Page 67 (1/2)

You’ve already driven one of them away Way to make it two for two

"Wait," I call after her quickly "I’m sorry I’m a mess, I know I am"

Brit turns back "You’re in love," she correctsyou yet"

I slu to deny it any this," I swear "I told you"

"You told ether" Brit drops to the floor beside ood reason why"

"I can’t give her what she needs," I repeat, as ivesa scared little bitch"

"Hey," I protest "Don’t kick a man when he’s down"

"Think of it as a helpful nudge" Brit leans over and elbows me in the ribs "I owe you, reavea chance, and following your heart, and not letting the past keep you from your future" She throwsheart, she’s right

I did say all of that, and worse, I rumble, still lost in the memories of Carina, and all the sweetness I’ve left behind forever "This is different"

"Only because I saw sense, and went after what I wanted in the end, while you’re sitting here drunk in the middle of the day," Brit points out as her cellphone starts to ring She checks the display and then answers, s brother, what’s up?"

There’s a beat

"No, he’s right here Why?"

Whatever the answer, Brit’s smile dissolves She holds out the phone toto a whisper "It’s E for the phone There’s a look in her eyes that chills me, even as I lift the phone to my ear

"Hey man, what’s up?"

E happened," he tells hty all the way to the city Brit insists on taking the wheel, so I’ve got nothing distracting ht with her ex She collapsed She’s in the hospital

He wouldn’t telltests "She should be fine," he told me, but there was a terrible uncertainty in his voice "But you should get down here"