Page 22 of Drifting

“That works. Would you mind…” I point to my back, blushing. “Can you unsnap my bra, please?”

“Oh, sure.” She reaches around and unsnaps my bra.

When my bra gets stuck on my arm cast she helps me get unsnagged and pulls the bra out from under my shirt.

“Do you want help putting your clothes away?” Patty stands and opens the first door next to the one that leads to the hall. “You have a walk-in closet.”

I lean over to check it out and laugh when I see that it goes on forever. It will take a lifetime to fill that up with clothes. “I’ll put my stuff away later. Can you help me to the bathroom, instead?”

“Of course.” She helps me off the bed, then opens the last door in the room.

On one foot, I hop into the bathroom. The tile on the floor and around the sink are off-white as are the toilet and bathtub. The walls are, too, except for one that’s painted dark blue in contrast.

When I finish, I hop back to the bed and get comfortable on it. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. I still can’t believe the time you spent working on this room. I love it.”

Patty smiles widely. “You’re welcome. I’ll let you rest, now. If you need anything, just yell.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Having Peter, a man I don’t know, carry me around the house quickly gets weird and tiring. I’m glad when the wheelchair gets here. Peter canceled his vacation and went back to work. The only problem now is getting to the wheelchair is a major pain.

I end up mostly staying in my room, watching TV or reading. It has everything I need, anyway. Peter and Patty even bought me a small refrigerator and stocked it with water and Dr. Pepper.

At night, I lie in bed, going over the accident. Why would someone purposely want to hurt me? It doesn’t make sense. They could have easily killed me. The way the helmet was strapped in, I couldn’t see much of the guy’s face, just his cold eyes and the twisted smile that haunts my dreams. Sometimes, I swear it was Roger behind the helmet.

I run my hand over my eye and around my cheek. It’s not possible. It couldn’t be him. Roger has no idea where I ran to. It doesn’t matter, now. I’m long gone from that city.

Nightly, Patty tries to get me to come out and spend the evenings with them, but I don’t want to get used to all of this luxury and wholesome family bullshit. That way, when she goes back to using and Peter kicks us out, it won’t be as hard to go back to having nothing.

I promised her a year. Once that’s up, I’m gone. I don’t see our relationship changing enough to make me want to stay. Though, I don’t know if I can leave my bed. I might ask if I can take this with me. It feels like I’m sleeping on a cloud.

One night after dinner, Patty comes into my room. “Can we talk?”

I pause the TV.

“I finally got a hold of Brett—”

“How’s Cin?” I interrupt. “Is she okay? Can I talk to her?”

“Brett told me Cindy’s the same spoiled brat as always.” She holds up her hand to stop my instant anger. “His words, not mine. She’s in deep trouble for running away and taking the car. They shut off her phone as punishment, and she’s grounded and not allowed to talk to you. It’s been a while since I spoke to him, but he seemed confused.”

Something’s not right. Uncle Brett gave Cin that car when she finished fixing it, and he registered it in my name. “Were you able to talk to her, at least?”

Patty’s eyes are cast down. “No, Brett wouldn’t let me.”

“Then, how am I supposed to know if she’s okay? I’m not taking his word for it. She was missing for three years, and he never reported it.”

“I don’t know what to tell you.” Her brow furrow. “When Brett and I were talking, there was a lot of yelling in the background.”

“We have to do something,” I protest. “That woman is a viper. I saw it firsthand, and I know she wouldn’t think twice about hurting Cin.”

“I understand your concern, and I spoke to Peter. He emailed his lawyer to find out if there’s anything we can do, but without proof, our hands are tied. Cindy’s word isn’t good enough, especially since she ran away once already. I’m sorry.”

“Can’t Peter pay someone off?” I ask desperately. “Isn’t that how being rich works? I’ll get a job to pay him back.”

Patty gives me a sad smile. “I’ll keep trying, but I can’t promise you anything.”

Heaviness fills my body. “I get it.”

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