Page 64 of Chasing Storm
“I chased her halfway down the road and then came back to yell at my dad. I then figured she needed time to cool down, and we could all go over there today.”
“Oh, so she kills all of us and not just you?” I snort.
“Something like that,” he grouses.
I shake my head. “I’m tired. And to be honest, I’m tired of fighting. Maybe this just isn’t meant to be.”
JP and Josh both turn to me in shock. “No! You are tired and talking through your arse. Go back to bed. Josh and I will fix this.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “No, if you’re going over there, I’ll come.”
“Don’t sound so enthusiastic or anything,” Josh moans. “Anyway, we need the big guns. You two wait here. Thatch, go back to bed for a bit. I’ll be back later with all the ammo we need.”
He doesn’t even wait for an answer, he just fucks off, so I follow him to the entrance hall and then back up to bed. I can’t.
I just cannot do this today.
I’m emotionally and physically drained.
As much as I want her, she is going to have to make it easier for us because this has been an uphill struggle. I know in my heart she’s worth it, but today, I don’t feel it.
I place my coffee mug down and fall face first into bed, turning away from the cum-stained sheets to fall into oblivion.
39
JOSH
Marching down the street towards Gloria Rivers’ house, which is around the corner, I thank God that I remember her address from the few times I’ve posted stuff out to her when she couldn’t get into the store. I have no idea if she will be in or if she will even see me at her home, but enough is enough. Like Thatcher, I am tired of fighting for this thing with Storm. I know it’s meant to be, and Iwillkeep fighting, but it’s exhausting.
Seeing the house loom into view, I hasten my pace, cursing when my phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket and see it’s my dad.
“What’s up?” I ask, answering it quickly.
“Just wanted to check in. How’re things going with your lady?”
“It’s not,” I say with a sigh. “I’m on my way to fix it.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
I snort. “Sorry, Dad, but fathers are somewhat responsible for her doing a runner last night. I’ve got this. Stay tuned.”
“Fair enough,” he says. “Just thought I’d offer.”
“I know. Thanks.”
We hang up, and I’m so glad my dad isn’t like JP’s. Christopher has always been nice to me, insofar as beingniceis to him. But I had a feeling this was going to come back and bite us on the arse in a big way.
Drawing in a deep breath, I walk up the path and press the buzzer.
Moments pass.
I hear the intercom click on. “Hello?”
“Gloria, it’s Josh Harper. I know it’s early. Could I possibly…”
I don’t even get to finish my sentence when the door is flung open, and Gloria is there, beckoning me inside.
“Oh, thank God,” she says. “Is Thatcher’s dad okay?”
