Page 153 of Twisted Collide

It comes out before I can stop it.

I wanted to be tough—to stand up for myself and demand an apology for how much she’s hurt me. But I can’t help it. A tear rolls down my cheek.

“Josie. Oh my God. Your father told me. I’m getting in my car right now—”

You’re better than this, Josie. Donotlet anyone walk all over you. Not even your mom. Especially not your mom.

I suck in a breath, forcing myself to harden. “Mom. Stop.”

“You’re not okay. You have a—” A sob breaks from her throat, so I finish the sentence for her.

“A concussion. Oh, I know. People get concussions every day. It’s really nothing for you to worry about.”

“But you’re in the hospital.”

“And I’m being released tomorrow.”

“I’m getting in my car now—”

“It’s the middle of the night. You aren’t driving here right now.”

“But you need me.”

That’s rich, coming from her. I needed her when she kicked me out. I needed her to tell me who my father was, and she didn’t do that either.

“Actually . . . I don’t. I needed you months ago. Hell, I needed you years ago. But I don’t need you now. Bye, Mom.”

I hang up the phone before she can say anything else.

More tears threaten to spill. If I let them flow, I fear they’ll never stop. So, I take in a deep breath and stare out the window.

Be strong, Josie.

Just because someone gave you life doesn’t mean they need to be in yours.

68

DANE

I don’t makeit very far. I don’t even make it to my car.

Instead, I decide to walk around the hospital. I don’t want to talk to anyone or see anyone, but I don’t want to leave. I pace back and forth, and then finally, probably an hour later, I head back inside the hospital. I already know what room she’s in, so I head in that direction.

When I make it, I find the door closed.

I knock once and hear the loud thud of footsteps. The door opens, and Robert is there. He looks at me, raising a brow. “I wanted to see if I could see Josephine.”

“Let me see if she’s up for visitors.”

The door closes a second later, and his footsteps retreat. I can’t hear anything, so he must be near her bed, but another second passes. When he opens the door this time, his face looks sunken in. I already know the answer before he even speaks. I nod myunderstanding.

“Dane.”

I shake my head again.

“It’s okay. I know it’s my fault.” I turn and leave, giving him no room to object.

69

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