Stupid Girl(106)

“My, uh, grandfather.” I looked around, a little dazed, unsure what exactly to do next. This couldn’t be happening. Jilly? Sick? He’d never been sick a day in his life. I started walking to the exit door. He was awake, though, so that was a good thing. Right? “I … gotta go.”

“Whoa, whoa,” Brax said gently, and grasped my arm. “Hold on.” He stopped me, lifted my chin, forced me to look at him. “What’s wrong with Jilly?”

Tears filled my eyes, and confusion webbed my brain. “Heart attack.” The words cracked as they exited my mouth, and I hated them more than I’d hated anything in my life. I started back for the class room to get my pack. “I gotta go.”

“Wait here,” Brax said. “I’ll get your stuff.” He left, and I stayed put, my mind whirling in a thousand different directions. Before I knew it, Brax slipped back out of the class with both our bags slung over his shoulder. He grasped my elbow. “Come on.”

Reality struck me. Brax. “No—what are you doing? I … don’t need your help.” I pulled away from him, confused, now running.

Brax stopped me, gently pulled me against him. I fought at first, then … didn’t. I allowed him to hold me, and I sobbed. I was so scared. And he felt so … comforting. His hand cupped the back of my head, and I liked it there. After a moment he ducked again to fix a determined gaze onto mine. “You ain’t drivin’ nowhere, Sunshine, so forget it. I’ll drive you.”

I shook my head. “No.”

Brax’s eyes softened. “Sorry, Gracie. I know you sort of hate me right now, but this ain’t happening.” He shook his head. “I’m driving you home. No arguments.” His hands found mine, and he lifted them between us. “See? You’re shakin’ like a leaf. You’re not getting behind the wheel.”

Ahguments. The familiarity of his harsh Boston accent washed over me, and I knew he was right. I hadn’t let my mom know how upset up I was, but I couldn’t hide it from Brax. Not in person. I felt as though I was going to shake right out of my boots. I had no time to worry about trust, betrayal, or anything else. I needed to get home. And I wasn’t sure I could do it alone. “Okay.” I looked at him. “But I have to go now.”

“Come on.”

As we walked, I barely noticed Brax making calls on his cell. One I knew was to Cory, and after that my mind went in five thousand directions. Was Jilly going to be okay? Old, cranky Jilly? Nothing could get that ornery old ex-Texas Ranger down. He’d been shot five times in the line of duty. Kicked and thrown by wild horses. He was made of piss and cast iron. Wasn’t he?

By the time we made it to my dorm, Tessa and Cory were both there and met us at the front door. Cory handed Brax a packed duffle bag. Tessa hurried toward me.

“Are you okay with this?” she asked. Her eyes skimmed over me as though I’d been hurt, or in a car wreck. “Liv?”

“I’m okay with it,” I answered, and I knew she’d meant with Brax taking me home.

“Well, come on, I’ll help you throw some things together,” she said, and grabbed me by the hand and led me upstairs. She had my pack on the bed, unzipped, and helped me gather clothes. “Is your grandpa going to be okay?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I answered, and forced a smile. “He’s, uh, tough as nails. He’ll be okay.” I felt numb, like I was watching someone else go through the motions of gathering a toothbrush, sneakers, and clean panties. I just wanted to leave. Go. Now.

Finished, Tessa shouldered my pack and looked at me. “Come on, chica, let’s go.” She bumped my shoulder with hers as we walked.

“All right,” I answered.

Downstairs, Brax took my bag and we headed across the parking lot. Tessa pulled me into a tight embrace at my truck. “Call me, okay? For anything, any time.” She kissed me on the cheek. “I mean it, Liv.”

“Thanks, Tessa,” I said quietly. “I will.”

Brax helped me across the seat, then slid behind the wheel. He slammed the door shut, rolled down the window. Cory towered over Tessa, his arm draped over her shoulders. I’d been so consumed with myself lately that I hadn’t processed the fact that they’d started seeing each other. “Let me know something, bro.”

“Will do.” Brax started the engine and as we pulled away I barely saw Tessa waving.

We drove in silence through town, and when we hit the Interstate Brax hit the gas, and my truck surged. Exhaust pipes rumbled.

And I closed my eyes and prayed.