Page 22 of Rock On

“Sometimes it’s about what you need instead of what you want.”

What the hell did that even mean?

She paused, as if she had something more to say.

“What?” I asked. “You might as well say whatever it is that’s on your mind.”

“There are places you can go to get help. If nothing else, find a therapist.”

I frowned, getting irritated. “What makes you think I need help?”

“Because no matter how you rationalize the way you were driving, deep down you know you were reckless. The way you and Harley went at it the other night was also reckless. There’s a lot of reckless in your life and at some point, it’s going to catch up to you. So why not deal with whatever’s going on while you’re rehabbing the knee? Whether it’s lingering emotional issues stemming from Carter’s death, getting some closure from the divorce, whatever. You have to stop sweeping it under the rug, Tommy.”

I opened my mouth to snap at her but couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“I appreciate your advice,” I said cautiously. “But you don’t know a damn thing about what I’ve been dealing with.”

“I know that you slept with your ex-wife last night and left her physically bruised and emotionally battered,” she responded in an even tone. “I understand it was consensual. However, what happened last night wasn’t healthy. Not for you and definitely not for her.”

I didn’t say anything because I was too groggy to dig into what she was trying to tell me. However, I didn’t like hearing that I’d left bruises on Harley. I hadn’t given the physical parts of what we’d done a second thought. Other than the hickey, I hadn’t realized I’d left bruises.

And now I felt like shit.

“Tell her I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“You should tell her yourself.” She slipped out of the room without another word.

Leaving me more confused and frustrated than ever.

EIGHT

Harley

I sat in the waiting room in the hospital as if I had a right to be here.

Visiting hours were over, Tommy and I were no longer related, and he probably didn’t want to see me anyway.

But I couldn’t bring myself to leave.

When Wynter finally came out from visiting him, I was almost breathless waiting for the news.

“He’s fine,” she said, nodding. “Awake, alert, and his usual cranky self when he doesn’t feel good.”

“Thank god.” I let out a huge breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

“The damage to the skin on his shoulder should heal well if he does what he’s supposed to, and I don’t think the dislocated knee will keep him out of commission too long. Again, if he does what he’s supposed to.”

“He’s a terrible patient,” I murmured.

“He is,” she agreed. “I just yelled at him about it, but you know Tommy.”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“Why don’t you go home and let the babysitter get home too?”

I lifted my hands in a somewhat helpless gesture. “I can’t leave him. He doesn’t know I’m here, but my gut tells me I need to be. In my heart of hearts, he’s still my husband.”

She sighed and sank down next to me. “Sweetie, you know I adore the big jerk. He’ll always be a brother to me, but you are actually my sister, and you come first. You and Tommy need to clear the air or neither of you are ever going to get any peace. I can’t possibly understand your dynamic since I’ve never been married, but the two of you were so in love… it’s almost painful to see you apart. One of you has to make the first move, to find a way to let go of the past. If you don’t, I’m afraid neither of you will ever move on.” She squeezed my shoulder. “Now I’m going home because I have to be back here tomorrow. Plus it’s ridiculous to pay the babysitter for you to just sit here staring at the walls.”

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