Page 46 of Forgiving Fate

Where is Allie? Why aren’t we on the road? How the hell did I get back to my house?

Looking down, I see my phone sitting on the ground a few feet away. “Mom, can you hand me my phone?”

Reaching over, she grabs the phone, wipes the water off the screen and hands it over. She says nothing, but the worried look on her face tells me all I need to know. She is scared and I want to reassure her, but I need to find Allie. I cannot fail her. Again.

Tapping the screen, I see a series of missed calls and texts and unlock the phone.

Ignoring all the messages from my brothers and work, I go straight to Allie’s message thread.

Allie: I’m fine. You don’t need to come over.

Swiping over, I check the time she sent the text, and it’s marked as being sent fifteen minutes ago.

My entire body sags in relief and I feel Dad step up closer behind me so I can lean on him.

Allie is fine. So what the hell happened?

I stare out at the open driveway, trying to retrace my steps and figure out what I’m missing. And when my eyes lock on the kicked up gravel near the back passenger side of my truck, everything clicks into place.

My hand goes to the back of my neck, and I shake my head. I’ve never known what rock bottom felt like but I can imagine it’s somewhere close to this.

“Landon. I really think we should call an ambulance, or at least Logan. Wes is out of state, or I would call him. You were saying some crazy things, so you must have hit your head pretty hard,” Mom says quietly, searching my face for a hint of what’s going on inside my head.

Shaking my head, I shift my legs to stand and feel Dad’s arms behind me, guiding me up as Mom stands in front of me, doing the same.

“I’m fine,” I say, stepping around Mom and heading inside.

I know they are right on my heels, so I don’t bother shutting the door. Not bothering to look behind me, I head straight for the kitchen and fill a glass with water.

Leaning against the counter, I hold the glass to my lips, close my eyes and, as the cool water hits my throat, I imagine it’s something much stronger. I can’t give into my inhibitions infront of my parents because they will see right through me. I’ve hidden it for years and they aren’t about to find out now.

When I open my eyes, I see Mom sitting at the counter and Dad behind her. Mom’s face is full of worry and Dad is staring at me like he’s trying to look for clues as to what’s up with me. I am a little hotheaded at times, but who isn’t with three brothers and a job that shows you the true evil in this world?

No one says anything and I don’t bother explaining. Whatever they are thinking in their heads is most likely not even close. Because the only person who sees the fire inside my veins that burns hotter than any brush fire is me, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone see that.

“Lan. What happened out there?”

Setting the glass on the counter behind me, I cross my arms over my chest and shrug, “I guess I slipped and hit my head on the ground.”

“You were out cold when we pulled up. It took us a few minutes to wake you up, son. That’s not a simple smack on the head.”

“I feel fine. If I get a headache or something, I will go get checked or go to Gray and Lo’s.”

“That’s a good place, honey, but that doesn’t explain why you woke up searching for a girl. I know I stay out of you boys’ business when it comes to relationships but–”

“Mom. There is no relationship. Everything is fine. I just slipped. It was raining and I lost my footing. People say crazy shit when they hit their heads sometimes.” I try to sound convincing, but it comes out as agitated and I know by the look on Dad’s face, he will not let it slide. I may be an adult, but nothing will stop either of them from calling any of us out on being an asshole. Especially Dad. He is fiercely protective of Mom, as he should be.

Dad steps out from behind Mom and sits in the seat next to her, his hands resting on the counter like he’s here for a business deal.

Fuck.I love them and they are worried, but I just want them to leave so I can have a drink and try to get some sleep.

“Here’s the deal. We weren’t just stopping by to say hello.” He pauses to have a silent conversation with Mom, and I roll my eyes. I know whatever they are about to say is going to end in me being a dickhead. I want to save them the trouble and just kick them out now before it escalates to that point, but I know it’s pointless to try. When Mom digs her heels into something, Dad is right behind her, keeping anyone involved from turning the conversation.

At this point, I don’t care. I will tell them whatever is close, but still far from the truth. As long as Allie doesn’t get brought into the conversation, it should be easy. I don’t want Mom getting any ideas about Allie needing anyone, even if she is just being nice. Allie needs time and space to herself and I happen to be the person she feels somewhat safe with that isn’t completely tied to her past.

Dad’s focus comes back to me, his deep blue eyes staring straight into mine. “We are worried about you. No one has heard from you in a few days. Since the last mission, your brothers have said it’s been radio silent. And before you get all up in arms, we know you need your space, but it’s been days. Noah said he tried calling you four times, and you didn’t answer. Wes got a tip on one of Carter’s cases but didn’t have his number. Tried to get it from you, but you didn’t answer. Gray–”

Putting my hands up, I stop him. “I got it, Dad. I haven’t been responding. Something must be up with my phone, because I haven’t heard from anyone. I thought they were all off doing their own thing since the last mission was…yeah.”

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