The realization settles over me so naturally that it doesn’t even scare me anymore. It’s the truth.
“You didn’t sleep much. Did you?” I ask as I sweep her wild hair from her eyes.
Her smile disappears, and she shakes her head and sighs. “I went to see Cabe.”
That surprises me.
“When?”
“Last night, after you fell asleep.”
Of course she did. She’d never leave a wound untreated if she thought there was any chance she could help. Even one like this.
I rub my thumb across her hip. “How was he?”
The answer takes a moment.
Finally, she says quietly, “Hurt.”
I close my eyes.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
“Hurt real bad.”
The guilt settles heavier in my chest.
I nod. “I figured.”
She studies my face. “I apologized.”
I don’t respond.
“And I tried to explain as best I could.” Her voice cracks slightly. “But honestly? It sounded weak, even to me.”
My heart breaks a little because I know exactly what she means. Some things don’t have a good explanation. Some things don’t make sense. This is one of them.
“What’d he say?”
She runs her fingers through my hair. “He said we’d be okay—eventually.”
I nod slowly.
“I think he needs time.”
“He does,” I agree.
Neither of us speaks for a moment. The silence isn’t uncomfortable. Just loaded with sadness.
“He’s in love with you too.” There’s no jealousy in me when I say it. No accusation. I’m simply stating the truth.
Her eyes find mine, and she exhales softly. “He thinks he is.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“What he and I had was puppy love. We were kids.” Her fingers lace with mine. “What you and I have isn’t the same thing. It’s bigger. It’s scarier. It’s …”
“Big dog love,” I finish.
