enough. Beth needs him.”

As my chest tightens, I nod. “I’m going home to Sweetwater to get justice for Cody. That’s my first step in trying to win Sam back.”

“Take Jake with you. You might need some muscle, or at the very least, someone to watch your back. I doubt the residents of Sweetwater are going to appreciate you coming back to raise hell and uncover long-buried secrets.” He clasps my shoulder. “You can do this. I know you can.”

I blow out a heavy breath. “I just hope you’re right.”