Page 24 of Medusa's Revenge

“Don’t. Don said you owe him thirty dollars. He bet me you’d say those exact words.” We laugh. “Here are your keys, one for you, Amelia, and your parents.” My mom takes them while raising her eyebrow at me. I roll my eyes. “Did she not know you’re shacking up with my sister?”

“Mom, meet my boss, TJ, and Amelia's brother of Amelia. He’s a smartass who likes to cause problems.” TJ feigns innocence by touching his chest. I roll my eyes, laughing. They shake hands.

“Thank you so much for everything you and your family have done for my son. If anything happened to him and he was alone, I’d never forgive myself.”

“Mom.” She waves me off as she wipes her tears away. TJ stays for a few more minutes while I drink my lunch. I fall asleep as my body is still healing. The voices in the background comfort me, so I’m not alone, and I should be awake visiting, but I can’t force my eyes open right now. Sleep is wonderful.

“Noah, it’s dinner time. The doctor wants you to eat.” My mom’s voice was in my ear, and her hand was on my shoulder, shaking me awake. “Noah.” My eyes flutter open again.

“How long have I been asleep?” I ask, stretching my body. I hissed out in pain.

“A few hours. Physical therapy came and left. You were completely out. They will be by in the morning for you since you seem more alert.” Moving the bed so I can sit up better and move the tray closer to me. I dig into the milkshake first—chocolate.

“Afternoons are best for my naps. I hate being so sleepy, but the nurse says it's better for me to sleep. Mom, I feel lazy just lying around.”

“I know, baby. You need to do what your body tells you. Remember, after my surgery, I needed to sleep. I was better in no time.” My mom had fallen on some ice and broken hershoulder and leg. She was miserable. I recall her sleeping every time I went over to see her.

“I didn’t think of it like that. I just want to be in my bed around my stuff, Amelia close to me. Mom, do you think she'll leave me once the bandages come off?”

“She doesn’t seem like that kind of woman. Amelia cares about you, and she’s fighting for you to get better. I think she wants you home just as much as you do.” I smile. Mom opens her mouth to say something else, but Dad walks in with a couple of bags and a smile.

“Got it all. I explained the situation on the phone, and your mom verified some information while you slept. The store employee transferred all of your stuff to this new phone. I’m sorry, but the iPhone is gone. I just couldn’t do it.” I laughed as my Dad shivered. I checked out my new Samsung phone and texted Amelia right away.

ME: Merida, I’m now back with electronics. My Dad did some errands for me.

MERIDA: How are you feeling? I’m glad I can talk to you whenever I feel like it.

ME: I’m good. I stretched, but it hurt. I slept when physical therapy came, but I’ll start that tomorrow.

MERIDA: I don’t know when I’ll get there to see you. It might be tomorrow or the next day. I’m trying to figure things out here. I also need to work my shifts at the club.

ME: I get it. You do your thing. I got my parents here and TJ has been here a few times to entertain us. Smitty even came by. Don and Charlotte are cooking food for me.

MERIDA: Sounds like you don’t even miss me.

ME: I miss you. I miss the feel of your body next to mine. I miss feeling your breath on my neck as you curl up next to me after I fuck you to sleep. I miss your pussy milking my cock. I miss your lips on my lips, chest, and cock.

MERIDA: Damn.

MERIDA: GIF of a waterfall

I barked out a laugh making my parents jump as the room was quiet. They were talking about something.

“Sorry. Texting with Amelia.” I tell them. They smile at me and my mom’s face has this weird glassy eye like she’s drunk and not able to focus. I don’t ask any questions but spend some time messaging with Amelia and TJ.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Medusa

Placing my phone in my back pocket, I smile at the patron who just sat beside me. I’m bartending tonight, and it’s a busy one. The girls are dancing tonight. Once a week, we have a night where we have all females stripping on the stage and lots of different specials on beer and whiskey drinks.

“What can I get you?” I yell over the music playing. It’s just a heavy beat that a local DJ made for us while we waited for the dancers to begin.

“Can I get a draft of whatever you have on tap?” He smiles at me. I nod. I ask him if he’s good with an IPA or just regular. Igave him one of our local ales. I tell him the price and he hands me a fifty telling me to keep the change. I thank him and he stops me as I head to the next customer. “Do you know where I can find Amelia Baxter?”

“Why do you want her?” I almost snapped at him but stopped myself. I don’t want to give it away that I’m who he is looking for.

“A business opportunity.” His voice is so casual. “Is she here tonight?”

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