Page 18 of Rock On

“You know I’m right.” Wynter reached out and put her hand on my arm. “How are you going to have another baby in the condition you’re in?”

“I haven’t made a final decision about that,” I murmured.

“Deep down, you know you have. I saw the postcard from the clinic reminding you of your upcoming appointment.”

“I can barely take care of myself, so how can I get pregnant again?”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t know what I’d tell River if I left for two weeks, much less more.”

“Mommy’s working, just like Daddy used to go away to work all the time. And I’ll be here to help. You have to do something, sis. You have to recognize what a risky path you’re on. You’re not a danger to yourself or anyone else yet, but it’s coming. Is that a chance you’re willing to take?”

We stared at each other for a long time.

“I keep thinking it’s going to get better,” I whispered after a while. “That I can’t grieve for Carter and my marriage forever.”

“I know, sweetie. That’s why I think Harmony Place is perfect for you.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Think hard, Harley.”

“Give me a few days.”

“All right, but I’m not going to forget.”

“Believe me, neither am I.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I wiped my hands on the dishtowel before looking to see what it said.

PRESLEY: Hey, Z asked me to text and let you know there’s been an accident. Tommy was on his bike when an eighteen-wheeler jack knifed. We don’t know any details yet but he’s on his way to Los Angeles Medical. That’s where your sister works, right? Maybe she can get some information?

“Oh no,” I breathed.

“Is everything okay?” Wynter asked in alarm.

“It’s Tommy.”

“What happened? Is he okay?”

“We don’t know the details yet, but he was in an accident and is on his way to L.A. Medical.”

“How bad?” She already had her phone in her hand, texting someone.

“I don’t know. Let me ask.”

HARLEY: Do you know how bad it is?

PRESLEY: He’s alive and was alert enough to call Z, but that’s all we know.

“They don’t know much.” I showed her the text.

“All right. Let me see what I can find out. Hang tight.”

My gut clenched painfully.

I couldn’t imagine a world without Tommy in it.

---