Page 61 of Playing With Fire

“I’m gonna go,” I say quietly, kissing Monica’s cheek. Even if she’s against me on this, she’s still my sister and I’ll always love her. “Don’t forget I’m picking Cam and Ally up from daycare for the aquarium on Friday,” I remind her.

“I remember. They’ve been talking about it for the last week,” she says with a strained smile. “I’m sorry for being so harsh, Hud. I’m just worried about you. If this goes sideways, it’s going to be ugly.” The apology is genuine, but all I can muster is a nod as I head out the door.

I’m a dead man walking. Emotional and mental exhaustion have me ready to keel over which isn’t great since I’m on the volunteer schedule for the fire station tonight.

I eat lunch in the grocery store parking lot today, not wanting to risk another check in from Lisa or a nosy neighbor starting to pick up on my routine, or worse,Gregorcoming home at lunch again. I swear the next time I see that motherfucker, I might not be able to stop myself from putting my fist through his face.

It’s hard as hell to make my deliveries in her neighborhoodwithout stopping by her house, but I force myself to keep driving.

Until I have more information, I won’t put her in a position she doesn’t want to be in so as much as it blows, the ball remains in her court.

Finally, a little after three-thirty—which officially makes this the longest day of my life—Shannon sends me a text.

Shannon

Are you off work?

Hudson

Just pulling back into the terminal.

But I have to work at the fire station tonight so I need to sleep when I get home.

Didn’t get much of that last night.

Shannon

I’m really sorry about hanging up on you.

Hudson

I got worried when I didn’t hear from you all day.

Shannon

Just something Greg said.

Hudson

That doesn’t give me the warm fuzzies, Shan.

Shannon

I know.

Maybe a couple days to let things die down would be helpful.

I’ll text you Friday?

Hudson

I’ll be waiting, phone in hand.

Shannon

Is that all that’ll be in your hand??

Hudson