Page 21 of Rock On

Was the speed and recklessness some sort of bullshit subconscious cry for attention?

Jesus, just thinking that made me uncomfortable.

“Here.” Z thrust his phone at me, and I watched the big eighteen-wheeler fishtailing all over again. Then I saw myself, and it was a little eerie to watch what I’d been doing. How fast I’d been going. Weaving in and out of traffic at a ridiculous speed. Not that anything would have changed the outcome. I hadn’t been responsible for what happened to the semi, but I could have—I should have—been a more responsible and defensive driver. My speed had undoubtedly added to the chaos.

“I’m really tired,” I muttered, handing him back his phone.

“Well, now that I know you’re going to be okay, I’m gonna head home,” Z said, his dark eyes intense as he looked at me. “You need to rest and then we need to talk.”

“All right.”

What else could I say?

“They couldn’t find your phone when they brought you in, so I ordered you a new one and I’ll bring it to you in the morning.”

“Thanks, man.” I held out my hand and he gripped it tightly.

“You scared the fuck out of us,” he said quietly.

“I’m sorry.”

I meant it.

I was a fuck-up sometimes, but after what had happened to Carter, I would never intentionally worry my friends.

“You should call your dad,” Wynter said. “I’m sure he’s been trying to reach you.”

Fuck.

I hadn’t even thought about my dad or brother. We usually only spoke once a year or so. Dad didn’t approve of my lifestyle, though he certainly hadn’t minded me paying off his mortgage or buying him a new truck. We just had nothing in common anymore and talking to them was stressful.

“Would you…” I turned to Z. “Could you reach out for me? Explain that I’m fine but my phone is trashed, and I’ll call tomorrow once you bring me the new one?”

Z nodded. “Absolutely.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll let you rest,” Wynter said once Z was gone. “I just wanted to check in.”

“Are you working tonight?” I asked her.

“No, but I came in when we heard about the accident and stuck around until you woke up.”

“You’re a good sister-in-law,” I said softly.

She smirked. “I know.”

I chuckled. “Any idea when I’m getting out of here?”

“Your doctor will be by in the morning.”

“I don’t even know what to do. We’re supposed to finish the album this week and start rehearsing for the tour.”

“Maybe this is a sign that you need to slow down. The universe might be trying to tell you something.”

Our eyes met and I wondered if she knew about last night with Harley.

“The universe has a shitty sense of humor,” I said.

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