page81 (1/2)

“Tommy said he asked for me,” I said quietly

“Leo toldyour name,” she confirmed

My knees buckled

“To her arms around me before I hit the floor “Shit!”

“Co me up “The floor is filthy”

He carried me to one of the couches, and I wanted to say thank you, but the words felt trapped in the back of ainst my side, her head on my shoulder

I couldn’t lose Mack We couldn’t lose hi about hypothetical kids I’d thought I could walk away because he wouldn’t give me what I wanted, and it had see round How could I have been so stupid?

I’d give up anything to keep Mack

“Rosie,”to kneel in front of me

I looked at him, but I couldn’t respond

“I know you’re scared,” he said gruffly, placing his hands onin small circles “I know”

His face grew blurry as my eyes filled with tears

“I been right where you are,” he continued, squeezing my knees “I couldn’t check out and neither can you” He looked pointedly at Kara and I followed his gaze

Her eyes were closed and her hair was coveringwas blotchy and red froh her hair, and bitcloser

“It’s going to be okay,” I said, restingis the hardest part”

“That’sto his feet “Chin up, eyes forward”

We sat like that for a long tireith Aces and their old ladies Coffee was handed out Quiet voices filled the room Molly made trips up to the desk to find out if there was any news, shaking her head at

We’d been there for two hours when Howie and Louise stepped off the elevator, their faces pale and scared

“Look who’s here,” I told Kara