He crosses his arms. “For the love of God, Henry, it’s Friday. Go home. Nobody will take your man-card.”
“Fuck off,” I say again.
He rolls his eyes again and leaves. I get ready to take another call when my cell phone buzzes.
Angie? Why is she calling me on her honeymoon? We talked briefly after my surgery, but I told her not to worry and enjoy her trip.
I tap my phone. “What up, sis?”
A pause. “What up?”
Yeah, that didn’t sound like me. But I’m not really me at the moment. I haven’t been since the Ralph situation.
“I told you to enjoy your honeymoon,” I say. “Not check up on me.”
“I haven’t been.”
“But you’ve been calling Mom.”
“Well…”
“Don’t deny it. She told me. Go. Off with you. Ski the Alps or whatever it is you’re doing there.”
“I’ve been thinking…”
“If it’s about anything other than your new husband, then think again.”
She chuckles. “You’re more like yourself, big brother. You seem…better.”
“I’m good. I have a new lease on life after the accident.” It’s not a lie. Not really. I am grateful to be alive.
A pause. Then, “I talked to Tabitha.”
I close my eyes, and there she is. Hair cascading around her shoulders, those gorgeous amber eyes that seem to be able to see right through me. The way she looked at me the night we slowed down, like she couldn’t decide if I was worshiping her or taking her apart, and she didn’t care which as long as I didn’t stop.
I didn’t want to stop. Not then. Not now.
“Oh?” I finally say.
“Yeah. And I don’t know what went on between you two, Henry. I mean, I have an idea, but she didn’t elaborate.”
“Ang, this isn’t something I’m comfortable talking to you about.”
“I know. But I’ll be home soon, and…”
“And what?”
“Nothing, I guess. How are you?”
“Good. I’m back at work. I’m driving and doing well. The headaches are much better. Just a couple of ibuprofen when I need them. And I’m only sleeping at night. My energy is pretty much back.”
“I’m glad, Henry. But you still need to relax. Your body has been through so much, and it’s healing.”
“I’ve had enough relaxing.” Mostly because it only leads to thoughts of Tabitha.
More so than Ralph Normandy lately, which I guess is a good thing.
“What about the house in Dillon?” she says. “No one’s there, and you could grab Zach and relax for the weekend.”
