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“Tried that angle.” His pained laugh pinches my chest. “She’ll leak it when she can do the most damage.” He lifts his head.
“There has to be something you can do.” I link my hands behind his neck and channel my inner Vi. I’ve listened to her negotiate over the phone. Watched her interact with clients and editors. Vi doesn’t play it safe. And Vi always strikes first.
That’s the answer. And Gabe’s going to hate it.
chapter 48
Gabe
“If you’re going down, take whoever you can with you.”
~ Meredith Morgan
(played by the award-winning Meredith Wade)
Raising Ryder: Episode76
“What are you thinking?” The hotel room goes cemetery quiet, and I can almost see the wheels in Jess’s head whirl, but there’s this nasty feeling brewing in my chest that I’m not going to like the thoughts she’s chasing in there.
“What if you told the truth about your mom before Gretchen does?”
That nasty feeling was spot on. I bristle like a wild animal caged in a corner, moving Jess off me so I can get up. “You want me to go public with my mom’s... disease?” I freaking still can’t say the word.
“I know she wants to keep it secret.” She pushes off the floor. “But once Gretchen decides to tell—”
“It’ll be too late. Not something I don’t already know.” A solid ache burrows under my skin with steel-tipped barbs.
“What’s happening to your mom is never going to be okay. If anyone gets that, it’s me. But what if you supported the cause in her name?”
“So people can pity her?” Those steel-tipped barbs drill deep, pushing a harsh edge into my voice. “That’s exactly what she doesn’t want.”
“People love her. They love you. You could use that to do something positive. Maybe David would have an idea where to start.”
“I made a promise. I’m damn well keeping it. Outing my mom isn’t an option.” Neither is David. I didn’t just burn that bridge, I charred it.
“Okay.” She heads toward the adjoining door.
“Where are you going?” In three quick strides, I’m behind her, pulling her against me.
“You’re mad at me.” Her voice caves while she stiffens in my arms.
“I’m mad at life for shitting on my mom.” I set my chin on her head and sigh, softening my voice. “I’m sorry I took it out on you.” I kiss her head. “Stay. Please. I really don’t want to be alone.” And for the first time, I don’t have to be.
Relaxing against me, she whispers, “Okay.”
chapter 49
Jess
Mom went to see Aunt Becky in Tulsa. T told his parents he was with Sarge and spent the weekend with me. Friday, we laid on my closet floor, and he found Dad’s bottle of Jack. “That’s not going to help, Lizzie,” he said. I’d rather get drunk on him, but he’s not always here. I didn’t tell him that, but I let him throw the bottle away. T doesn’t drink, and I don’t want to lose him.
~ from the diary of Elizabeth Sara Thorne (age16)
Three movies in,I’m wedged between Gabe’s legs, cushioned against his chest while he leans against the headboard. Over the last few hours, he’s unbraided my hair, tangled and untangled our hands, etched invisible tattoos on my arms with his fingers, kissed me dizzy, and distracted me through every gruesome death scene on the screen. And every scene was a gruesome death scene.
I wonder if he can feel my mismatched heartbeats, see the goosebumps exploding on my skin, or hear my accidental sighs.
“What do you think aboutFinal Destination?” Gabe skims his fingers down the outsides of my bare legs, making me sorry and glad I wore these shorts.
