Page 2 of The Weight of Your Wishes

Cynthia pushes so hard, a guttural scream rips from her throat.

And then I hear it—the wailing cry of a newborn baby. My heart seizes in my chest, and I hold my breath. “It’s a baby boy,” the doctor says, and my eyes burn with tears that won’t fall. They never do.

The doctor puts the boy on Cynthia’s chest. All the while, he continues screaming.

That’s a good sign, right?

I check on Cynthia who’s sobbing uncontrollably, her eyes glued to her son’s tuft of wet, dark hair. Time seems to slow down.

Her son.The word echoes in my mind as I struggle to grasp the concept.

I swallow roughly. “What’s his name?”

“Hendrix Robert Davis.”

CHAPTERONE

TWENTY-ONE YEARS LATER

HENDRIX

“So, who’s it gonna be this time? It’s our last party before summer break; this is your chance to fuck anyone you want and not have to see them on campus afterward.” Marina follows up her wise words with a devious smirk that mirrors my own. It’s no wonder I can’t keep on the straight and narrow with a best friend like her, and yet, I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

“You don’t want to just enjoy each other's company before we part ways for two months?” I bring my hand to my chest, feigning hurt.

She shoves my shoulder. “Shut up, X. You only live an hour away from me. Either of us could make the trip easily. And youknowI’m getting some tonight, so you may as well do the same.”

I snort. “Oh really? Who? The ex you keep running back to—what’s her name? Riley? Yeah, that’s the one.”

Her eyes narrow. “Actually, I’ve officially decided I’m over her shit, so I’ll be finding someone to have fun with here at this party, thank you very much.”

I shake my head. She’sofficiallycut ties with Riley more times than I can count, but she somehow always gets sucked back in. It wouldn’t be much of an issue if Riley hadn’t broken her heart when they ended. Riley cheated on her with some dude-bro asshole, and now they’re together, and she still won’t leave Marina alone. My pulse throbs in my temple; I can’t stand to see Marina keep falling for this shit, and she knows it.

“Anyways,” she continues, “quit trying to turn this around. Chug the rest of that beer and let’s go dance.” I roll my eyes dramatically and heave a sigh. I’d much rather stay right here on this couch and drink until I achieve that foggy numbness alcohol offers. I sink further into the cushions just thinking about it.

“Go dance. I’ll stay here. Someone will come eventually.” It’s most likely true. I’ve noticed the way Sammy’s eyes have continuously wandered this way. We’ve hooked up a couple of times in the past, so it’d be easy and comfortable enough. He’s chatting away with someone on the other side of the room right now. I watch him intently, my gaze fixed on his pale, slender neck as his friend whispers in his ear. He turns his head to the side a bit and peers at me from the corner of his eyes. A smile tips his lips, making his round cheekbones stand out even more than they already do.God damn.I don’t have a type, but the soft, angelic thing Sammy always has going on never fails to get my dick hard.

“Sammy? Again?” Marina’s voice breaks through my lusty haze.

“Why not? He’s adorableandnasty,” I smile, reminiscing.

She nods her head in agreement. “True enough. I’ll be off then and, hopefully, getting off, too. Text me when you're done.” She adjusts her leather jacket and turns away, heading toward the kitchen.

I upend the beer I’ve been clutching, swallowing the rest of it, and bring the empty bottle down to rest between my spread legs. My eyes fall shut, and a hum slips from my lips as the thrumming bass ripples through me. I’m distantly aware of all the conversations happening around me—the laughter, the flirting, the mischief, and the gossip. Parties like these have always been my favorite place to be, like a second home, a place to be as uncensored and wild as your heart desires.

No one judges you because after a few drinks, everyone’s on the same page. It’s good to spend time letting loose; it’s like self-care. Do I self-care a little too much?Maybe, but who’s to say?

Sammy’s soft voice drifts to my ears, “Hendrix.”

I peel one eye open, squinting up at him. I lift my arms, still holding the empty beer bottle, and beckon him into them. He gets this little glint in his eyes and grabs the bottle from my hand, placing it on the table. Then, he situates himself on my lap as I wrap my arms around his slight frame. A relaxed sigh leaves my lips. I knew this was a good idea since he understands how I am. I love physical contact, being touched and held. People always want to avoid that when it comes to hookups, like it’s only exclusive to someone you love. I suppose it’s a defense mechanism against feelings, but that’s not an issue I’ve ever dealt with.

He nuzzles into my neck, taking a big inhale of my skin. “You’re extra cuddly tonight.”

It dawns on me that maybe he’s right. I may be a bit more touch starved than usual, but I’m just exhausted. This past year of college has kicked my ass. My gut churns because I know the wrath I’ll face from my mom when I get home.

“I just want to enjoy the night, Sammy, and you’re so sweet. I love your hugs.” My voice rumbles low as I squeeze him tighter.

He leans back a bit and eyes me. “I bet you break a lot of hearts.”

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