Page 47 of Toxic Wishes

“Okay, spit it out, Josh. Where do I come into play.”

“You can help by letting her stay here.”

“What?” My voice carries since I almost yell when I hear the words of what I know would be a bad idea come out of his mouth.

“Colt, please. She needs some security right now. Not only that, she dated a crazy guy back in Cali and I’m pretty sure if he finds her, he’ll hunt her down or do something crazy. The guy isn’t stable. I never liked him from the start, but it took Abigail a year to finally see how dangerous he was and get away from him, it’s part of why she moved back.”

“Jesus.” I rake a hand through my hair and shake my head.

“C’mon Colt. You know you don’t need the money. You and Bodie go to Disney World or the Bahamas or wherever the fuck he wants to go during the summer anyway.”

“Hey, watch the tone,” I gritted my teeth. My son was my world, my saving grace.

“This lake house is a perfect spot for her to save up some money while she works before she has to return to reality. The girl needs a break. And I’m just trying to relieve that of her. She gets stressed to the point that she, well, she hurts herself.”

“Hurts herself? Is she suicidal or something.”

“No, she’s just her worst enemy.” He says before confining, “And I’m not the big-shot NFL player who has rental properties. If I did, believe me, I would be helping her out in a heartbeat.”

I gape at him out of the corner of my eye, trying to figure out what the hell he is talking about.

“She’s been through a lot, man. Seriously. Just cut her a break.”

I turn my whole torso to face him.

“If you are so concerned about her, why didn’t you date her then? What is it? Did you guys used to fuck in the past or something?”

“Shh, keep your voice down,” he looks back at the house. “No. Believe me, I tried, but Abigail doesn’t let everyone in, and a part of her picks guys that she knows will only hurt her because she’s a martyr, but once I knew I didn’t have a chance with her, it didn’t mean I didn’t like hanging out with her. Abigail, she’s-”

I stare at him, waiting for his answer.

“She’s what?” My brother has to have feelings toward her, or he wouldn’t go out of his way to protect her.

Did Blake have the same feelings?

“She’s like a bittersweet symphony. You're not sure if she will sting or shower you with love. Ya know? She’s unpredictable, mysterious. It’s what I love about her, but it also drives me crazy. Because I never can figure out what is going through that head of hers. She doesn’t ask for help easily. And now that I know she knew Blake, it all makes sense.”

“What does?” I ask, getting irritated with all his unsolved riddles

“Why she make a wish at 11:11 every day.” Josh says.

“Did someone say wish?” Abigail says, and we both turn to face her.

“Yup, sure did,” Josh walks up to her and takes the plate out of her hand.

“Thank you for that. You were right, I was starving.” She says.

“I know my Asher.”

My Asher, he just told me they never dated. Why would he call her his? And why does it annoy me to the nth degree if he does?

A faint smile crosses her lips, and it’s something I haven’t witnessed before. She has a beautiful smile, and it makes her whole face light up.

“Well, I better get going. I don’t want to intrude. I know you have company that you need to…tend to,” she looks at me with a smirk.

“No, wait, stay. There's something I wanted to talk to you about,” Josh looks over his shoulder. “What we both want to talk to you about.” He eyes me as if to say, you better not say no.

I can’t believe I was doing this. Did I want to do this? I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that a part of me wanted to protect her too.

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