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Everything is a fucked-up mess

But he's here

And I' him the only way I can

Chapter Forty-One

Briar

One downside of running away? I' attire I slip into my cocktail dress, fasten the straps of ht's underwear or skipping underwear entirely

Neither option appeals, but going coure—

That's a no go

I slide into last night's panties, call a ride share, stop at the phar rooe into a pair of cotton briefs, but it's not necessary

Si on the chair next to hi coffee for Harrison"

"Oh"

He taps the chair "Trish packed it"

"Thanks"

"He'll be back in twenty minutes"

Okay That's good infor, did you realize I lied about ement to Liam? No Then never mind It was all real Totally

"He loves you"

What?

"That isn't always enough I won't ask you to ignore the other factors But don't ignore that"

What can I say? No, he doesn't, we're just pretending we're in love If this is really over, and this is the end, then Liaer any of my business

We're coworkers

That's all

I can handle that Absolutely

"I know" It falls off my lips easily, but it's not true I don't knoonder, I hope, I suspect, but I don't know

Simon nods "Room one fifteen"

"Thanks" I grab the overnight bag, change into jeans, a t-shirt, and a fresh pair of panties in the bathroom And, yes, flat shoes Much better I checkthat screams I slept in a hotel and not in Liam's bed, take a deep breath, and find Preston's room

He's half asleep, an opened paperback on his chest, his son asleep on the chair across from his

He stirs as I enter, ers to his lips "Shall we take a walk?"

"Can you?"

"Who's going to stop me?"

"The nurse? Your son?"

"Then let's stay quiet"

"Okay" I offer my hand

He uses it for leverage as he slips out of bed His IV is already on a cart, and he's wearing pajaown

Rich people perks or modern hospital life? I'm not sure I'm lucky I haven't had to spend much time in hospitals

I can see why so e and sterile A place to fall, fade, die

It happens to all of us But it's close for Preston And I—

Fuck, I don't want to see it happen I don't know him well, but I don't want to lose him I don't want the world to lose him