Page 131 of The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

“I keep dreaming she’s gone. I wake up and go into her room only to find the bed freshly made and all the cards gone.”

“She’s not gone, Asher. And you’re not going to lose her. Your mom will pull through this, I truly believe that.”

We drove in silence after that. I knew Jason probably had heaps of other things he wanted to say but I wasn’t exactly in a receptive mood.

When we pulled up to Felicity’s house, I finally broke the silence. “What the fuck is this?”

“This is my girlfriend’s house,” he deadpanned.

“I can see that, but what the fuck are we doing here?”

“You didn’t want to go home, and we couldn’t go hang out with Denise and her friends, so I brought you to option C.”

“I can’t go in there.” I shook my head.

“Chill. Her parents are out and she’s home alone studying.”

“You’re sure about that?” I couldn’t ask him the words on the tip of my tongue. But he knew.

Of course he fucking knew.

“She’s not here, you have nothing to worry about.”

My eyes slid to the house again. Part of me hated that I felt relieved Mya wasn’t here, but I couldn’t deal with her. Not yet.

“Is there liquor?” I asked, already feeling the numbing effects of the liquor wearing off.

“Her dad might have a beer or two in the refrigerator, but I think you’ve had enough.”

“I’ll have had enough when I pass out and forget the shitshow that is my life.”

He rolled his eyes, shouldering the car door and climbing out. I didn’t really want to see Felicity. But it was better than sitting at home, listening to the chime of the clock, the whir of refrigerator. Listening to every-fucking-thing that wasn’t the phone ringing with news of Mom.

Cussing under my breath, I got out of the Dodge Charger and followed Jase up the Giles’ driveway. He knocked and seconds later, the door swung open.

“You look like shit,” she said to me, the pity in her eyes too much to bear.

“Hello to you too,” I replied, suddenly a lot less drunk than I was two minutes ago.

“Well, don’t stand out here all night. The neighbors will talk.” She beckoned me inside. Jason stood back, leaning against the wall. No doubt watching with amusement as Flick treated me like a naughty schoolboy.

The second I stepped inside, she pulled me into her arms, hugging me. “You’re okay,” she whispered. “You’re going to be okay.” I let myself take her offer of comfort. It was stupid but I needed a woman’s touch.

I needed my mom.

Bile rushed up my throat, but I swallowed it down. “Thank you,” I managed to croak out, finally untangling myself from Felicity’s arms.

“I would have come to the hospital again, but Jason said…”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I just… it’s hard.”

“I know.” She gave me a sad smile. “But if you ever need me, all you have to do is call.”

“I think Jase might have something to say about that.” The corner of my mouth tipped. It was the first joke I’d cracked in days.

“Nah, man.” Jase shut the door and came around to

stand beside Flick. “We’re here for you, whatever you need.”