Page 14 of From the Wreckage
“No. A good Samaritan saw it and stopped. Took me to his cabin.”
He blows out a breath, his boots thudding against the concrete of the garage floor as he moves. “You sure you’re okay?”
I nod, though he can’t see me. “Yes, but… the vehicle is all smashed up.”
“Vehicles are replaceable. You’re not.” I hear the garage door slam shut as he closes it, then his muffled voice as he says to Jim, “I’ve gotta go. Bri had an accident.”
“I hate to make you leave.” My eyes dart to Everett, who is standing nearby, watching me.
“It’s no problem, kiddo.”
“What about my vehicle?” My body shakes. Maybe from shock. Or guilt. Or both.
“I’m not worried about it. I’m worried aboutyou.” I hear the jingle of keys as he locks up his shop.
“I’m fine. Just a cut. I’m more worried about the SUV. I didn’t want you driving by and seeing it like that.”
Everett has moved closer. So close I can feel the heat radiating off him. He doesn’t interrupt, but his presence is calm. Grounding.
My dad exhales.“Don’t worry about the damn SUV. I’ll call Walt to tow it to the garage. I’m heading that way now.”
I close my eyes, fighting back the tears. “Dad, please. I promise I’m fine. You don’t have to rush out. Let’s just… Talk when you get home, okay?”
He’s silent for a beat before he mutters, “Alright. But I’m checking it out first. I’ll see you later.” His voice lowers. “Love you, kiddo. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” I end the call and slowly lower the phone, my hand still shaking.
My gaze moves to Everett, who is watching me like he’s memorizing every word and flicker across my face.
His voice is quiet but steady. “You did good, angel.”
The words settle over me like a blanket, easing my nervousness.
I have the strangest desire to fall into his arms and let him hold me.
I refrain, but barely, Joey’s face floating through my mind.
The reminder feels hollow. What I feel with Everett doesn’t make sense, doesn’t fit inside the neat lines of the life I’ve drawn for myself.
And yet… I can’t deny the way my pulse steadies just because he’s here.
CHAPTER 11
Everett
“Doyou want to lie down for a while?” I ask, keeping my tone light. She’s pale beneath the kitchen light. Everything in me wants to keep her here to make sure she’s really okay.
But Brielle shakes her head. “I should be home when my dad gets there.”
Disappointment pulls at my chest, but I nod like I understand. “Yeah. Makes sense.” A beat passes, and then I say, “Let me take a look at your forehead before you go.”
She opens her mouth to protest, but when she looks at my face, she sits on the kitchen chair beneath the light.
I gently pry the bandage away from her forehead. The cut on her forehead is still red and angry-looking, but it’s not bleeding. “It’s not deep, so I don’t think you need stitches. Keep it clean and put some antibiotic ointment on it, okay?”
She nods. “I will.”
I nod stiffly and rebandage it for her.
