41. Storm
Ileft a lot later than intended. Heath didn’t want me to leave unless we spent the day together, had the pizza night we missed on Wednesday, and watched movies. By the time midnight rolled around, I was out on the open road, heading home to my angel.
I don’t even know where I’m going, downtown New Jersey is what I plugged into the GPS and I’m driving like a madman just trying to get to her in time. I hope I’m not too late. I hope she still wants me. Fuck, I hope she loves me as much as I do her.
I bring a Redbull to my lips, gulping the rest of the can before I toss it aside. It’s a ten-hour drive, but if I go over the speed limit, I might be able to make it in eight. But the last thing I need is to be arrested, so I keep it slightly higher than the speed limit and push through a long night of making up scenarios in my head of what I’ll say when I see her again.
My dashboard lights up and Ross’ name appears. “Yeah?” I answer.
“You’re really doing this, huh?”
I smirk, lighting a cigarette. “I’m really doing this.”
The sound of the bar door opening and closing hits my ears and Ross clicks his tongue. “Denny’s coming home tomorrow.”
My face burns hot, throat closing in. “H-how do you know that? Rick didn’t say anything to me and I was with him all day.”
“Your mom told mine that he’s on parole and can’t leave the state for a couple of years, maybe more depending on his behavior,” Ross answers, lighting up a smoke as well. “It’s good you’re getting out. Your mom says he’s still angry with you.”
Fear tingles along my skin, running from my temples and shooting down to my toes. “Fuck.” I grunt, releasing smoke from my nostrils. “Why didn’t she call me?”
“She doesn’t want to tarnish your moment with Auden,” he says, exhaling sharply. “Does she know about Denny?”
“Yeah, I told her.” I pull on the cigarette. “She’s so fucking understanding. I got so lucky, man. I feel like I’m dreaming. I just have to get to her and show her that we will work.”
Ross exhales again, sniffling. “Then stay outta this town if you know what’s good for you. Denny needs to see your parents, see Rick and Heath. Once he settles in, they’ll calm him down.”
“As long as he stays away from Auden, I couldn’t care less what he does to me.”
Ross scoffs. “Be smart, Storm. Denny is a freaking giant, he’ll kill you.”
“Maybe, but I sent him to prison for eight years.”
“And you’re finally happy after your loss. Don’t tarnish it,” Ross adds, exhaling once more. “Be good, okay? Call me if you need anything.”
With that, he hangs up and leaves me with the sound of country music playing to fill in the silent fear clawing its way up my spine and digging more holes in my damn heart.