Sleepless Nights(78)

Arms of a man I don’t know lift me away from an unconscious, pale and bleedin’ Ashley and I don’t fight the tears burnin’ my throat. Lola doesn’t fight them either and if things weren’t what they are, I would stare at her in shock. I’ve known that girl for years and she’s had a lot to cry about over them, but I’ve never seen her actually cry.

My baby sister stands next to her, grippin’ her hand, tears silently fallin’ down her face. It’s because of me they lost their friend five years ago. In light of everythin’ else, my brain sticks to that thought. It’s my fault Ashley left us. I did that.

But it’s Victor’s fault she got shot.



***



I stand over Victor Gage’s hospital bed. He’s had a few surgeries to repair the damage to his body. They loaded me into an ambulance before I could get my gun outta my saddlebag or I would shoot this motherfucker right now. Though I guess I could wrap my hands around his throat. But that’s probably gonna hurt since I got shot in my shoulder. Every little movement outta that side of my body makes my entire body scream in pain.

Then I remember the hole in Ashley’s chest and I clench my one good fist. My other arm is up in a sling to keep me from movin’ it. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. But it’ll heal and I’ll be stronger than ever.

“What are you doing in here?” a female voice asks me from behind.

I turn slowly, my shoulder screamin’ in protest. I really should have taken a pain pill or somethin’ but I can’t afford to be buzzed right now.

The woman behind me is Ashley’s mother. I haven’t seen her since that day she kicked me outta her house and Ashley decided to leave with me. It was a proud day for me. I had to hear about all the times Ashley wished she could stick it to her mom but she didn’t. Then I got to witness her standin’ up to the woman for the first time.

“Contemplatin’ murder,” I say.

A small smile curves the right side of her mouth. “I was doing the same thing. I’m a nurse you know. I could end his life and they would never figure out how he died.” There’s a bloodthirsty look in her eyes and I’m kind of in awe.

“I didn’t mean we should actually kill him,” I mumble, hopin’ she wasn’t for real.

She barks out a laugh and moves to stand next to me by the bed. “You know, I used to think I knew what my daughter needed. What she wanted. But after the past five years, I wish someone would’ve come and kicked me in the ass.” She wraps her arms around my shoulder, careful not to touch my wound. It still fuckin’ hurts. “She always had that fire in her eyes. The one meant for rebellion. I’m honestly not sure where she gets it from.” She sighs and I stay silent. This moment is awkward but I also don’t want her to shut up. I like what she’s sayin’, it’s goin’ in a good direction. “I don’t think Ashley ever fit in until she met you. Something inside of you calls to something in her. I should have listened when she told me about you. I shouldn’t have tried to make her choose. I had a man in my life like that. He turned everything upside down and he wasn’t perfect. Though I think you’re more trustworthy then he was.”

“Ashley’s dad?” I question, turnin’ my head to look down at her.

She nods. “Sean had his problems just like the rest of us. Only he took it to extremes. He didn’t think about me because it was all about him.” She keeps her hand on my shoulder but reaches down and grabs Victor’s hand. “The difference is you. Victor might not have the same problems as my ex but he still only thinks of himself. He didn’t realize that Ashley needed him to see her.” She looks from Victor to me. “You see the real her and you don’t push her aside or ask her to change. I never had a Damien, just a Victor. Though if I had a you I don’t think I’d have my three wonderful children.” She looks back at Victor and kisses his forehead. She smoothes the brown hair off his brow before leanin’ up to kiss my cheek. Then she’s gone.

I guess that’s her way of sayin’ welcome to the family.

I leave Victor alone after that. I head back to the waitin’ room where everyone has gathered for Ashley. And I mean everyone. The brothers line the walls outside and inside. Her brothers sit with their heads down while Rachel and Paisley sit at their feet. Ryan holds on to a silent Lola who just looks off into space. She never does well with death or the promise of death.

But Ashley’s not dead yet. If there’s anythin’ to know about my Glossy it’s she’s a fuckin’ fighter. She has all these people to fight for and help protect. Ashley once told me if she couldn’t contribute to the population then she was goin’ to protect those in it. I thought she meant she wanted to be a cop so I was surprised to learn she went to vet school.