Page 22 of Drew
What happened to his sister?
I look to Drew who’s just returning with his travel bag in hand.
Cutting to the chase, I tell Drew the news. “We can’t get a flight until tomorrow morning. Would you rather drive?”
Drew’s muscular jaw clenches as he processes my words. Simultaneously, he shakes his head and says, “No. I can’t wait. I need to get there.”
I knew he’d feel that way. If I were in his shoes, I don’t think I would’ve had the fortitude to even pack.
From the phone, I hear Coach B ask, “Does that mean you’ll drive?”
“I’ll drive,” I tell them. Drew’s shoulders relax a fraction, and I know I’ve made the right decision.
To his coach, I say, “I’ll let you know as I know more.”
“Please do. You can call or text to let me know you’ve made it? Please tell Drew not to worry about anything but being with his family. I’ll be in touch.” With that, he hangs up the phone.
When I reach out to hand Drew his phone, he shoves it in his pocket. “I just filled up my car last night. It’s more comfortable than yours for a long trip, so let’s take mine.”
Remembering how he filled up every square inch of my car, and how roomy his SUV was, I wholeheartedly agree. “Sure, no problem.”
“Can you do me one more favor?” Drew asks hesitantly.
“Anything.”
“I’m not in the right frame of mind for driving. Will you take the first leg of our trip? I’m too wound up to be on the road, I’d likely break about a thousand traffic laws getting to my parents.” He sucks in a deep breath, but his breath catches upon release. “I can’t fucking lose them.”
OceanofPDF.com
10
Drew
Ever since Igot that fucking call, everything’s been a blur. Through it all, Abby’s been a rock at my side. I’d be in a fucking ball, bawling on the floor, if she hadn’t taken charge. She’s thought of everything, including making sure I grab some water bottles and snacks, so we wouldn’t have to stop for anything along the way.
I can’t fucking lose them, plays on a loop through my mind as Abby leads me through the motions of packing and getting on the road.
I can’t lose them.
I can’t.
Losing Summer was fucking tragic—and I was able to prepare myself the best I could before she lost her battle with cancer. But having both my parents here one day and not the next, rips me to shreds. Chills run up my spine, and all I can do is stare out the window in front of me.
As if she can sense I need more support, Abby reaches across the console and squeezes my thigh. “We’ll get there as soon as we can. Your parents are getting the help they need. If anything changes, we’d be notified.”
Feeling the warmth flow from her, my hand reflexively moves to hold hers in place. Her simple touch and confidence isn’t something I’m willing to let go of.
Fuck. She’s right. Get it together, Jacobs. They’ll be okay. They have to. Other than my mom’s sister, they’re the only family I have left. Fuck. I’m so not ready to lose them, too. They will survive this. They must.
Abby squeezes my thigh once more, and offers, “You can talk to me, Drew. I can only imagine what you’re feeling right now. But staying stuck in your head won’t help anything.”
Fuck. Where do I even begin? My mind’s racing like leaves blowing in a hurricane, and I can’t catch a hold of a thought long enough to voice it aloud.
I must take too long because Abby quietly assures me, “It’s okay.” She takes in a deep breath, then releases it slowly. “Just know that I’m here for you when you’re ready.”
Needing to get my mind on anything but my parents and their impending news, I force myself to ask the first question that sticks in my head, “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?”
Though the sun has set, and the car is dark, from the dashboard lights, I see her eyebrows raise as her face darts to mine. “Seriously? That’s what you’re going with?”
