Page 95 of Next Level
“I just want to get out of here,” I breathe.
“I know, Blossom, I know,” Ray says softly.
I close my eyes, wishing it would be sooner.
The door swings open, and in comes Sunshine, but she doesn’t look sunny at all. Her eyes are puffy, like Samantha’s. She’s been crying. My first instinct is to ask what’s wrong, but then I catch myself. I’m the reason.
“Cherry. Oh, thank God you’re okay.” She rushes over just as Ray moves aside, letting her get close to me.
“I’m okay.” I try to be cheerful.
Ray moves over to Dawg, giving him a man hug.
They start whispering while Sunshine rambles on. I look over at Samantha, who’s starstruck, looking at Sunshine.
I laugh.
“Cherry.” Sunshine’s voice is stern. “Why are you laughing? This isn’t funny. You better stop or you’re going to be in more pain.”
I don’t know what she said, but I can’t help it. I have so many mixed emotions. My heart swells as I look around the room at everyone.
“Why are you laughing?” Sunshine asks again.
“It’s better than crying,” I explain.
Samantha giggles, and soon everyone has a smile on their face.
I look up at Sunshine. “It’s all going to be okay.” I squeeze her hand. “I’m okay.”
Both Samantha and Sunshine squeeze my hand.
The rest of the evening, people came and went from the room. Visiting me, telling me how thankful they are.
Some were thankful I’m okay.
Some were thankful I saved Samantha.
An Agent Tellez stopped by to get my statement of what I could remember. She is working on Samantha’s case, which is why she was nearby, lucky for me too. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened? Samantha and I could have been taken or worse, killed.
“What are you thinking about, Blossom?” Ray asks me from the chair he’s relaxing in next to me.
Everyone has gone home, but he refuses to leave. He has stayed true to his word and hasn’t left my side.
“Just about everyone who has visited me.”
Ray leans over, grabbing my hand. “Oh yeah.”
Emotions come over me, and I begin to tear up. “I was just thinking if Agent Tellez hadn’t been there, it could have been a lot worse.”
Ray is up out of his chair, leaning over the rail. He kisses my forehead and murmurs, “Don’t think about that. You both are safe, and I’m not going to let anything else happen to you.”
I reply instinctively, not thinking. “You can’t promise me or anyone that. Shit happens all the time. You can’t be everywhere.”
Ray leans back, looking me in the eye. “Blossom.” He pauses, reining in his emotions. “Icanpromise you that George and Garrett will never be a threat to you or anyone again.”
Tears fall down my cheeks. “How? He’s my family, and he hates me.”
Ray caresses my head, pushing ringlets behind my ear.
