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“He’s fine,” I tell her. “His spleen ruptured, so they had to take it out. He’ll be in the hospital overnight, but he’s fine.”
“Oh my God,” she breathes, and her eyes are huge. “I can’t believe it. Did they catch the guy?”
“No. Not yet. It was a hit and run.”
“Jesus,” she breathes, pulling off her blanket. “What can I do?”
“You’ve already done it,” I tell her. “You stayed here with Zu. Thank you, Chelcie. I mean it.”
“Anytime. Of course.”
She rubs at her eyes and I glance around the room. It’s large, comfortable, and nice. It’s not over-the-top fancy, because Pax and I aren’t like that. But the furnishings are expensive, tasteful and classic. Our house is large, but it’s still homey.
“Zuzu is sleeping,” Chelcie adds needlessly. “She went to bed at nine, and she’s been asleep ever since.”
“Thanks, Chels. You can stay in the guest room, if you want. You probably shouldn’t drive so late.”
She shakes her head. “I’m fine. I’ve got an exam at eight, so I
should go.”
“Ok.” I walk her to the door, and when she’s gone, I set the alarm. We live in a nice neighborhood, but I’ve always been careful. Maddy says I’m paranoid, but it’s not that. I’m just realistic.
After finding out that Pax’s mother had been murdered in cold blood so long ago by their mailman, I’ve learned that life can be tragic and random, and it’s smart to be cautious. People can be sick, and you never know what a person is really like until you truly get to know them.
I strip off my clothes and brush my teeth and climb into our giant bed alone.
With only me in it, it is enormous, and Pax’s side is cold.
I stare out the wall of windows facing me, at the view of the gardens. I watch the treetops sway in the night, and I know that in a couple of hours, the sun will come up, and when it does, when the first fingers of dawn stretch into my daughter’s room, Zuzu will be wide awake.
My phone buzzes on my nightstand.
Go to sleep. I love you.
I smile at my husband’s text. He knows me well.
Quit being bossy, I answer. But I love you, too.
Across town, Pax is lying awake in a hospital bed, and he’s just as unable to sleep as I am, because we’re so used to falling asleep entwined together.
I’ll see you soon, I add.
Closing my eyes, I let the darkness swallow me up, enveloping me in its silent void.
Sleep comes quickly.
4
Chapter Three
Pax
I groan as I move.
“Son of a bitch,” I mutter, as I attempt to get dressed. My fucking back feels like it was twisted into a pretzel and then chewed on by iron teeth. I groan again, and the young nurse walking in notices.
“You ok?” she raises an eyebrow, her dark eyes showing concern. “I don’t think you should’ve signed yourself out.”
