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Chapter Twenty-seven
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It’s been three dayssince I ended things with Hudson. Three of the lowest days of my life. I’ve barely had the energy to pull myself out of bed, and when I do I don’t stay out of it for long. I haven’t had an appetite. My diet consisting of mainly crackers and whiskey.
Emma stopped by to see me this morning. I guess after day two Starr got a little concerned and decided to call in reinforcements. While talking to Emma did help, it also made me feel guilty. The last thing I want is to have her stressing about me when she’s already stressed enough about getting ready for the baby. Even though she still has a little time I know how Emma is. She needs everything done now or she’ll obsess over it until it’s finished.
It was clear by the way she looked at me that she’s more than a little worried. It was almost like she didn’t know how to handle me. Not that I can fault her for that. In our sixteen years of friendship I don’t think she’s ever seen me this way. Hell, I don’t thinkI’veever seen me this way.
I know I have to find a way to pick myself up and move on, but right now that seems impossible. Time heals all wounds, right? Then why do I feel like my pain only intensifies with each second that passes? The hole in my chest continues to grow with each passing day and I’m starting to feel like I’ve dug myself so deep that I have no way to claw my way back out.
I’m staring at the ceiling trying to find the will to get out of bed and take a much needed shower when my phone springs to life on the bedside table.
Swinging my arm to the side I’m able to reach it without really moving. I hold the device in front of my face but it takes several seconds for my vision to clear enough to read the name flashing across the screen.
Colton.
My heart rate picks up speed, clamoring in my chest with so much force I feel it kicking against my palm that’s stretched over top of it.
“Don’t answer it,” I say out loud, continuing to stare at Colton’s name while the device vibrates in my hand over and over.
I know I shouldn’t. I know there isn’t anything he could say to make this better, yet I can’t stop myself from swiping my thumb across the screen and pressing the phone to my ear.
“Hello,” I manage to get out sounding only half human.
“Hey,” he says, followed by a long pause. “It’s Colton,” he adds when I don’t respond.
“I know.”
“Look, I’m sorry to call you but I don’t know what else to do. I need to know what the hell happened between you and Hudson.”
Just the mention of his name causes tears to sting the back of my eyes.
“Why don’t you ask him?” I bite, immediately regretting how curt I sound.
“That’s the thing. He won’t talk to me. He won’t talk to anyone. He locks himself in the back room of the bus after every show and refuses to see anyone.”
“Maybe you should ask Annabelle.” I cringe at the name. “They seem awfully close. I’m sure she knows what’s going on.”
“So it does have to do with her.” He says it like I’ve confirmed something he’s been trying to piece together.
“You could say that.” The bitterness in my voice is clear as day.
“Lennon, please. I need you to tell me what happened so I know what the hell I’m dealing with. Last time we spoke you were coming to surprise him. Then I hear from the guys you two had a fight in the parking lot, you stormed off, and Hudson has barely spoken two words to anyone since. I’m at a loss here.”
“I honestly don’t know what I can tell you that’s going to make any difference here, but since I consider you a friend I will give you this much.” I take a deep breath and let it out slowly before continuing, “I showed up at the bus Saturday morning and Hudson wasn’t there. Apparently he had stayed the night in Annabelle’s hotel room.”
“Wait, what?” Colton questions like he couldn’t be more shocked to hear this.
“He claims nothing happened. I have a hard time believing him. She’s been trying to dig her claws into him for months. I told him I couldn’t do it anymore. I can’t live my life feeling physically ill with worry. She wants him that bad, then she can have him.”
“What the fuck?” Colton mutters under his breath.
“What the fuck is right.”
“I don’t know what happened, Lennon, or why he would ever stay with Annabelle, but I can tell you right now there’s no way he cheated on you.”
“Well, that makes one of us.”
