Page 27 of Memphis

“It’s fine. I get it.” I tossed the wet towel in the sink as I told him, “I need to get going anyway. I still need to find a hotel.”

“You’re staying?”

“Afraid so.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. A few days. Maybe more.”

“That’s really not necessary. I’m...”

“I’m staying, Weston.”

“So, what are you going to do about finding a place?”

“I don’t know. I thought I’d ride around a bit and see what I could find that’s close by.”

“It’s dark out.”

“Yeah, and?”

“It isn’t safe.”

“I’ll manage.”

“You’re not just going to drive around and look for a damn hotel. It’s too fucking dangerous for that shit.”

“Look at you acting like you actually care.”

“Don’t start with that shit. You know...”

“Okay, fine! I’ll call around and see what I can find.”

“Just stay at my place.”

“What?”

“Don’t make a big deal of it,” he pressed. “Just stay at my place. It’s not far from here, and I’ll know you’ll be safe.”

“It’s nice that you’re so concerned with my safety and all, but I’ll be fine at a hotel.”

“This isn’t up for discussion, Antonia. If you’re staying, then you’re staying at my place. Period.”

“Okay, fine. Whatever you say.”

“My keys are in the closet on the top shelf. Grab ‘em, and I’ll get ya the house key.”

I nodded, then stepped over to the closet and grabbed the keys. I handed them to Weston and waited patiently as he removed the house key from the ring. As he handed it to me, I told him, “I’ll need the address.”

“I’ll text it to you.”

“Okay.” I stepped over to the chair and grabbed my purse before saying, “I’ll be back sometime tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here.”

I held his gaze for a moment, then smiled and walked out of the room. I’d barely stepped through the door when I spotted Preacher standing in the hall. He motioned me over, and I couldn’t miss the sound of hope in his voice as he asked, “How’s he doing?”

“It’s hard to say, but I think he’s a little better.” I shrugged. “He went to therapy, and she said he did really well.”

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