Cammie Healy - Jennifer Foor Page 0,52
where the towels were located if I wanted to take a shower. Then he told me to make myself at home.
I followed him back down the stairs, feeling like I didn’t belong. “Um, do you think I could borrow something to sleep in? I’d like to get cleaned up.”
“Sure.” He walked into his room and came out with a T-shirt and a pair of sweats. “These are probably way too big, but they’ll keep you warm. Upstairs can get drafty.”
“Honestly, I’d be fine sleeping on the couch. I’m not picky.” I was grateful I had a place to lay my head without being yelled out and told what to do. “Thanks again for this, Wes. I really appreciate it.”
“Don’t mention it.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Josh has been trying to call me since we left your house. I think he suspects I had something to do with your disappearance.”
“See. I knew I shouldn’t have involved you.” Now I felt bad. Knowing my dad, he wouldn’t allow Wes back in our home again.
“Chill. I’m a grownup. I can handle your dad or anyone else for that matter. I wanted to help. I like you, Cammie, and even though you may not feel the same, I’m cool with being your shoulder to cry on, or even just a place for you to stay until you figure things out.”
“It’s not like I don’t think you’re attractive. You absolutely are. It’s just… if you haven’t noticed, my plate is sort of full right now. If we reconnected under different circumstances maybe it could work. You’ve been really nice to me. I appreciate it, even if I think you’re crazy for helping me. I just can’t allow myself to pack more drama into my life. I need a friend, Wes. I hope that’s enough for you.”
He smiled and reached his hand over to latch onto my arm. “It’s perfect. Whatever you need. To be honest, I’m glad we get to spend time together.”
“You’ll change your mind once my dad comes knocking on your door.”
“It’s a double dead bolt. I’ll make sure I sleep with my gun under my bed. I’ll be fine.”
“If you think so. I know for a fact that if my dad wants to, he’ll find a way inside.”
“It will be worth it to know I died protecting you.”
Before I could open my mouth to tell him how corny his statement was, he started laughing. “Seriously, Cam. You need to chill. He’s not going to hunt you down. If anything, he’ll know you’re in good hands. I can tell him you’re here safe, if it will make you feel better.”
“No. You can’t.”
“Cammie, I’m not hiding the fact that I gave you a ride. It’s ridiculous. You all need time to calm down. Your safe. I’ll take you home in the morning if that’s what you want.”
“Don’t tell them I’m here. I’ll call home in the morning to tell them I’m fine. Please. I want one night where I don’t have to worry about them. Ever since I found out about my relationship being a joke I’ve been a wreck. I need some time to myself. I just want to close my eyes and regain my ability to focus. I hate living like this.”
He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’ll tell him I left when you ran upstairs. It’s sort of the truth.”
“What about Callie? You should probably call her and apologize.”
“For what?” he seemed annoyed I was suggesting it.
“You two were in the hallway. I saw you.”
“You saw her trying to lure me into her bedroom. It wasn’t going to happen. I wouldn’t be an asshole like that, especially not to you. I’m not going to make out with you and then spend the night screwing around with your crazy sister. I mean, she’s probably a good time in the sack, but I’m more of an intellectual connoisseur. I prefer women who challenge me; ones with extra large brains.”
I shoved him in a playful way, appreciating the smile he’d put on my face. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Just trying to lighten the mood.”
For a moment we stood staring at each other. I expected him to try to kiss me again, but he didn’t. He simply walked over to the couch and turned on the television with the remote.
I made my way up the stairs, deciding to take a hot shower in hopes it would calm my nerves. The beads of water ran down my body, immediately relieving the pressure from crying