The Only One for Me(48)
“Which is possible,” Rollin added.
“Yeah, but Corra and I ran into him in Lexington a few days later and he stared me down like he was daring me to say something. He did it, all right. I’m just not sure how I can prove it. And even if I could, should I press charges?”
“Did you tell Corra about the house?”
“No, I can’t prove anything, so I just left it alone. No major structural damage was done. Besides, I’ve patched it all up and installed some security cameras.”
“You know, I love my sister to death, but Eric has always rubbed me the wrong way. The other day she asked me about the bad blood between you two.”
Chris ran his hands down the front of his pants and shook his head.
“Hey, I’m not trying to get into your business. You know how I feel about that. But, he’s a part of the kids’ life, and if you’re going to be a part as well, I think you and Corra need to have a talk.”
Chris knew Rollin was right. He only hoped Corra would speak to him again. Over the next couple of hours Tayler showed up with Katie, Jamie’s coach came by, and a few of his teammates. Everybody came and went, but Chris wasn’t going to leave until he spoke to Corra. She hadn’t come out yet, although he’d called her cell phone and sent her a text message.
Rollin tried to get Chris to leave. “Look, man, you might as well go on home. I’ll come back and pick Corra up once the doctor releases Jamie.”
Chris shook his head. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you let me take them home once the doctor releases them? You don’t have to let Corra know I’m out here.”
Rollin turned to Tayler who nodded her head. “Let him. They need to talk.”
“Okay, but look, if she gets mad and refuses, give me a call. I’ll come and get them.”
Chris patted Rollin on the back. “Thanks, man. I’ll take care of them, you know that.”
“I know you will. And if that no good-for-nothing ex of hers shows up—”
“Don’t worry.” Chris cut him off. “I won’t make the same mistake twice.”
Chris and Rollin gave each other a hug before he left.
Chapter 23
Corra called and texted Rollin twice, letting him know Jamie was being released from the hospital, but he hadn’t contacted her back. As the nurse wheeled Jamie out into the lobby, Corra tried once more. Where was he? She was beginning to get concerned. The minute she stepped into the lobby, Chris walked toward them. Her body stiffened as she took a step back. Unfortunately, right into Jamie and the wheelchair.
“Mom!” Jamie yelped, as Corra almost sat in his lap.
“I’m sorry, baby.” She caught herself while still holding the phone waiting for Rollin to answer. She asked the nurse to excuse her for a second, and turned away to leave Rollin another voice message.
While Rollin’s voice mail message played she heard Chris talking to Jamie. “How’s my little buddy feeling?”
Rollin’s greeting ended. “Rollin, where the hell are you?” she whispered into the phone. “They just released Jamie and we need a ride home. You said you would be here.” She sensed the presence of someone standing behind her.
She disconnected the call and closed her eyes for a moment knowing that Chris was behind her. She was so mad at him she didn’t trust herself not to curse him out.
“Corra. Come on, let me take you and Jamie home.”
She whirled around and glared at him. “No thanks. We’ll wait for Rollin.” She took a firm stance and crossed her arms.
Chris had taken Jamie’s wheelchair from the nurse. The two of them looked cute in their baseball outfits. Corra had never seen them dressed alike. She bit down on her bottom lip. No matter how cute they looked she couldn’t forget the danger he’d potentially put her son in.
“Watch this, Mom.” Jamie gave Chris the signal and he pulled the chair back, popping a wheelie. Her son laughed so hard, Corra had to smile. Her baby was going to be okay.
Chris stopped the chair next to her. “Ready to go?” he asked.
Corra looked at her phone.
“He’s not coming,” Chris said. “I told him I’d take you guys home.”
Corra lowered her arms and said through clenched teeth, “I should have known the minute I saw you. Wait until I see him.”
“If you’re going to be mad at anybody, be mad at me. I told him I wasn’t leaving until they released you guys. I just want to make sure you get home safe.”
It was almost one o’clock in the morning, what choice did she have? As much as she hated to admit it, at the moment she trusted Chris more than anyone, besides Rollin.