Three beers and a few chocolate chip cookies down, and a breakfast date arranged with my dad before the night ends, give me a good feeling with both of my parents. A shower that lasted a half hour was exactly what I needed despite the soreness still in my arm. I have my mom help me wrap it, and I’m very proud of her for not asking any questions she knows I won’t be able to answer. It’s not an obvious bullet graze, but it is apparent I was hurt out there. I just wish the true ache in my head would disappear and the heaviness I’m carrying around in my heart would go away by the time this wound heals.
I’m climbing into my old twin bed, ready to succumb to sleep, when my text messages go off. Harris is finally getting back with me, and before I have the chance to reply to his second text, he’s calling me.
No ‘Hello Jade, how are you feeling?’ Just good ole Harris getting straight to the point.
To be honest? I’m thankful he isn’t trying to coddle me. Or become all possessive. I’m even more grateful we didn’t cross over that unwritten line of friendship. We came damn close, too close actually. It may have ruined the friendship I cherish too much and made things awkward.
“Do you want me to pick you both up on Friday?” he offers, and honestly, the thought of him dealing with most of the driving sounds nice. Mallory and I won’t be able to cut completely loose, but I’m sure they’ll get along well enough to make the weekend trip.
“Sure. What exactly are your plans for Alabama, Harris?”
“Absolutely fucking nothing. I want to just be free in the damn US of A for a damn minute without an itinerary or schedule to follow.”
“Sounds damn perfect. What time do you plan to head out?”
“I’ll head your way that morning, so say… around three o’clock I’ll be by to get you both.”
“We’ll be packed.”
“Hey.” The line goes silent as I wait for him to continue.
“Yeah.”
“You okay?” His voice is truly sincere, and I can feel his warmth through the phone. Well, there goes that thought from moments ago. He means well. I know he does. I’ll touch lightly on the subject with him. I will be okay and his concern warms me. I’ve been entirely wrapped up in my career for so long that for once I need to put myself first, especially now that I’m home where I can deal with this my own way. Because when you're out there fighting, it’s not only you, it’s an entire team. We all depend on each other.
“I’m working on it.” He knows it, there’s no use hiding it from him. This man has been my shadow and vice versa for months. When you work that closely with someone, you get to know what they’re thinking and feeling. Plus, I’m sure my situation in itself warrants his concern.
“Alright. I’ll talk to you Friday. Bring your shit kickers, you’re going to need them.”
“I don’t own shit kickers, Harris.” I should’ve known his country ass would have me doing some insane stuff that will most likely involve us getting into shit. Literally.
“Go buy some.” He hangs up. Fucker. Shit kickers, my ass. I place my phone back on the nightstand and connect it to my charger before I switch off the light. Every part of my body is physically and mentally drained to the point that I don’t remember a damn thing after I roll over onto my side and sleep for eight hours straight for the first time in at least a month.
~~~~
“Alright, you win. I’ll take the box of donuts and dinner next week at your favorite Irish Pub, dad. You do know though I’m going to have to work out extra hard for eating these donuts.” The way he looks at me, and his damn eye is twitching, I know he’s coming back with a smartass comment.
“Do me a favor and use those muscles you have to knock your brother Jeremy in the water. He’s still cocky as hell. A good ass-whooping is what he needs.” I slide the box of donuts and my small bag into the back seat of my car, laughing. Jeremy will never change. His mouth has gotten him into more trouble than any other person I know.
“I’ll do my best. Maybe pay him back for all the things he did while we were growing up. Thanks for everything, dad,” I say seriously.