Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
“Sweetheart, we’re going to warm up the car,” my father says, standing up and then leaving. My mother takes his place, hugging me tightly.
“I wish we never came on this stupid vacation.”
“We know.”
Her phone rings, and she answers it. “It’s time to go, Vivian, dear.” We get up, and my legs are so weak I barely can stand. Still, I have to see Simon.
“Dad, I just want to lie down,” I mutter as I slide into the back seat. “We’ll wake you up when we get to the hospital,” my father says.
“Simon, why? Why?” I quietly whimper as I lay my head on the leather seat. My heart aches and I cry myself to sleep, waking several times to cry some more until my throat is hoarse and completely dry.
He has been airlifted to a hospital in Salt Lake City, so the drive was much longer than expected. It’s not until the middle of the evening that my parents wake me up. My heart ends up in my throat.
“Can I see him?” I beg, looking messy but I don’t care.
“Yes, we’re going to take you inside the hospital right now.”
When they do, I’m completely devastated, and the sight is nearly unbearable. He’s hooked to so many machines that are monitoring him, and he’s covered in so many bandages that I can hardly tell that’s him. His handsome face is swollen, and I can’t look away from his broken hand. The hands that love working on vehicles. I hope that he not only pulls through, but he can continue to do what he loves.
“We’re going to get some rooms. You can stay for a while, Vivian, dear,” my dad says, kissing my forehead before leaving the room.
Mrs. West squeezes my hand and says, “I know what that woman said to you, but you have to know it’s not true.”
“Why was she there?”
“We’ll see.” She lets go and wipes her tears.
“Come on, Dash. We need you to sit down and rest.” Mr. West is extremely protective of his family.
There is a knock at the door, and then the doctor comes in. “Excuse me, but there are too many people in this room. I’m sorry, but some of you must wait outside.”
“We understand,” Jack says. I get up to leave, and then he shakes his head. “Stay a few minutes.” They all leave, giving me a moment alone with Simon.
I look at the man I’ve loved for so long. “I’m sorry. I regret everything I said, and I hope they’re right and you didn’t go out with that woman last night, but I can’t say I blame you after everything. Please just get better.” I lean down and kiss his cheek, and then wipe my tears before walking out of the room.
Eric stops me. “Hey, there’s something I want to show you, and I keep getting stopped. You need to see this. Regardless of what happens, you need to see this.” He hands me his phone, and I read through the conversation between Simon and him. He reported that bitch, so he most definitely wouldn’t have gone out with her. I knew he was telling me the truth in the room, but it doesn’t matter right now.
“She’s lying,” Eric says. He grips my shoulder and looks me in the eye. “My brother loves you, and I know you love him. I’m hoping he pulls through because you two have to get your shit together. You are perfect for each other. Two damn dummies.” He pulls me in for a hug.
“Thank you, Eric.”
“You’re welcome, brat. Now, go and eat some food.”
****
The next few days feel like a nightmare. Everything and everyone are chaotic. No one has answers to who drove the vehicle that hit Simon, and he isn’t doing any better. He has moments of going up and down and it’s so scary. Still, I sit at the hospital waiting and hoping just like everyone else.
“Sheriff, it’s not like that,” I whip my head around in the hospital lobby to find that bitch from the hotel. I want to rush up and slap her in the face, but she’s speaking to two officers, Mr. and Mrs. West.
“If you keep making that face it’s going to stay that way,” my mother whispers conspiratorially at my side.
“What face?”
“Like she’d be dead if no one was around.” I hadn’t realized the violent rage was showing on my face.
“Oops.”
Moments later the police escort the bitch away and Mr. and Mrs. West come to our side. “How are you doing, Viv?” Mrs. West asks as she gently squeezes my elbow.
“I’m fine,” I muttered.
A deep, rumbling chuckle comes from Mr. West that reminds me so much of Simon that I’m taken aback by the sound. “Sorry, that was the biggest bullshitting I’m fine I’ve heard today.”
“Leave her alone. I’d like to rip that girl’s hair out too,” she says.