Page 56 of Nova

A lump forms in my throat. Thomas and I are not on speaking terms, but he is still my stepdad. ''Is he…is he okay?''

''He's stable for now, but the doctors say his condition is serious. We're at University Medical.''

''I'm on my way. I'll see you soon, Jackson.''

''You don't have to come, Promise.'' Jackson's voice sounds pained.

''I know I don't, but I'm coming anyway. I'll be there in fifteen minutes.'' I hang up with Jackson, abandon my shopping cart, and rush out of the store. Fender is at the entrance waiting on me when I come out.

''What's wrong?'' he asks, taking in my current state.

''I got a call from my brother. My stepdad had a heart attack. I'm heading to the hospital now.''

''I'll follow you.''

Fender straddles his bike the same time I climb into my car. Less than fifteen minutes later, I pull up to the hospital, and Fender follows me inside and up to the fifth floor. Jackson is standing at the nurse's station when I step off the elevator. ''Jackson!'' I call out to him.

He takes in Fender, who is behind me with a confused look but doesn't ask questions. ''Hi, Promise.'' Jackson pulls me in for a hug. He then holds his hand out to Fender. ''Hi, I'm Jackson, Promise's stepbrother.''

Fender takes Jackson's offered hand, and they shake. ''Fender,'' he grunts. He then nods toward a small waiting area. ''I'll wait over there.''

Leaving Fender, I walk with Jackson, following him into a hospital room.

''What the hell is she doing here?'' Avery's voice rings out the moment I step in.

''I called her,'' Jackson informs his sister.

''What for? She's not wanted.''

''Promise is still a part of this family, Avery.''

Avery scoffs. ''The bitch is no family of mine.''

I'm about to say something, but a voice over my shoulder beats me to it. ''You'd be smart to watch the way you talk to my woman.''

I turn to see Cain standing behind me just inside the door to the room. Fender must have called him when I got the news about Thomas.

''Your woman?'' Avery looks to Cain and then back to me. ''You sure don't waste any time moving on from Brad. And you call me a slut.''

Closing my eyes, I pray for the strength to not be petty. Lucky for me, my man doesn't wish for the same thing because Cain has no problem defending my honor. ''Well, in my book, an unattached woman, no matter how long she has been that way, goes out and finds another man, does not make her a slut. A woman who spreads her legs for engaged or otherwise attached men is the definition of a slut.'' Cain's gaze stays on Avery as he enunciates each word, leaving Avery with her mouth gaped open. It takes every ounce of self-control not to laugh. Considering my stepdad is lying in a hospital bed five feet away, laughing would not be appropriate. Although the current show between Avery and Cain is far from proper.

Just as Avery goes to open her mouth again, Jackson cuts her off. ''Zip it, Avery. Now is not the time for your shit.''

Only Avery doesn't listen. She never does. ''This is so typical. You're always taking up for Promise. Everything is always about her.''

Is she serious?

''Avery, I have no clue what you are talking about, but Jackson is right. Now is not the place or time.''

''Shut up, Promise. You don't get to come in here acting like the perfect daughter when you haven't been around in weeks.''

''For Christ sakes, Avery. What is your problem? Your father just had a heart attack and is laid up in this bed,'' I point to my left. ''And all you want to do is run your damn mouth.''

''You're my problem,'' Avery points and accusing finger at me.

''I've never done anything to you, Avery!'' I yell, having had enough of her bullshit.

''It's because of you my dad is in here!'' Avery yells, and I'm taken aback by her accusation.

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