Enough(79)

Late that night, we parked in her garage without a new charger for my phone so I used hers to leave a message at the shop telling the guys I’d be back Monday afternoon. Then I went to bed, and hoped I’d sleep until Monday.

By Sunday night, Melody’s insults no longer bounced off me. I was done with her barbs about my overdramatic youth and wasted life.

“Our father didn’t give me a choice but to run. He spent three years beating me bloody, even breaking my arm.” My voice shook and I breathed in and out, trying to find calm.

“Daddy told me about your cries for attention. How you’d convinced the police to investigate him when you broke your arm. What happened to you?” Melody made soft tsking noises at me.

Anger burst inside me but I didn’t yell. However, it did clear my vision. The sister I remembered was gone, or she never existed. I’d keep my promise and go in the morning, but when I left I’d never come back.

Dare’s words replayed in my mind. I’m your family, Red.

He was the only family I needed, and tomorrow I’d go home to him and never see Melody again.

Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

* * *

“You have to ride with me, drive me home,” Melody wheedled for the tenth time.

“Let’s go.” I headed to my SUV, ignoring another round of complaining. I needed to escape right after the doctor appointment.

We were ushered into the doctor’s office within minutes of Melody checking in. The posh décor shouted money, no doubt this doctor catered to the haves of the world.

A man in his midforties introduced himself as Dr. Whitcomb. We sat down and he bestowed a kind smile that reached his eyes. Instantly, I liked him.

“Ms. Braham, the c-word is scary, but in your case, your early stage cervical cancer is very manageable.” He handed Melody a box of tissues.

She’d told me ovarian cancer, not cervical cancer.

“The most traumatic part for a young woman like you will be the full hysterectomy, but I don’t foresee any radiation or chemotherapy.”

She dabbed her eyes and clasped my hand. I wanted to move away, but I didn’t.

“It’s so devastating, but my sister will be staying to take care of me during my treatment. And I’m on a paid medical leave from the bank until I’m cancer free.”

This was news to me.

His face went blank. “Well it’s very generous of your sister and your employer, but most patients manage fine with the surgery and a three-week recovery period after.”

I smiled at the doctor and my sister. “Thank you, Dr. Whitcomb, I’m relieved you’re in charge of Melody’s care. Unfortunately, I’m unable to stay with my sister. She’s overwrought and I’m sure she forgot. I have to leave, now.”

I hadn’t taken three steps before Melody shouted, “You’re staying with me.” I kept walking to the door. “You don’t even have a real job.” She screeched the words as I walked down the hall toward the waiting area and my car.

I was on the interstate before I realized I’d never picked up a phone charger.

I’d be home soon.

You don’t even have a real job. Daddy told me about your cries for attention. The words circled inside, bringing me low. I tried not to believe them, but part of me always thought if I’d been different—a blonde like Melody—he wouldn’t have hit me. But I looked like my dead mother, and I paid for the sin.

Unsettled and ready for comfort, I parked in front of Marked Man. In the shorts and T-shirt I’d worn Friday, I walked in the front door of the shop.





Chapter Twenty-Three: Dare

Friday afternoon

Jericho and I packed up the truck and Curly was ready to leave for the lake. I couldn’t wait for this weekend with Red. Memories of our last trip had revved me up, so I’d packed some special toys.

My phone rang, but I’d left it on the chair. I hopped over the side of the pickup but it quit ringing before I got there. Red’s number flashed on the caller ID, but her phone went to voice mail when I called back. I left a message. “I’ll be there in twenty. Can’t wait for the trip.”

Curly and Jericho headed out, but I drove back to the shop for my last client. When I walked in, Red wasn’t in the front, and the place felt too quiet. In the back, Zayn and Rock stood talking but both turned and stared at me.

“What’s up with you two?” I frowned. “And where’s Red?”

“Gone.” Zayn said. “Her sister is in the hospital and she’s headed to Oklahoma City now.”

What the hell? It must’ve been real bad news, but that didn’t explain why she hadn’t called back.