“Everything.” There’s the slightest smirk on his lips that could easily be missed, and the amusement is clear in his eyes.
My eyes skate away from his. My horror knows no bounds. I wish I could go back in time and never mention anything about my virginity. “I was delirious,” I grumble. “Spouting nonsense.”
Rowan clears his throat, but I suspect he’s trying not to laugh. “Right.”
“Anyway,” I begin, desperate to change the subject, “I take back what I said. I don’t hate my life. I’m so grateful to still have it but...” My lower lip quiver and I pull it between my teeth. “I’m terrified. I don’t know what I’m going to do now that I’ve lost everything. I don’t even have cab fare for when I get discharged.”
“You’re taking a cab? You don’t have family?”
I let out a humorless laugh. There’s that family question again. “Yes, in Colorado.” I give him a wobbly smile. “And I only feel comfortable telling you all this because you’re a stranger and I probably won’t see you again. I’m sorry for unloading on you.”
“Don’t be.” Rowan regards me with an unreadable expression. “Things will work out.”
I sigh. “I’ll have to make them work out, I guess.”
The room goes quiet again. This time, it’s awkward. After a while, Rowan shifts in his chair. He takes out his wallet and my breath gets stuck in my throat. If he offers me money, I’ll die of embarrassment. I didn’t share with him because I wanted pity. I just wanted to get a few things off my chest, to say them out loud. My pride won’t allow me to accept money from him.
To my relief, he takes out a piece of paper, grabs the pen Ashley left on the side table and scribbles something. He hands me the scrap of paper.
It’s his phone number.
“Call me if you need anything.”
I stare at the bold letters of his name above the digits. Rowan Cavanaugh. “I...” I was about to say I couldn’t possibly do that because he’s done more than enough for me to last me a lifetime. I’m still here because of him. “I will,” I finish, even though I know I won’t. “Thanks.”
Nodding, he stands. “I should get going. Take care, Grace.”
I have to crane my neck to look up at him. “You too, Rowan. Thank you, again.”
He walks out the door. I won’t see him again, but he’ll linger in my thoughts for a long time.