Page 155 of Unspoken Rules

I hold his gaze and sigh. “I can stay.”

I move back to the chair and sit. He doesn’t say anything, and I wonder if he fell asleep again. And if he just wants me to sit here while he does.

“I didn’t mean here in the hospital, but here in Oregon. I was hoping when I got sent home you’d be there.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping he doesn’t see the look on my face.

“Work is in Boston. It’s new and—”

“Not even for like a week? No offense, but I don’t want my dad washing my ass, Bry.”

I chuckle at that. Honestly, it’s kind of funny. “He’s done it plenty of times before.”

“Yeah, when I was a kid. Come on, Bryson. Please? At least see if you can get a few days off.”

I sigh heavily, running a hand through my hair. “When are you supposed to be going home?”

“Doctor said as early as tomorrow.”

I think about it for a minute, then nod. “I’ll talk to my boss and see what I can do, but no promises.”

“Thanks, Bry. Best friend ever.” He grins, closing his eyes again.

“Yeah. Best friend ever.”

Chris does fall asleep this time. Even starts snoring. I stay in the chair, unable to move. Or not wanting to face Cole because how do I tell him that I agreed to stay? And more, that Chris wants me to stay with them to help him? I mean, I could not tell him that and instead tell Chris my boss won’t allow it. But that makes me feel shitty.

Chris wants me there for him. I should be there for him. Especially after what I did, even if he doesn’t remember it. I do. Maybe this is the way to clear my conscience.

When Tabitha shows up, I get up to leave. I haven’t seen her in years, but she looks exactly the same, only with a little grey in her hair.

She gives me a hug; we share a few words, and I ask her to let Chris know I’m only out in the waiting room if he asks.

“Cole is still out there,” she tells me.

“Thanks,” I mutter, then head for the door.

“He told me.”

I freeze, slowly turning toward her.

“What?”

She gives me a sad smile. “He told me. And though it’s a difficult situation, I’ve always believed that people should follow their hearts. We only have one life to live; you shouldn’t waste it being unhappy. Chris will understand one day.”

“And if he doesn’t?” I ask.

Though I have no idea why that’s what comes out of my mouth. There are a million other things I could have said.

“If he doesn’t… at least you have each other.”

Strange words coming from a mother. From anyone, honestly. It’s hard to look at Cole and I’s situation from the outside. Of course there will be people who support our relationship. Plenty of people who don’t. Problem is, one of the most important people doesn’t support it.

I’m not the kind of person who puts my worth into a relationship. Yes, Cole makes me feel better, but work makes me feel good too. I don’t need Cole to be happy. I just need him to make me feel better. But there are other ways to be better. I haven’t found them yet, but I will. I mean, look how much getting a job helped. How being independent and getting my own place helped. All these things help me but I didn’t know because I’d never done them. So no, I don’t need Cole, but damn, I really do want him.

And it may always be like that. Cole may be the person I never get over. Sometimes, that’s just life. You can’t always have the things you want. I’ve accepted that at this point. Because the anger Chris showed us that night he found us? I don’t want to be the cause of that again. I don’t want to be the cause of anyone’s pain.

Cole told Tabitha?

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