Camryn
HUNTER HAS BEEN on me like a hawk the last few days. He has cooked, cleaned, let me control the remote and what we watch, and even has gone as far as to taking residence up in my bed at night. The worry is still etched all over his face. No matter how many times I remind him I am okay, his concern and fear radiate from him. He reiterates over and over how I am all he has. And the reality is, he is right. He has made some new friends in Savannah, but as far as family goes, his is a waste. They haven’t been in his life for as long as I can remember. Sadly, even in this day and age, people are so closed-minded and don’t subscribe to the notion that love is love. We joke that we are two orphans who have found one another, but the truth in that statement resonates with both of us. And this is why my accident, and him seeing me the way he did, has been so hard on him.
Over the last few days, besides being a mother hen, he has been pestering me with questions about Trystan. He was quite surprised when he came to check on me in the hospital, the morning following my accident, and found me fast asleep in the arms of the man I have been pushing away and avoiding at all costs. Avoidance has been my response but that will not fly for long. If I am being honest with myself, I am not sure what to make of the whole thing. But I can say with absolute certainty, something about being in his arms felt very right. The stars aligned, and for that short period in time, I felt safe.
Speaking of Trystan, today is the day. The day I will be confined in a room with him, for God knows how long. I know the other night at the hospital, we were crammed in a hospital bed together. But there I felt safe. He was more concerned about my well-being and my injuries. Not to say he won’t still be concerned with those things today, but I have an inkling his persistent and domineering ways will make a return. And that makes me nervous. I have butterflies fluttering my belly. Curiosity has also gotten the better of me. Something shifted between us the other night. After being standoffish and closed down to him since my return to Savannah, a few bricks in the wall shielding my heart crumbled. That’s not to say I am not still on guard. Because honestly, I am. My walls are high and have multiple layers of brick and concrete. It is the only way I know to protect my heart. Surviving Trystan once almost broke me completely. A second time would be impossible. Keeping myself busy and not distracted with thoughts of him will be almost impossible for the next few hours.
I have still not been cleared to drive because of my concussion. The doctor indicated I should avoid it until I am free from headaches and any dizziness. Both have lessened drastically but still have not completely gone away. Sadly, that means I need to depend on someone else to get me where I need to be. Relying on others isn’t my strong suit, and my frustration at being stuck is mounting. Avery had to beat Hunter into submission so she could play the role of my taxi today. She needed some girl time and convinced Hunter he needed a break. So we are heading downtown for some lunch at Simmer, which is known for the shrimp and grits. After the last couple of days, I could use some good ole comfort food. And don’t get me started on the chocolate chip pecan cookies. Heaven! They have the perfect mix of chocolate to pecan ratio and melt in your mouth. After that we are going to head to the bookstore, Addy’s Book Nook. I have been dying to get back there and actually explore, not just stare through windows. Since I am stuck at home, why not get lost in a book? Let’s hope this time will allow for a much-needed distraction from my upcoming afternoon with Trystan.
“Hooker!” Avery screams from downstairs. “Are you ready? I am fricking starving. Like I could legit eat my arm off at this point. My stomach is grumbling so loudly; I swear people are looking at me funny.”
Always so dramatic that one is. “Give me two minutes. Trying to cover a gash on your forehead is not for those who lack makeup skills.”
My makeup routine is quite minimal usually. But today, I needed some extra reinforcements. The wound on my forehead isn’t for the weak. And while there is nothing I can do to cover up the actual cut itself, the bruising needs to be tamed. It is turning that greenish-yellow color with hints of deep purple. With how quick gossip and news travels in town, I am sure most know what happened, but if I can avoid some stares and attention thrown my way, I would like to do so. Giving myself a final look over in the mirror, I realize this as good as it is going to get.
Clamoring down the stairs, I announce my readiness, “Let’s go, hooker! I am ready to eat and then find some good reads. I want hot and steamy. A dirty talking alpha is on the menu today.”
Giggling Avery answers, “Dirty talking alpha, huh? Well, in just a few hours you will have one of those up close and personal.”
“Shut it, bitch! That is no way to talk about your brother. How do you know he is a dirty talker? You know what, I don’t want to know how you know.”
“Give is a rest, chick. Do you forget who your best friend is? You never cared that he was my bother and spilled the beans often. Kind of creepy, not gonna lie. There are some things I don’t need to know about him, but that never stopped you from divulging.”
She is right. I guess being younger, and not as wise as I am now, I never thought about the details I was sharing with her about her own brother. She is my best friend and there are things you have to share. Well, I guess not have to share, but want to share.
We make it to Simmer in record time. I guess being midday on a weekday lends itself in our favor for minimal traffic. We are seated at the perfect window table to allow us to people watch. As weird as it sounds, this is one our favorite things to do. We often make up stories about the people we see wandering around. Likely they are so far from reality, but it passes the time and brings lots of laughs and entertainment to us. We have been doing it for years, and with each story we create, it becomes more outlandish and crazy than the last.
Avery and I catch up on mundane things while we eat. The shrimp and grits does not disappoint. It is otherworldly. Currently, she is working on planning a huge event that will be held at Stoned, so she fills me in on all the details.
“Well, at least you get to work with Jackson and Jase. That’s a plus since you know them, and you know they won’t dick you around.”
“Pffftt Jase has been busy with other things, so I get the pleasure of spending all my time with Jackson. Other than being the most beautiful man I have set my eyes on, that man grates on my nerves. Cocky. Arrogant. He’s a pig who can’t seem to go two minutes without a sexual innuendo.”
I throw my head back in laughter at the thought. “Aww come on, Avery, he’s not that bad. He’s purposely trying to get under your skin, and based on your response, it’s working. How long have we known him? He has always tried to get into your pants. Never a care in the world that you are older than him.”
“Older than him. Jeez, Cam, you make me sound ancient. I have six years on him. Six. That’s like nothing.”
“Well, when he was a freshman in high school and you were in college, it was kind of a big deal.”
“No shit, Captain Obvious, but we are talking about now and six years means absolute shit.”
“Ave, why are you getting so defensive? Is there more to the story than you are telling me?”
Her cheeks turn a shade of pink. Shaking her head, she replies, “Seriously, Cam? Nothing to tell. I am just over the arrogant asshole type. Over it! And Jackson most definitely fits the bill. The next three months of planning will kill me.”
“It won’t be that bad. Give him a taste of his own medicine. Better yet, shag him and maybe he will leave you alone.”
Shock spreads across her face. “I will not be shagging anything, thank you very much.”
“When was the last time you got laid, girl? You’re on a dry spell for the record books.”
“We are not discussing my sex life. Me and BOB do just fine together. No attachment. No commitment. No saying things and meaning something different.”
So her and her battery operated boyfriend are doing just fine. I am getting the impression something happened with someone, and she never told me about it. She has become closed off and jaded when it comes to men. Realizing I have been so lost in my own shit and have not been a great friend, I make a mental note to circle back to this conversation and get some more details from my bestie.
After lunch, we devour a plate of chocolate pecan cookies. Not that a plate was needed, but we gave zero fucks and ate every single morsel of that deliciousness. Never have I been more grateful to be wearing a cotton maxi skirt. As full and bloated as I feel, any sort of pants wouldn’t have been a good idea today. Unfortunately for me, we spent so much time as Simmer; there isn’t enough time for the bookstore today. Smart move, because once I get in there, I will likely want to spend hours exploring, reading, touching, and just smelling the books. After paying the bill, we head to the car.
“Can we grab a coffee quick before heading to the station? Caffeine will be needed for this project.”
“Sure thing, Cam. Déjà Brew has a drive-through we can go through quickly, and then I will drop you off.”
“Drop me off? Wait, you aren’t going to stay?” I knew full well that was not the plan, but for some reason being alone with Trystan is terrifying me.
“Are you scared of my brother, Cam? Come on, crazy lady. You will be in a police station, with officers of the law there to protect and serve. And you know without a doubt my brother is quite harmless, especially when it comes to you. You will be fine. Call me when you are done, and I will come and grab you. Or I am sure Trystan will be more than happy to drop you off.” She ends that statement with a wink and sheepish grin.
“You most definitely will be getting a call from me. A few hours alone with Trystan is all I can handle.”
“According to Hunter, you two were awful cozy the other morning. What’s up with that? Cuddling. In a hospital bed no less. You hussy.” Sarcasm is layered thick in her statement.
“Shut your whore mouth. I was in a fragile state. Concussion, remember? I had brain damage and wasn’t in my right mind.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Cam. I am thinking you are finally seeing past your stubbornness and realizing he is not the bad guy you have made him out to be. Did you ever think of that?”
Thinking of a comeback, I can’t muster one up. It is probably the most she has let on about how she feels about the fragile situation between her brother and me. If I respond, it will either be in anger or very defensive, and I don’t want to start an argument now. Something did shift that night inside me. Hearing him sound so desperate and defeated. All is not forgiven, but I am willing to listen, and that is more than I can say for the last twelve years.
After grabbing coffee for Trystan and myself, we arrive at the station. My palms instantly become sweaty. Apprehension washes over me. “Put on your big girl panties and get this over with, Cam,” I mentally chastise myself. Bidding Avery goodbye, I make my way into the station. Realizing I have never been here, I make my way to the front desk. An older looking officer meets my gaze.
“You must be here to see Detective Harrison. Let me call him down.”
Looking down at my outfit I respond, “Ummm do I have a sign on me or something. How did you know that?”
“Little lady, that man made sure everyone knew you were coming and to make him aware as soon as you stepped foot in the station. I think he may be smitten with you.” Winking he picks up the phone. “Detective, there is a beautiful woman down here for you.” He pauses. “Sure, I can get someone to bring her to you.” With that he hangs up the phone. “I can’t leave the desk unattended, but give me a minute, and I will get someone to take you to Trystan. Have a seat for a minute, if you don’t mind.”
Offering my thanks, I make my way to the sitting area and plop myself down. Waiting will do nothing for the nerves I am feeling. Sitting here, thinking about what the next few hours will be like, has me on edge. Maybe I should have had a shot with lunch. Although after the events of this past weekend, I have sworn off drinking at any establishment. Silly as it sounds, I am apprehensive and my guard is up. Well, up as it relates to alcohol.