Page 23 of The Edge of Intensity

Parker is honest, direct, trustworthy, and seems to be interested in my sister. For a moment Cosima was too, even if she met him after being attacked and never actually saw his face. But with the complications and her recovering from what happened, she’s not taking any visitors. Especially not a guy she’s interested in.

“Hey, are you alright, Cosima?” I ask as I open the door.

Cosima curls into herself and I stay rooted in place.

“Hey, it’s just me, okay?” I tell her in a soothing voice.

She releases a frustrated growl. “I hate this shit. All I did was reach for the water bottle and I couldn’t even see the damn thing so it fell down. Then I stepped on it and almost broke my fucking neck. I’m disoriented from almost falling and didn’t know where the fuck I was standing in my room. Fuck!”

I can’t help but wince at the frustration, anger, and despair echoing in her voice. There are no comforting words I can give her. We both heard the doctor; these things take time and can only heal with rest. It’s the same with the other symptoms due to the concussion. She has issues with concentrating and with her memory, clearly feeling emotional, but who wouldn’t with the complications? The sleeping issues are also a pain because she needs the rest.

From here I notice the water bottle is half under the bed. “I’m stepping into the room.”

Cosima swings her arm out and I take her hand to guide her to the side of the bed.

“I hate this,” she murmurs and gets back into bed.

I snatch the bottle from underneath the bed. “Do you still want the water?”

She holds out her hand again. “Maybe we should switch the water with some alcohol ’cause I could really use the whole ‘drink myself into oblivion’ status right about now.”

“I get it.” Placing the water in her hand, I add, “But drinking booze will have to wait till your brain can handle it. Besides, adding painkillers to an alcohol cocktail will double the havoc inside your brain. Definitely not a good idea.”

“I hate it when you’re in charge, and I love it at the same time because you’ve really stepped out of your comfort zone. It’s me. I hate myself and feel so damn useless. I’m normally the one who looks after the both of us,” she grumbles.

Stepping closer, I place my hand on her arm and she jerks away from me.

“Shit. Sorry. I’m so damn jumpy. Another thing I fucking hate,” she growls. “I’m tired. Sorry. Maybe I can finally get some sleep.”

Emotions are clogging my throat. Feeling helpless sucks.

“Okay, let me know if you need anything,” I croak.

She doesn’t say anything and stays huddled in the blanket as I back out of the room. Closing the door behind me, I wander back to the living room where Parker is waiting for me.

“And?” he practically demands.

“She’s a ball of nerves and is angry at the world. So, leave her alone for at least another few weeks,” I snap.

Both Parker and Kathleen’s phones give a notification of an incoming message. Parker glances at his screen and turns it to me. I take in the message and release a deep breath. Hanging around the house waiting is one thing, knowing they have IDed Erwin and are about to enter his ranch, guns blazing is a whole other thing.

“Great, now I’m a ball of nerves,” I grumble and move toward the couch to let myself drop onto it.

The couch dips beside me. “It’s not the first time Rourke has faced danger or helped catch criminals. We’ve all had training and can surely handle a gun and hold our own during a fight.”

“Parker is right,” Kathleen states. “I’ve seen it as a kid growing up, and as an adult how the brotherhood works flawlessly together. Sitting here, waiting until they have it handled is way worse, but you’re helping by staying safe.”

“You’re one to talk,” I grumble.

Kathleen chuckles and points at the empty spot beside me. “Mind if I sit down?”

I smile at her thoughtfulness. “Thanks for asking.” I bump against Parker’s shoulder with my own. “Instead of simply plunking down like this one did.”

Parker shrugs. “You tolerate me now, I don’t need to ask. Besides, it’s not like I’m sitting on your lap.”

“Do you tolerate people once you get to know them?” Kathleen asks as she sits down.

I think about how to answer and all I come up with is, “Maybe. It gets easier when I’ve spent time with a person. Colt touched my shoulder earlier today when he wanted to give me some support and kindness when we’re talking about a heavy subject. Yes, I might tolerate more once I know and trust them.”

---