Page 17 of From the Wreckage
Everett: No need to apologize. I’m just glad you texted.
The restless weight in my chest lightens as our messages continue. He asks if I changed my bandage or took anything for pain. I say yes, then tell him what we ate for dinner. I mentioned that my dad fell asleep during the movie, and he asked what we were watching.
I lean against the railing, my eyes moving to his cabin. I can’t see him, but it feels like he’s right there.
My phone beeps again.
Everett: Does anything else hurt?
Me: My neck’s sore and a bit stiff.
He makes me promise to take something before I go to bed and to apply ice if there’s any swelling.
My heart swells. It feels easy. And… safe.
The exhaustion is setting in, and I’m getting chilly. But out here, I feel closer to him.
Me: I’m going to head to bed soon.
Everett: Good. Make sure you take care of that cut and take pain meds.
I take pain medicine and clean my forehead, applying antibiotic ointment. Then I bandage it afterward.
I slip under my blankets, still holding my phone, smiling at the last message he sent.
Me: I did as you asked. Now I’m in bed.
Everett: Sleep, angel. I’ll be here if you need me.
Warmth spreads through me. No one’s ever called me angel before. And God help me… I like it.
I place the phone on my nightstand and roll onto my back, staring at the ceiling. My chest is tight, my pulse unsteady. My thoughts centered solely on Everett.
And then it hits me. Joey never responded to the message I sent him this morning.
And I didn’t realize it until now.
CHAPTER 13
Brielle
I rollover and grab my phone, anticipation making my hands shake. But it’s not Joey who I’m hoping to hear from. It’s Everett.
Disappointment fills me. There are no new texts from him.
Sighing, I push the hair from my face, wincing as I brush the bandage. I lay on my back, my neck stiff and sore from the accident.
My fingers move before I can talk myself out of it.
Me: Good morning. How are you?
My heart lurches when I see the three bubbles indicating he’s typing.
Everett: Morning. I’m good. How are you feeling?
Me: A little sore and stiff.
Everett: Typical for the day after an accident. Did you take anything yet?
