Page 121 of Wine & Whiskey
Max continues to be the wisest among all of them. Unencumbered by their emotional turmoil, he could see what they were blind to. “We still have a lot to figure out.”
“Nah, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. It’s a done deal.”
When they pull into her driveway, Carrie runs outside and wraps her arms around Shae as soon as she steps out of the car. “Are you okay? Nathan was called to meet Evan at the hospital. He said Nick broke his jaw.”
“I told Evan it was over.” Shae squeezes her friend back, welcoming the familiar comfort she provides. “He tried to shove me into the car, and Nick got upset.”
“Forget upset. He fucking knocked him out!”
She steels herself for a lecture from Carrie. The man who broke her heart injured the hero Carrie believes Evan to be. Another reason for her to root for Evan and against Nick. “I know, but it’s my fault not Nick’s. I should never have let Evan think we had any chance of getting back together. He’s not the man I thought he was.”
“Me neither. I realized it this morning with him pressuring you and making you sneak around.”
The clenched muscles in her shoulders release. Carrie sees it too. Now, she can be free of Evan and focus on the man she really needs in her life.
“Hi, Max.” Carrie winks at him before turning back to her. “How did the other stuff go?”
“Good.” A smile crosses her face as her friend engulfs her in another embrace, sharing in her happiness.
“Here we go.” Max rolls his neck before answering his buzzing phone. “Yeah?”
His brow furrows while he taps the case with two fingers. “Where’s Nick? Okay. I’ll be there in ten.”
He shoves his cell into his pocket and pulls out Evan’s car keys. “I’ve got to go. There’s a warrant out for my arrest. Evan’s pressing assault charges against Nick and theft for me stealing his car.”
An ache burns in her chest. Evan seeks revenge against them because of her. They aren’t the ones who deserve to be punished. “I’ll come with you.”
Max shakes his head and puts his hand up. “Fuck no! Nick’s head would really explode if you came to the police station. He’s already there, and I’ll turn myself in with his attorney, Luther.”
“I’m sorry you got pulled into this.”
“Don’t be. Evan got what he deserved.” He points to Carrie then to her. “No more sneaking around. Stay here until you hear from one of us.”
Carrie wraps her arm around Shae’s shoulder and smiles. “Okay, I’ll make sure she’s as well-behaved as I am.”
Max rolls his eyes. “Why does that not make me feel better?”
As soon as the car is out of the driveway, Shae grabs her phone from her bag. She never expected to have to call him for any reason, but now she has no choice. “Hi, it’s Shae. I need your help.”
* * *
She stepsonto the porch as soon as the unfamiliar vehicle pulls up in front of her house. No reaction from the three suited men milling around, except for informal head bobs toward the white SUV, confirms Carter sits behind the wheel. She doesn’t give him or one of the men jogging toward her the chance to open the door. She slides in and fastens her seat belt. “Are you ready?”
“I guess so since you haven’t really given me any other choice.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just anxious to get this over with.”
“Me too.” He looks over at her as he pulls onto the street. “Nick’s not going to be happy you left again.”
“I know, but if I can pull this off, it’ll be worth it.” She gives him a small smile, knowing he risks Nick’s wrath in helping her. “Thank you for coming with me. I thought you might be at the police station already.”
“I was on my way there, but your call intrigued me. Luther can handle it for now. I can’t wait to see how you’re going to fix this.”
They drive in silence as Shae responds to texts from Gail, furious from the photos already posted online. The ones of her sitting in the car are tame, but her stomach aches at Evan lying on the ground. Even in her frustration with him, pangs of guilt at his pitiful state stab her chest.
After they park, Carter escorts her inside the building but she shakes her head as he tries to follow her into the room. She has to do this herself.
The darkness contrasts sharply with the harsh lighting from the hallway. He lies motionless, his eyes closed. His lips are pursed together, an unnatural stiffness across the bottom half of his face. She takes a deep breath before stepping inside and closing the door behind her. After laying her sunglasses and hat on the side chair, she lightly touches his hand.
