“So you get hurt, and then fuck me?” Her eyes narrow into cat slits, and I sigh. Here we go.
“No, I’m trying to do what’s right.”
“By ditching me the first chance you get? Were you waiting for an opportunity? You’re hurt, you need someone to look after you.”
“No, I don’t.” I shake my head.
“God, you’ve always been like this! You’re why we stall out every single time. Are you afraid of commitment, or is it me?”
I close my eyes as we rehash the same tired argument. I could never explain to her, or myself, why I can’t go all in with her. I’ve never been serious about much other than my job and my son, so it was easier to place the blame on me than dig any deeper. Now it’s as transparent as glass. Amazing what a near death experience can do.
“It was never you. I don’t want you to feel like you did anything wrong. That was never the case. I told you that. I know you want an explanation, but I can’t have that conversation right now.”
“You—”
A knock interrupts us.
“Come in,” I call.
The door opens, and my heart jumps up in my throat when Quinn peers inside. “Is now a good time?”
“Quinn,” I whisper. Her name is gospel on my tongue.
“Yes.”
“No,” Allie snaps in response to Quinn’s question.
“This is Quinn. She saved my life,” I say.
“No, the paramedics saved your life,” Allie hisses.
“I can come back.”
“No. please.” I gesture her inside with a frantic wave of my hand.
She steps inside the room, and the atmosphere quickly turns hostile.
“I came by before but you were always resti
ng, and I didn’t want to disturb you. I know how important rest is.”
“I wanted to thank you,” I say.
She holds her up her hand. “No. You saved me and you didn’t have to, so you don’t get to thank me for anything. I’m relieved you’re going to be okay.” Her voice warbles. She gives me a shaky smile, and I spot a crooked eye tooth that gives her character. I can’t help but smile at her full white skirt with a bright floral pattern, brown boots, and white tank top that shows off her elegant neck and the swell of her generous breasts. I feel like an ass as the attraction that hit me like a sledgehammer the first time I laid eyes on her returns full force. There’s something about this girl that sparks something in me. A twinge of pain begins, and I grunt.
“Ollie,” the girls’ voices join together.
“Think it’s about time for my next dose of pain meds,” I mutter.
“I’ll let you two be alone.”
“No, Allison was about to leave, and I’d like to talk to you before I lose my strength.”
“Asshole,” Allison spits. She stands, snatches her purse off the table beside the bed, and storms off. I’m used to her drama. I used to love it. Now I’m too tired to humor her and feeling ancient. I’m forty. It’s past time I got my shit together.
“I didn’t mean to piss your girlfriend off.”
“She’s not my girlfriend. That’s what has her pissed her off. She and I have a son together, Roland.”