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Chapter 4
“Liam didn’t die,” I yell as my eyes flutter open. “He couldn’t have. I talked to him after the accident.”
He’s still alive.
It’s a small ray of hope in a mountain of grief, but it feels so good.
Like a rainbow after a storm.
Standing at the foot of my bed, Jace and Cole exchange a glance.
“What do you mean you talked to him?” Cole questions.
“In my dream…I think.” I shake my head. “I don’t know but it felt real.”
Too real.
Jace plops down in the chair beside me. “What did you two talk about?”
Given I can’t tell them what happened to Mom because of our pact, I tell them the next best thing.
“Dylan. He has a crush on her.”
Jace winces. “Oh.”
Cole sucks in a sharp breath. “Yeah, that wasn’t a dream.”
“I know,” I exclaim, excitement rushing through me. “He’s alive.” For the first time in three days, I smile. “Where is he?”
It’s weird he hasn’t come up to see me. Then again, maybe he did, and I didn’t notice because of all the sedatives.
Jace and Cole exchange another glance before Jace speaks.
“Liam didn’t die during the accident, but—”
“He’s away at school,” Cole interjects. “He’s been busy with his exams and shit, but he’ll be up to see you soon.”
I’m so happy I could cry. “Really?”
Jace shoots Cole a murderous glare. “Outside. Now.”
I have no idea what that’s about, but it doesn’t matter.
Liam’s alive.
“Hey,” Sawyer—who’s apparently not a nurse, but Cole’s fiancée—greets me from the door. “Can I come in?”
Truth be told, I can’t believe he managed to snag someone as awesome as Sawyer, but I’m happy for him.
Given I can use the company, I wave her in. “Of course.”
Evidently, she’s not alone though because the girl who’s always hanging around Jace is right behind her.
I’m not sure what to make of Jace’s friend because she’s super quiet and standoffish.
Then again, I’ve been flipping out and attacking everyone for the last five days, so I can’t really blame her.
“How are you feeling?” Sawyer asks, taking a tentative step in my direction.
“Better.” A
I’m begi
She hikes a thumb behind her. “I can go get you something—”
“No,” I say in a rush. “Please don’t leave. I love my brothers and all, but they can be a little—”
“Protective?” Sawyer supplies.
“Overbearing?” the other girl chimes in.
I can’t help but laugh because it’s obvious they both know them well. “Exactly.” Embarrassed, I decide to bring up the elephant in the room. “I’m sorry I’ve been acting crazy. I just—”
“No need to apologize. It’s totally understandable,” Sawyer says as she takes a seat on the chair beside my bed.
I can’t help but notice how pretty she is. Maybe not in the conventional sense like a model, but in the way that really counts.
On the inside.
She looks like she wants to give me a hug but thinks better of it. “You’ve been through a lot.”
There’s a kindness that emanates from her and I can’t help but feel at ease in her presence.
I’m not sure why or where it’s coming from, but something tells me she’s a good person and I can trust her.
“No wonder my brother’s in love with you.” I rise up on my elbows, attempting to stretch a little because being bedridden sucks. “Not only are you gorgeous, but you seem really easy to talk to.”
Knowing I have to make an effort with Jace’s girl too, I turn my focus on her.
Unlike Sawyer, who’s wearing a cardigan and long skirt, this girl is wearing tight jeans, boots, and what looks like an old black t-shirt with some faded decal on it.
Her outfit would look weird on anyone else, but somehow, she makes it work.
“You have great style.” I give her a genuine smile so she doesn’t think I’m bullshitting. “Maybe when they let me out of here, we can go shopping sometime.”
The girl and Sawyer exchange a wide-eyed glance that seems to last forever.
That’s…u I was just trying to make a good impression and get to know them a little. “No,” Sawyer assures me. “You didn’t say anything wrong.” Sawyer gives her a look, prompting her to speak. The girl crosses her arms. “I’m go It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this girl isn’t my biggest fan. I don’t understand why though because we hardly even know each other. Maybe it’s time to change that. I decide to start with the basics. “I’m sorry, I never caught your name before.” The girl stops to look at me. “Dylan.” I study her features for what feels like an eternity and that’s when it dawns on me. Well, shit. She’s the Dylan. “You’re Jace’s girlfriend?” I clarify as she bolts for the door. She stops short. “Yup.” “They live together,” Sawyer adds. If that’s the case, she must make Jace happy. I just hope it wasn’t at the expense of Liam’s happiness. A peculiar thought hits me. Maybe it’s why he hasn’t shown up. Maybe it hurts too much to see them together. “How does my brother feel about this?” Dylan raises an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure Jace—” “Not Jace,” I clarify. “How does Liam feel about you and Jace being together?” She has to know he’s in love with her. It’s obvious to anyone with a pulse. The girl turns ashen, like she’s just seen a ghost, and then quick as lightning…she’s gone. My eyes flick to Sawyer. “I don’t—” “Hey,” Jace says, entering the room. He gestures to the tray he’s holding. “Lunch is here.” “What is it?” I really hope it’s not vegetable soup or another apple. He inspects the tray. “Well, there’s chocolate pudding.” He places the tray on the table beside me. “And your favorite—vegetable soup and an apple.” Ugh. Pretty soon I’m going to turn into apples and vegetable soup. “Thanks.” Reaching over, I pick up the spoon, opting for the chocolate pudding instead. “I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to come here anymore.” She ran away like a bat out of hell when I brought up Liam which can only mean one thing. She hurt Liam. Jace’s eyebrows pinch. “Who?” “Dylan.” His jaw tics. “Why?” “Because she’s the reason Liam hasn’t shown up. He doesn’t want to see you two together, Jace, and I can’t blame him. It can’t be easy watching your own brother be with the girl you love.” His face falls. There’s so much agony in his eyes it makes me want to take the words back. But I won’t. Because someone has to stick up for Liam. Be his voice when he doesn’t have one. “Yeah,” he says softly. “Yeah, okay. If that’s what you want, I’ll tell her not to come up here anymore.” “Jace.” Sawyer glares at him. “I really don’t think that’s—” He holds up a hand, cutting her off. “I’m go