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“I’ve missed you too.” I realize it’s true. Now that my walls are down, I’m realizing how needy a person I really am. Maybe we all are, and we’re just so good at hiding how we feel, we think we’re fine on our own. I’ve never actually been alone so it’s been easy for me to believe I’ve been independent.
Rich follows behind Jenny, his presence steady and comforting. He leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. He doesn’t get a chance to say a whole lot with my sister in the room, but his expressive eyes speak volumes.
“You should’ve immediately called us.” His quiet strength lets me know he’s not happy that I was injured and Blaze called them before I did. That’s the only way they could’ve figured this out. I feel guilty I didn’t call.
“I was never really in danger. It’s just painful.”
Jenny releases me from the long hug, then throws herself back against the couch as I sit up to give her room. Rich moves over to a chair and takes a seat, both of their eyes on me. Rich looks me over, assuring himself that I’m not going to collapse at any second.
“When Blaze called and told me what happened, I was terrified. I called Rich and demanded he pick me up and we come right away,” Jenny says in her adorable overly dramatic way.
“She didn’t have to demand anything. An army couldn’t have kept me away,” Rich says. If I was held captive by someone, he’d turn into Rambo and rescue me. How was I so damn foolish as to think I didn’t need my siblings? They are the best people I know. There’s so much I’ve done wrong in my life. I vow to change it right here and now.
I give them both a smile. “It really hasn’t been that bad. Blaze got me medical help right away. Besides being achy and weak, I was never in danger. I just hate being locked down. I haven’t been able to work, and I despise being on the pain pills. But every single hour I get better and better.”
“Don’t you dare downplay this as you do everything else in your life, Cor. Snakes are evil, just look at the Bible and the disaster that happened in Eden.” A shudder runs through her. “I’d die if one struck out at me. You’re a lot braver than I am, though.”
I laugh at this. “You’re positively fearless. I’d give anything to have the courage to do ten percent of what you do. I don’t think the snake would bite you anyway; you’re too dang sweet.”
Her beautiful laughter filters through the air as she beams at me. “I love you so much, Cor. Now, just admit you were scared.” She gives me her most intimidating look, which couldn’t scare a ladybug.
I laugh again. It feels good. “Okay, maybe I was atadscared.” Jenny’s appeased by my concession.
Rich chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “It appears you were very lucky to have Blaze taking care of you. Seems like the man can handle a crisis.” I hear the faint edge of suspicion in his voice.
“How did you end up with Blaze again? It’s been killing me ever since he called. You didn’t tell us you’ve been dating.” Jenny’s eyes narrow on me.
I could try to keep this from my siblings. I was doing good without them here, but my sister’s very good at drawing out information a person doesn’t want to give. My brother’s even better, and he does it all without you realizing you’ve spilled your guts. The man should work for the CIA.
“Blaze showed up not long after the two of you left that lunch where you gifted me a gigolo.” They both go silent as they look at me. It feels good to shock the two of them for once.
“The same day?” Jenny asks.
“Yep, the same day. I thought he was the gigolo, and he didn’t correct me.”
They both gape at me before Rich bursts out laughing. “You called Blaze a gigolo?” Rich chokes on his laughter. “You do realize the man is far too wealthy to sell his body.” I glare at him.
“Yep, and he took full advantage of it, not telling me he wasn’t the man for hire until the end of our weekend.”
Jenny’s eyes widen and then she bounces on the couch as she claps her hands. She’s so damn full of life, it lifts my spirts even more. I don’t know how someone can possibly be around this woman without happiness infusing their blood.
“Oh, that’s amazing. Did you totally get your freak on?” Rich groans as his laughter dies and he swipes his hand over his face.
“Yes.” I’m not even ashamed. If they feel it’s okay to hire a gigolo, my brother gets the consequences coming his way. He groans again as he looks at the floor. “Then he told me the truth, he wasn’t the gigolo, but he has a box he got from some woman, but then the box was sitting on his gramps desk. I don’t know, it’s confusing. But he needed help in solving the clues, so I’ve been helping him.” I don’t go into detail on the box. That will take us all afternoon.
“Oh, this is amazing, Cor,” Jenny says. “You were never happier than you were that summer you spent with Blaze. I’m so happy even if you were bitten, but he was a knight in shining armor so I guess that’s all just part of the magic.” Jenny’s mind spins so fast it’s hard to keep up with her.
“It's certainly been magical.” A pang tugs at my heart as I think about how wonderful it’s been. Blaze has been at my side all through this recovery. His steady presence is my strength when I’ve needed him the most. But sitting here with my siblings, I can’t shake the nagging fear gnawing at me. He left me once, and I have no doubt he’ll leave me again. It terrifies me. I don’t voice this.
Luckily, my bubbly sister changes the subject. “Guess what, Cor?”
“What?” I’m glad to focus on her instead of my certain doomed relationship.
“I’m being sent to Fiji to blog about this absolutely glorious resort there. It’s all inclusive, first class all the way. Can you even imagine? White sandy beaches, crystal clear water, unlimited food and drink. It’s a dream. You have to come with me!”
“When are you going?”
“In two weeks. Please say you’ll come?” It’s a question, but we both know it’s more of a demand. I’m shocked that I want to go with her. I’ll be on break from school so there really wouldn’t be anything stopping me from going. Still, I hesitate.
