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As soon as I get out of this water, I'm getting a construction job. I'm out of this business. I'm gonna make Sarah my wife and I'm gonna make her the happiest woman alive.
I breach the surface after a long time, making sure I have time to decompress. The storm is already in full sway, though, rain pounding on my helmet and whipping up the lake all around me. I'm knocked under by a big wave right after I see Johnny waving at me.
It's like something out of a movie; the wind is howling, the rain is lashing down, and I'm struggling to keep my head above water. I can barely see my hand in front of my face, and I can't hear anything over the roar of the storm. But I know I have to keep going, have to get to the shore and safety. For Sarah.
I start swimming, and it's the hardest thing I've ever done. The waves are huge, and they keep crashing over me, knocking me under and tossing me around like a rag doll. I can feel the cold seeping into my bones, and I'm gasping for breath. But I can't stop, I can't give up. I have to get to Sarah.
Finally, after what seems like hours, I see the shore looming ahead of me. I push myself harder, my arms and legs burning with the effort. I can hear Johnny shouting, urging me on, and I know I'm not alone. I'm not going to die out here.
As I reach the shore, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I've made it. I've survived. And I'm going to get out of this business, start a new life with Sarah. I crawl up onto the muddy bank, gasping for breath, raindrops pelting my face. Johnny's there, helping me to my feet, and I see the worry etched on his face.
"You okay, man?"
I nod, unable to speak just yet. But I know what I need to do. I need to get a construction job, something safer. I can't risk my life anymore. For Sarah.
"I'm fine," I finally manage to say. "But I think it's time for a change."
Johnny claps me on the back, a smile breaking through the worry. "I think you're right, man. Let's get the hell out of here and dry off."
Chapter twenty-one
Sarah
Inormallyloverainydays, but not when the man I love is working in a lake.
We part ways for the day and I head to my office in town, a tiny little place upstairs from the Snowcap Diner. I watch as the storm clouds roll in, as rain streams down the windows. I keep glancing at my phone, waiting for a call from Jake or at least a text telling me they're wrapping up early for the day and that he's headed home...
But nothing comes.
I tell myself he's fine. That there's probably just no signal out at the worksite, that he's smart and professional. He's only had good things to say about his partner on this gig, Johnny, and I'm certain he's in good hands.
But that doesn't make me feel better, especially when the lightning storm begins.
I know it's stupid, but I grab my keys impulsively and head out into the storm. As promised, Eli fixed up my car, and I hop in and start it up, the engine barely audible over the pounding rain. I need to warn Jake about the weather, or at least to make sure he's okay.
I race down the slick roads, not caring about the dangers of driving in such a storm. All I can think is that I need to see Jake. I need to know he's safe. The raindrops slam into the windshield, making it hard to see. The wipers move back and forth, but they can barely keep up with the torrential downpour. I grip the steering wheel tighter and push harder on the gas pedal, trying to get there faster.
The storm just keeps coming though, lightning striking and thunder booming just outside the windows. I realize with a start that I might be putting myself in more danger than anything else, that Jake is probably ensconced somewhere safe and dry while I'm stuck out in this storm...
...then there's light everywhere, blinding me.
I cry out and blink my eyes, desperately trying to wrangle control of the car again. I think lightning just struck right in front of me--but I only have a second to process that before my tires hit the shoulder and I skid...
...right into a tree.
Pain explodes in my chest as the airbag slams into my body. Dazed and disoriented, I try to move, but something's wrong. It feels like my leg is pinned under the dash. Panic grips me as I realize I'm trapped. The rain pounds down on the car, and I can hear the whoosh of rushing water, making me wonder if a flash flood is coming.
Trying to keep calm, I reach for my phone to call for help, but it's nowhere to be found. I must have dropped it during the crash. Fear takes over and I start to scream for Jake, hoping he'll hear me somehow. The pain in my chest is excruciating, but I push through it and keep yelling for him until I'm hoarse.
Then, I hear something.
A faint sound in the distance, like someone shouting back. I strain to listen, and there it is again, getting closer. It's Jake's voice, and relief floods through me. I blink when some sweat drips into my eye, and my heart hammers when I realize it's blood.
This is...this is worse than I thought.
I need help.
I just hope Jake gets here soon.
