Page 75 of Wildest Dreams

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

TRIPP

I'm not alone for very long when Aspen walks through the door.

“Hey,” she smiles, sadness still evident in her pretty hazel eyes.

“Hey,” I sigh as she sits in the chair next to me. “How are you?” I ask first, having to remember that she watched her best friend get murdered.

She drops her head, her fingers twisting her engagement ring around her finger. I wish I could take all her pain away.

Wish I could make all of this disappear.

Wish I could go back in time and stop all of this from happening.

“I'm so sorry Aspen,” and she finally looks at me, tears dampening her cheeks and she gives a little nod.

“I just...” she tries to speak but stops herself, shaking her head from side to side.

“I know,” I reason with her, I have no idea if it'll even make her feel better, but she shuffles forward and scoops my hand into hers, her thumb brushing back and forth across the back of it.

“You doing okay?” she asks me now and my heart thumps inside my chest.

“I've been better,” I smirk, head resting into the pillow.

“I bet, you've been through it.”

I nod.

“This is nothing in comparison to what Pacey has endured... and…” I went to mention Harlow but stopped myself.

“Don't invalidate your own trauma and injuries,” she scolds, wrinkles forming on her forehead as she furrows her brows.

“Sorry,” I roll my lips and I sigh.

“Where's Dixie?” she suddenly asks, looking around the room.

“No idea, haven't seen her in a couple of hours... Riggs went looking for her.”

“Oh,” she sounds surprised, but I am not sure if she is surprised about Riggs or Dixie running.

“Mm,” I hum just as my phone buzzes. “Can you grab that for me?” I ask Aspen and she stands and reaches for my phone that is sitting on the bed table at the foot of the bed. She passes it to me, and I see Rusty's message.

Rusty

Heard about the funeral, fuck man, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Send my love to Austin.

I swallow the lump down of the reminder that is burned into my retinas.

Me

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

Rusty

Btw, cars done. No rush. Took a little longer than expected as had to wait for parts but all good to go.

Me

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