“Then I’ll stay.”
“Thank you.” I open my eyes.
His face is wan, and his eyes shine with tears.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Watching you suffer reminds me of the day I almost lost you.” He swallows hard and inhales a trembling breath.
“I’m sorry.” I move to sit, but he presses a staying hand on my hip.
“Please work on your stretches and let me massage you before it gets this bad again.” He strokes my hip with his thumb. “What hurts you hurts me too.”
“I’m sorry,” I repeat.
He shushes me. “It’s not your fault, Sunshine.”
I want to argue, but I’m too exhausted. Morgan kicks off his shoes. I look away as he drops his pants, rolling onto my good side. When he sidles up behind me, I settle into the safety of his arms, and drift on a current with the swaying ship until I fall into a dreamless sleep.
Briar Anti-Cole Group Chat
Lawrence
Saw the sign on Cole’s door. You guys finally fucking?
Wes
Watch yourself, son. He’s going to boot you from the group chat again.
Lawrence
Don’t call me son unless you want me to call you daddy
Javi
Lawrence
Word on the street is that the old-timers are throwing Cole a party to celebrate Seb’s life.
Javi
With fireworks.
Morgan
Oh,for fuck’s sake.
Lawrence
Me and Cole haven’t had a roman candle war in years. Maybe that would cheer him up.
Javi
Hell no. The last thing we need is one of you losing a finger.
Lawrence
Boooo.