Page 201 of Surprisingly Us

“How’s it feel to be thirty?” Griffin asks, letting his hand settle on Emma’s hip.

I shrug. “Pretty great. No complaints.”

The moment I say it, I realize it’s a water-downed version of what I’m feeling.

Life is fucking fantastic.

I’m surrounded by friends I truly enjoy. Good friends who don’t care what’s in my bank account or what party I can get them into. I’m feeling more positive about the foundation board’s vote on Monday, and I’m in love with Lettie.

Why haven’t I told her yet?

My eyes catch Hannah’s and she must notice the change in my expression. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I just realized I need to do something.”

My phone buzzes. I pull it out of my pocket to reveal Princess lit up on the screen.

“Your ears must have been ringing,” I answer with a smile.

“Rhys?” The woman sounds familiar, but it’s not Lettie.

“Yeah. Who’s this?” I ask.

“Rhys, it’s Meredith, Colette’s mom.”

“Oh, hi. I thought the caller ID said it was Lettie calling.” I pull the phone from my ear to check it again. Her name is there just like I put it in that first day with the tiara crown next to it.

“I’m using her phone. I left mine in the ambulance and they haven’t located it yet.”

My heart starts racing. “Ambulance? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, but Lettie was in an accident.”

Accident.

With one word, I’m taken back to a moment in time I’ve pushed to the far corners of my mind.

My chest collapses and I can’t breathe. It’s like someone has landed a punch right in my diaphragm and I’m wheezing.

As I attempt to recover from the emotional blow, the rest of the conversation is a blur, and I only hear bits and pieces.

“Rhys? Are you there?” Meredith asks, pulling me back to reality.

“Y-yeah. I’m here.” I shake my head trying to focus.

“She’s okay. A few bumps and bruises, and they’re monitoring her for a concussion.”

I manage to focus on Meredith’s words long enough to hear which hospital she’s at. Then I end the call.

“Lettie was in an accident,” I say, numbly.

Gasps and murmurs surround me. Everyone talking at once.

Is she okay?

What can we do?

Do you need a ride?

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