Page 39 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

Abby held her breath, and Dad stood and walked a few steps away.

“Here, Dad. Sit,” I said.

He shook his head, waving me away.

Katie looked up at Trenton from under her brow. “Ready? We’re going to start with your wrist first.”

He nodded, and Katie pressed and pulled, manipulating his wrist and hand.

Trenton’s face turned red, and his jaw was taut.

I grabbed his left hand, and he dug his fingers into my skin.

“Don’t hold your breath,” Katie said softly. “Don’t want you passing out on me if you’re not prone in a bed. Almost finished.”

Trenton breathed in through his nose.

“That’s right. Concentrate on your breathing. You’re doing great.” She pressed and moved his hand around.

I disagreed with her. I was hoping to God he’d pass out. But Trenton withstood the pain, determined to be awake and alert for Camille.

Focused, Katie moved on to the second break.

Just when I thought Trenton couldn’t take another second, his arm straightened, and Katie signaled to Rosh.

“Okay, the worst is over,” she said. She placed the material while holding his arm in place, Rosh wetted something else, and then began wrapping his arm.

“Beautiful,” Rosh said, grinning as he wrapped the lime green tape around the cast.

“As soon as that disaster dries, I get first dibs to sign it,” I said. “I already know what I’m gonna say.”

“It’s not a disaster,” Katie said. “That’s one beautiful cast.”

Dad quietly stood in the corner, letting me take my turn pacing.

“Camille’s family was contacted. Why haven’t they shown up?” I asked.

“Her family’s … complicated,” Trenton said.

“Nothing’s complicated enough that you don’t show up for something like this,” I said.

“Inexcusable,” Jim muttered. “Well, we’re her family now. We’ll just make sure we’re all she needs.”

Trent sat in his wheelchair next to her bed, still as a statue and only once in a while whispering something to her that I couldn’t decipher.

Abby’s stomach growled, and she looked to me, apologetic. “Anyone up for some all-night fast food?”

We all raised our hand, even Trenton.

“Okay, I’ll go grab some dinner.” She kissed me once.

“Be careful, baby.”

“What are the odds of two people in our family getting in an accident in the same night?” she asked.

Dad frowned. “Unfortunately, sis, with us, the odds aren’t in your favor. Wear your seatbelt. Stay alert. You’re not too tired, are ya?”

Abby shook her head. “I’m fine. Text me what you want from In-and-Out.” She pointed at my dad. “I won’t check it until I get there.”