Page 61 of Healed Heart

She cocks her head.“You sure?I’m not the one he wants to see.”

“You think I care?”I scoff.“Come with me.You’re here.Surely he’ll appreciate an extra visitor.”

I can’t forget that Tabitha kind of had a crush on Ralph for a while.She may still have one…

Nah.By now surely I’ve convinced her he’s a dick with ears.

God, I have no idea what that even means.It’s something Henry used to say when we were kids.

I grab Tabitha’s hand as I walk into the room to make sure she comes along.

I walk up to Ralph’s bedside, where he’s staring at me.

“Back so soon?”he says.

I roll my eyes.“I heard you summoned me.”

“And you came just like that?”He chuckles and then winces.“Fuck.It hurts to laugh.”

“Good.There’s nothing funny about any of this from where I’m standing.”

He glances toward Tabitha.“She can go.”

I look at Tabitha.Her cheeks are turning pink.

“She stays,” I say.

“I don’t think you want her to hear what I have to say to you.”

I squeeze Tabitha’s hand.“Anything you have to say to me you can say in front of my bestie.”

Did I truly just say that?Tabitha squeezes my hand back.

“Sorry,” he says.“It’s nonnegotiable.I asked to seeyou.”

I laugh at that.“What makes you think you have all the power here?”I ask.“From where I’m standing, you’ve pretty much been beaten to a pulp.You probably can’t even get out of that bed.I don’t think you’re holding any cards here.”

Part of me can’t believe I’m saying these things.I’m Angie Simpson, the introvert.I was always the peacekeeper among the awesome foursome.I never started anything.Never escalated a situation, never made it worse.

But I like this new side of myself.This new side that my time with Jason has brought out.

“You’d be surprised,” Ralph says.“I still hold the winning hand here.”

What the hell is he even talking about?

“It’s okay,” Tabitha says.“I can wait outside, Angie.”She unlinks her hand from mine.

“No,” I say.“Why doesheget to dictate the rules?”I turn to Ralph, glare at him.“You want to talk to me?Then talk to me.Show me your fucking cards.That royal flush you think you’re holding.Because I think you’re bluffing.”

“Really, it’s okay.”Tabitha walks swiftly out of the room.

Crap.

I can’t say I blame her.He was making her feel about as welcome as a case of herpes.

I heave out a sigh.“You got your way.What the hell do you want?”

He smirks.“I filed a police report.Your boyfriend is going to be arrested for assault and battery.”