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“How is he drinking this so fast?” I ask, my eyes wide as Jimbob shrugs.
“I’m a caffeine addict,” he replies. “Love, love it. Gonna get an energy drink too once I’m done.”
Jimbob huffs in annoyance, probably sad that he has to deal with this guy on the way home. I’d really like to see that. I’d really fucking like it.
“Well, send a video once you’re all high on caffeine,” I say, and Ryan refills his coffee cup before making his way over to the register to pay.
“Give me your number and I will.”
I hesitate for just a moment before deciding that, yeah, I can give this crazy guy my number. I mean, why the fuck not? I’m in Kansas right now. Can’t get any weirder than this.
“Sure, why not?” I say. “Just no dick pics.”
“I have a fantastic dick,” Ryan says, and I huff a laugh.
“I’m sure you do. Now, give me your phone.”
We exchange numbers, and I even get Jimbob’s because really, why not? And then we’re sitting down, drinking our coffee, and waiting for Bennet to reappear.
It’s an hour later and I’m halfway through a game on my phone when Bennet finally makes his way out into the waiting room. His eyes are red-rimmed, and he’s shaking his hands out in distress, almost like he’s trying not to cry again. Fuck, I’ve never seen him like this before. I hate it. I fucking hate it.
I start to stand, but Jimbob moves first, pulling him into a hug.
My lips turn down into a frown, and Ryan smirks at me like he sees something I don’t. Well, he’s mistaken. There’s nothing to see here.
“Not a word,” I murmur, pursing my lips. I don’t need his weird sense of humor right now. This is serious.
Ryan just waggles his eyebrows at me like a lunatic, and I roll my eyes.
“She um…remembers me but has some trouble speaking,” I hear him say as he sniffles. “She’s going to need some rehab to get her strength back. The doctors say it was pretty serious.”
His voice cracks, and my chest pinches. Jesus.
Jimbob cups the back of Bennet’s neck, almost like he’s offering some of his strength as Bennet takes a step toward me. “There’s nothing more we can do today. My sisters will be here soon…”
“We can stay,” I tell him, stuffing my phone into my pocket and standing. I don’t like how Jimbob is holding on to his neck like that. He really should learn to keep his hands to himself. It’s not polite. “It’s no big deal. You might want to see her later today.”
Bennet’s eyes look haunted, and I shift on my feet, not sure what to do. I’ve never had to deal with something like this before. I’m not sure I know how to act.
“We can stay with you,” Jimbob says softly, looking at Bennet.
Bennet nods, pulling his lips between his teeth. “Thanks, man. But it’s fine. I have Jasper and like I said, my sisters should be here soon…”
Jimbob looks a little disappointed because he just drove an hour here for moral support, but finally, he removes his hand from the back of Bennet’s neck. And I can breathe a little easier.
“Sounds good. Just call if you need anything.”
Bennet nods and then embraces him in a hug before letting go.
Jimbob and Ryan say their goodbyes, and I watch them leave the hospital before turning my gaze back to Bennet who is scrubbing a hand down his face.
“Fuck,” he mutters. “Fuck this.”
My hands are clenched at my sides, and I don’t know what to do with them.
“Come on,” I say, reaching out and grabbing his arm, pulling him outside. Maybe some fresh air will help clear his head. Hospitals are so fucking depressing.
We step outside and immediately, I start to shiver.
