Page 100 of Bad For A Weekend

“You what?” I shriek but then grow curious. “What did he say?”

“He confirmed it.”

My heart flutters in my chest. He told me he loved me, but there’s something more solid about him telling someone else.

“What else did he say?”

“I think I’ll let him explain the rest.” She walks over to where the duffel bag she packed for me sits and pulls out my travel makeup bag, setting it in my lap. “I’m going to go, but I’ll be back tomorrow, okay?”

I nod, unsure of what to make of her cryptic talk.

“Rest up. I want you out of here so we can put your dad’s credit card to good use and furnish your new condo.” She leaves with a wave, but I’m still confused.

What could Owen be coming here to say?

Owen

Ilift my chin at one of Hudson’s men, who is sitting outside Baylor’s room. I don’t blame Corey for not lifting security yet, even if there are no active threats against Baylor. I’m sure it’ll take some time for him to feel comfortable.

Taking a deep breath, I knock twice and enter the room. “Is it okay if I come in?”

“Yes.” God, it feels good to hear her voice. I wasn’t sure I ever would again.

Pulling back the curtain, my stomach knots at how beautiful Baylor looks. The last time I saw her, she had tubes and monitors all over her body, her skin was sallow, and her hair had bits of dried blood crusted in it. Now though, she looks like herself. Her newly dyed blonde hair is bouncy and curled, she has color in her cheeks, and there’s a big smile on her full lips.

“You look stunning,” I say and set the vase of wildflowers I brought, noticing the twenty or more vases of very expensive-looking flowers already decorating the room. Immediately, I regret my decision to pick them.

“Are those for me?”

“I thought they’d cheer you up, but obviously, I wasn’t the only one who had that idea.”

She rolls her eyes. “They’re from people trying to get in good with Dad. I don’t even know who most of them are. Bring yours to me.”

I hand her the modest vase. “They’re from my mom’s garden.”

“You picked them?” She takes a deep inhale.

“Not as impressive, I know.” I glance away, feeling embarrassed.

“These Mariposa lilies and miner’s lettuce are two of my favorites. Did you notice we grow them in the yard?”

“Yeah, I figured you must like them.”

“I love them. Thank you.”

I clasp my hands behind my back to stop myself from rushing over and kissing her senseless. Ever since Corey told me she woke up, I’ve kept myself away because I didn’t feel strong enough to do what needs to be done. I’ve spent days working up the courage for this moment, and now that it’s here, I’m still not sure I can do it.

“You’re welcome. How are you feeling?”

“Come sit down.” She pats the bed. It’s a bad idea, so instead, I sit in the plastic chair next to her. Her lips turn down for a fraction of a second before she beams at me. “I’m good. Apparently, I had a small fever last night, so they’re keeping me a couple more days but honestly, I feel so much better.”

“That’s good.”

“Thank you for what you did. Everyone said she was moving toward me like she was planning on shooting again. If you hadn’t been there, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

I brush it off. “Hudson was right behind. You would’ve been okay, but I’m glad I was there.”

I hate this. It’s awkward, which is not us. She must feel it too because she sets the flowers on her tray table before resting her hands in her lap and picking at her nail polish.

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