Saranya
Arriving home from a house call to find my best friend sitting in my house had been the best surprise.
I needed War so much. At first, I was confused by the rental car in my driveway, but when the front door opened, and I saw him standing there with his arms open, I ran to him.
As I threw myself into his arms, I burst into tears.
He carried my sobbing self to the couch.
War sat with me on his lap. He rubbed my back and let me cry myself out.
That had been two hours ago. When I got a hold of myself, I asked him why he was here.
As only War could, he explained how he hadn’t been able to stay away after my breakdown the other night.
He came to make sure I was alright and that he didn’t need to hunt down Cowboy.
Recalling that conversation brought me a sigh of relief.
“What are you d-doing h-here?” I hiccupped as I mopped up my tears with a tissue he handed me.
“What am I doing here? Come on, surely you didn’t think I’d stay away when my best friend is having a crisis and is a mess, did you?”
“I’m not having a crisis. Yes, I’m a bit of a mess, but it’s nothing I won’t get over,” I protest.
“For you to act this way, over someone you never even went on a date with, yes, it is a crisis. Hell, you never acted like this when you broke up with a guy, or one broke up with you, Sari.”
I remained quiet. I had nothing to counter it. My silence encouraged War to continue.
“So, I got my ass on a plane and came here. And seeing the way you broke down again, I know what I have to do,” he said.
“Oh, and what is that?” I asked.
“I’ve got to go to the Horsemen’s clubhouse and see Cowboy. And when I do, I’m beating his ass into the dirt. He’ll be spending a while in the hospital,” he snarled.
Alarm swept through me. I was sitting next to War now. I reached over and grabbed his wrist. I shook it to make him look at me.
“War, don’t you dare do that! You stay away from Cowboy and his club. Hear me? Don’t go near him!” I shrieked.
“Why not? Are you afraid I’ll get jumped by his club? It’s possible. If it’s just him and me, I think I can take him.”
“I don’t know if the others will intercede or not. But it doesn’t matter. I don’t want either of you fighting or getting hurt.”
“Ah, so you care about the bastard even though he insulted and hurt you.”
I hung my head. “Yes, I admit it. Despite the way he makes me feel, I can’t stand the thought of him being hurt. Just let it go, War. He’s out of my life. I want to forget Cowboy. How long can you stay?”
Surprisingly, War allowed me to veer off the subject.
He informed me he’d be there until Sunday.
Today was Wednesday. I wished I’d been able to prepare for his visit and get another vet to cover for me so that we could spend every day together.
Since he didn’t, we’d have to work around my schedule and hope for the best. Or so I thought.
Ten minutes ago, I received a call from Dad.
“Hello, Ph?x, Dad. This is a pleasant surprise. Are you and Mae?, Mom, alright?” My parents usually called in the evenings. Using the Thai words for Dad and Mom came naturally to me. I grew up bilingual.
“Your Mom and I are great, Sari. I’m calling to let you and War know I have it covered.”
“How do you know War is here? Never mind, he told you. Duh. What do you have covered?” I asked, noticing the smirk on War’s face.
“He did tell us he was coming, and he wanted to surprise you. He asked if I knew anyone who could cover for you, so you have the next four days free to do whatever you want. Put me on speaker.”
“You’re on it.”
“Hello, Dad,” War called out.
“Hello, son. I’m calling to let both of you know that I have Sari covered. My partner, Jordan, is more than happy to do it. And before you say no, Sari, he said he insists.”
“Tell Jordan I appreciate it, but I can’t accept.”
“Girl, you need a break. Jordan will be there this evening for you to go over anything you need to with him. Then you’re free. Have fun. Rest. All I ask is that you stay out of jail,” Dad warned.
“That only happened once, Dad. We’re better behaved,” War told him.
Dad chuckled. “Sure you are. I’m not dumb. Alright, I won’t keep you. Take care. And call us if you need anything. Otherwise, we won’t expect to hear from you until Monday. Love you both.” Dad wrapped up the call. He was probably busy.
“Thank you. Love you, too,” I said at the same time as War said, “Love you.” After I disconnected, I stared at my best friend.
“Don’t give me that look. You need it. I won’t apologize, so get over it. You’re coming with me tomorrow. I have a surprise.”
“Coming where?”
“You’ll see,” he said, leaving me to wonder the rest of the day and night.