AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When the foyer came into view, his gut twisted. It was his last chance to talk to Booker. “Let me call you from the plane, and I’ll let you know the guys he mentioned. See what you think.”
“Sure thing.” His GM disconnected.
He knew why he still had nightmares, why he couldn’t shake the guilt. It was because, while he’d never seen Booker again, Jaimehadseen his friend’s parents. He’d just never told anyone about it.
It had been harrowing.
It had altered his brain chemistry.
The three of them had been barred from the hospital, but nothing could’ve kept Jaime away. He’d snuck up the stairs and made it all the way to the ICU. Even from the stairwell, he could hear Ms. Hayes sobbing, and when he’d cracked the door open, he’d seen Booker’s parents clutching each other.
The mother was inconsolable, and the father had tears streaming down his face.
Jaime had frozen solid. In that moment, he’d understood the horror of his selfishness. He’d been so hell-bent on making sure his friend was alive, he’d disregarded the wishes of Mr. and Ms. Hayes. And right then, he knew he’d made things worse by sneaking in where he wasn’t wanted. Silently, he’d stepped back into the stairwell, ready to close the door.
That was when he’d heard, “You.” It was the ravaged voice of Ms. Hayes, and it had stopped him in his tracks.
He could’ve run. Probably should have. All he had to do was keep going.
Instead, he’d taken a step forward, letting the door close behind him. To this day, he could still hear the snick in that hallway. He didn’t remember everything she’d said, but there was one line that played on repeat in his mind.
If he dies, you’ll have to live with that.
Two months later, he’d gotten the words inked around his biceps.
You’ll have to live with that.
A reminder that his actions had consequences.
Apparently, he’d needed a second reminder six years later when a child wound up on his doorstep, the product from a hookup he barely remembered.
Since then, he’d been doing a very good job of behaving himself. That is, until temptation appeared in the form of a sexy baker.
Thank God, she’s gone.
When he reached the foyer, he found the receptionist on a call. The relief he felt at seeing that shamed him. Because as much as he wanted to apologize to his friend, he got sick just thinking about the encounter.
The reaming he would get.
You ruined my life.
Why couldn’t you have just dealt with your family issues by yourself, you selfish fuck?
He had his answer ready. He rehearsed it every night, the moment his head hit the pillow.
You’re right. I was a selfish, reckless asshole.
I stole your dreams, and there’s not a damn thing I can do to get them back.
I’m sorry.
I regret my choice to send that text every minute of every day.
But he did need to give his friend the chance to confront him, so Jaime waited for the receptionist to finish the call.
When he did, Jaime said, “Hey, man. Is Booker around?”
Another call came in, and the man held up a finger as he answered. “Elite Sports Management. How may I direct your call?” As he listened, he covered the receiver with a hand and said, “Sorry, he’s out of town.”
