Page 58 of Fumble

“Is she okay? That’s messed up.” I take a deep breath, my heart aching that I have no idea how Faith’s doing right now.

“She was flustered, wanted to get away. I balled her out. I gave her crap for pulling away from me. I didn’t know.”

“Bro, you can’t berate yourself for something you said before you knew what went down.”

“She turned up at my hotel suite. She threw herself at me. She wanted to forget his grimy hands on her. I took her virginity. Not because she couldn’t get enough of me, but because someone violated her, and she needed to forget.”

“Fuck. Hunter. Is that what she said?”

“She didn’t need to. I didn’t question her behavior, and when she asked me to take her to bed, I couldn’t fucking stop myself.” Coop grabs the scotch, handing me the bottle.

“So, what’s the plan? I have a gun and a shovel. You’ll need help dragging that little sleazebag’s corpse.” Even in the darkest moments, Coop can make me laugh.

“Don’t tempt me. I’m one drink away from thinking that’s a great idea.”

Malcolm is the least of my worries right now. I need to talk to Faith.

“I need my phone. Malcolm can go fuck himself. I just want to check on Faith.”

My stomach bottoms out when he hands me my eerily blank cell. Powering it up, I’m bombarded with messages, emails, texts. Her name is there. Five unread messages.

Faith:Murphy told me you’re out of surgery. I’m glad you’re ok. Please let me come and be with you.

Faith: How are you feeling today?

Faith: Haven’t heard from you in a few days…

Faith: I want you to know I don’t regret what happened with you and me.

Faith: I miss you.

She stopped after two days. I don’t blame her, but selfishly I wish she hadn’t given up. Unsure if she’ll even want to hear from me now, I stare at the screen, wondering what to say.

Me: I’m sorry.

Me: I miss you, too.

Me: I love you.

Me: I don’t regret us.

Me: How are you?

She read it. The blinking dots are working, taunting me as I wait for her reply.

Faith: You care now?

Shit. I deserve that, but it still stings.

Me: More than I want to.

Faith: Good answer. You’re an ass for waiting this long.

Me: I know.

No response.

Me: I want to see you.

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