Page 9 of Curious
“Sounds good to me. I mean, okay. Yes. That is, I’m not saying yes to marriage right now. I would, though. I think. Oh, god …” Alden turns bright red.
Danny wraps an arm around Alden’s shoulders and steers him out of the room, whispering in his ear.
Demi, Sam, and I look at each other in amusement. “Those two are super cute together,” she says.
“I know. I’m jealous.” I turn to Sam. “Is Julian working on another album?”
“He is. It’s amazing.” He looks wistful.
“What about you?” Demi asks me. “Anyone special in your life?”
“Not really. Evan and I broke up.”
That’s an understatement, but I don’t have to have everyone all in my business right away. Even if they’re good people.
“Sorry to hear that. And sorry to bring it up.” She shakes her head. “I can’t keep up with you.”
“My advice is, don’t even try,” I say with a grin.
CHAPTER3
Camden
After limping around the house last night, I’ve canceled all my plans and given up attempting to work for the next few days. Since I’m my own boss and don’t have any employees under my license, I reschedule what I can, and what I can’t, I pass on to other contractors.
I’ve also taken more over-the-counter meds than are recommended. I’m ignoring the color of my ankle. And the size of the swelling.
It’s not just the pain that’s bothering me, or the fact that I’m missing work. I’m starting to worry that there’s something wrong with my ankle that isn’t going to be fixed with ice, elevating it, and an overdose of Aleve. Which makes me stress about not being able to do things I love. For starters, I’m thinking this means I’m missing out on the upcoming ski season. From there, I start spiraling into a panic where I’m imagining that I’ll never walk again, though I know that’s irrational.
To turn off that line of doomsday scenarios, I turn on the television to numb my mind along with my ankle.
Likely because Shelby told them, both my brother and sister know about the injury and called me first thing this morning, asking how I’m doing. Reyna even leaves work midday to brave nine miles of traffic and bring me lunch. I tell her that she doesn’t have to worry, that I can order delivery, but she won’t hear it.
When she walks in, she finds me on the couch watchingBuilding Off the Grid, my leg propped up on the coffee table. Her face falls as she sets my lunch down before me. She’s wearing a power suit; guess she had to go to court today.
I’m from a family of overachievers. I’m the outlier among my siblings: older, less accomplished, and straight.
“How is your ankle feeling?” Reyna asks.
“It’s fine.” I cough, muting the TV. My ankle is still pretty fucked up, but she doesn’t need to know that. It’s such an embarrassing injury. “I just stepped on it wrong.”
She seems to read through me, though, because she narrows her eyes. “Uh-huh. And what did the doctor say?”
I look away. “Nothing.”
“What do you mean, nothing?”
“I mean a doctor hasn’t seen it yet.”
Reyna gasps and puts a hand on her hip. “Are you serious? What the hell, Camden? Go to the doctor. I can drive you.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s clearly not fine if you’re barely able to walk. Shelby said you seemed to be in a lot of pain.”
“Animals in the wild heal without going to the doctor. Why can’t I?”
“I don’t even want to dignify that with a response.” She pauses. “Is it because you’re scared of the doctor?”
