Page 78 of Should the Sky Fall

“I’m okay. Cal’s settled in…kinda.”

“I don’t care about the shithead,” she bites out. “How’s he coping with the brain thing?”

Dawson stifles a laugh. “Exceptionally well.”So far.“He asks the weirdest questions, but he’s fine. Healing nicely, too.”

“Weird how?”

Dawson shrugs. “I don’t know. Like…stuff that wouldn’t be my priority if I forgot the last 38 years of my life.” He still doesn’t know what to make of Cal’s obsession with their pictures. Or the lack thereof.

Olivia harrumphs. “Butyou’reokay?”

“I am.”

“And the divorce? Have you talked to him about it?”

“I just got him home, Liv.” Can’t he get a goddamn break?

“I don’t see how that’s relevant. This is actually perfect. You don’t have to explain anything. You can just tell him you were about to divorce anyway. That you already talked about it. ”

Dawson takes a slow, deep breath before replying. “Liv, he lost his memory, not his IQ. And you can’t seriously be asking me to do that.” And frankly, the idea of packing his bags and leaving Cal to his devices leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

Olivia huffs irritably. “Fine. Then tell him the truth. You were about to ask for divorce when the accident happened.”

“Right. And when he asks why?”

“Tell him thetruth, duh. That he’s an asshole.”

Sensing an incoming headache, Dawson pinches the bridge of his nose. “Yeah, sure. Let’s say that works. Then what? I leave him on his own?”

“Um, yeah?” Olivia says like he’s the one being unreasonable. “You said it yourself; his IQ is intact, so he can take care of himself. He’s not an invalid. And doesn’t he have a brother?”

“Yeah. One that’s currently ironing shit out at the company.”

“Well, there you go.”

“Liv…”

“I swear to god, Dee. You’re gonna give me gray hair.”

“You already have gray hair.”

“I do not!”

“I saw a few last time.”

“Fuck you too.” Letting out a deep sigh, she says, “Seriously, Dee. Don’t be an idiot about this.”

He swallows, throat dry. “I have it under control.”

She scoffs.

“Liv,” he warns. “I know what I’m doing.”Lies, lies, lies!“I have to go.”

“I’ll call you soon. You better pick up or I’m coming down there.”

“I’m shaking in my boots.” He really is. He’d rather deal with Cal than his sister, that’s how bad she gets.

“Goodnight, you little shit.”