Back to the Beginning by Christina Gist

Author:Christina Gist [Gist, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798643401100
Published: 2020-06-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“Everley!”

Heath had been pounding on the door for the past couple of minutes, but she was such a mess that she couldn't bring herself to answer it. She had been crying ever since Benny had left two hours ago, unable to shake off the things he’d said.

“Everley!” Heath shouted again, sounding more worried than angry. “I'm knocking because it's polite, but Ryan gave me a key. If you don't answer, I'll assume you're hurt and barge in!”

She had long since left the safety of her fort and had been sitting in the bathroom, hands holding her flattened belly, running over an almost invisible scar, reminding her of everything that had been taken away. She’d lost count of how many times she'd thrown up since Benny had left. All the sobbing and sniffling had her sick to her stomach.

He’d been right about one thing: She was damaged, unstable and no good for Heath, who deserved so much better.

“Jesus, Everley,” Heath said when he found her.

She hadn't even heard him come in.

Everley felt him put a hand on her forehead. “You're burning up.” He scooped her up and brought her back to the couch. After he'd run off for a moment, she saw him return, and felt a cool washcloth drape over her forehead.

“Why?” she managed to croak out, her voice long past gone.

“Why what?” he asked, kneeling beside the couch, and smoothing his hand over her hair. “Why am I here? I told you I'd be here. When you didn't answer, it scared me. What happened? Why are you so upset? Talk to me Evie.”

Everley shut her eyes and shook her head. She couldn't tell him. How could she give him hope one minute, only to turn around and crush him the next?

“All right, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.” As always, he was patient and understanding. “Look, why don’t you just give me a moment? I need to make a phone call.”

When he stood, she immediately felt empty. He made his way into the next room, and she could hear him talking to someone. Everley hoped he wasn’t calling Ryan or Harper. The last thing they needed was to rush home because they were worried about her.

When he returned, he took her hand and gave it a little squeeze.“I'm here. I’m not going to force you to talk, but I’m not going anywhere. I called in and was able to get a sub for the rest of the day. So, unless you really don't want me here, you've got me for the rest of the afternoon.”

“Stay,” she said, slowly finding her voice again.

“All right,” he said, watching as she opened her eyes to look at him. “Can I join you on the couch?” Everley nodded and sat up, letting him sit behind her. He pulled her back to him, and after adjusting the washcloth on her head, he wrapped his arms around her. “Get some rest,” he whispered. “I'm here.”

“Why are you taking another chance on me?” She cringed at how small and weak she sounded.

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