“Ahh, shit. Really?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. He just called me on the drive, and I pleaded with him, but he’s going through a divorce and has to. What’s your opinion on buying?”
“I don’t know if I can. With all of the money I have saved and the loan I’m prequalified for, that’s just enough for the equipment. I’m not sure I could get another loan. How much is he asking anyways?”
“Five hundred thousand.”
“Damn, okay. Well, as much as I love this place, and believe me I really do, it’s just not gonna work.”
“Again, I’m sorry, Nash. I’ll keep looking and we’ll find you the right spot.”
He nods his head and we shake Amesha’s hand. I can see the despair all over his face, laced into his eyes.
We get back into his truck and he turns the music off the second it starts. “I’m sorry, man,” I tell him, wishing I could make things better.
“Thanks, Nate, sorry I wasted your time today.”
“You didn’t waste my time. You didn’t at all. Thanks for having me along.”
“This just blows, man. That place is perfect.”
“I know.”
Sitting against the leather of the seat, I look over at Nash as we begin our trek home and realize maybe I can help him. The military has given me a ton of money that frankly I have no purpose for. I guess to them it was the price on the ten months I was missing and all that I endured. But to me, there is no amount of money that can compensate for what I went through. Looking at Nash and how down he is, I decide the best thing I can do is help him.
“I’ll buy the gym for you.”
He turns his head faster than I’ve ever seen him move before, then puts his eyes back on the road when I nod my head yes, to tell him that I’m serious.
“No way, man, I can’t have you spend your money like that.”
“It’s not my money, it’s the government’s. And to be honest with you, I could use something to focus on, maybe we can work out some sort of partnership.”
“I would love that. You would really do this with me?”
“I would, but on one condition.”
“Fuck, man, you name it, anything.”
“I want you to get me back up to my old weight and to build the muscle I’ve lost.”
“Dude, I’m doing that anyways. What else?”
“Nothing, I don’t want anything,” I tell him.
“Baby, it’s going to be all right. Just take some deep breaths, okay?”
Arion’s words are loud and clear, but comprehending what she is asking of me is a whole other thing. We are in the car driving to the courthouse and I know in order to get through today, it will take every last ounce of strength I have.
We’ve met with the DA, so both my parents and I are ready to speak at the sentencing. However, actually doing it is a whole different story. As Arion turns my BMW off of the freeway, she grabs my hand. She is so confident and strong, just what I need today.
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat your bagel?” she asks me, eyeballing the brown paper bag we picked up with our favorite breakfast sandwiches in it.
I shake my head, squeezing her hand a little tighter. My stomach is a ball of fire. I wouldn’t wish today on my worst enemy – ever. She holds me tightly back and we get closer and closer to our arrival.
“Have you talked to your parents?”
I glance at my phone and notice that neither of them have called or texted me. “No, I’m sure they are running late, but they’ll be there.”
Within a few minutes we are parked. Arion looks over at me, cupping my cheek and says, “I love you, Bain. You can do this. Stay strong for Kinsey, okay?”
Leaning over I kiss her lips and then my phone chimes. It’s a text from my dad. We are running a few minutes late. Your mom is struggling this morning and it was hell to get her out of the house. But we’ll be there, save us a seat. I love you, son.
I will, love you guys.
“My parents are running late.”
“I’m sure it’s been hard for them too.”
“Yeah,” I respond staring up into the grey clouds.
“Are you ready to head in?” Arion asks me.
I nod my head and get out of the car. I can do this. I have to…for Kinsey. Arion wraps her hand around mine and I keep my eyes to the ground letting her lead me inside the courthouse, where our final destination will be to spend who knows how long with a monster.
“Bain,” she whispers and I look up. The outside of the building is littered with news reporters and camera crews. I know right away what she is referring to. Then I hear my name when one of them spots us as we approach. “Mr. Adams, Mr. Adams” is all that echoes in my head.