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“Eight….pounds, one…. ounce,” his hand loosens even more. “Born July 20th at 4:11pm. He loves superheroes, cookies, and playing outside. And if you hear him laugh it will melt your heart.”
Gabriel releases me and takes a step back. I drop to my knees coughing and trying to fight off the urge to pass out. When I finally start to feel somewhat normal, I look up to find those green eyes staring down at me. This time there is so much emotion staring back at me. Gone is the cold vacant look from before.
He now resembles a terrified animal that’s caught in a cage. I climb to my feet but stumble a little. My head swims. I’m assuming the lack of oxygen has me thrown off. Steadying myself against the wall, I place a hand against my tender neck and wince. It burns as if it should be bleeding. Yet when I look at my hand there is no blood.
“Gabriel—”
“Don’t,” he cuts me off. He turns from me, glancing at the wall to his left.
I take a step in his direction.
Gabriel takes a step back, not even looking at me.
“I’m okay,” my voice sounds so raspy and speaking feels as if razor blades are wrapped around my words as they come up my throat.
He looks at me with the most pained and defeated look on his face. Common sense would tell me to be scared. The man nearly choked me out, but my heart goes out to him. Maybe those drugs fucked me up. But I just can’t blame him for this. So many people failed Gabriel.
“We can—”
“I have to go.” He once again cuts me off.
“Gabriel,” I call out to him as he storms out of the living room and through the kitchen.
I try to catch up to him, but the lack of oxygen and the fact his legs are much longer than mine has me coming up short. By the time I make it to the back door, he has disappeared into the dark of my backyard.
This is a good thing, I tell myself. He needs time to get himself together. However, I just can’t help but think of him being alone out there.
chapter Twenty-three
Errands
Summer
I touch my sore neck gently. The fact that I bruise so easily has never worked in my favor. Especially not today with five very definite fingerprints on my neck. Thank goodness for makeup.
My phone pings on the counter and I rush to grab it hoping it’s Gabriel. Unfortunately, I’m disappointed when it isn’t his name attached to the text message.
Unknown Number: Good morning, Summer. This is Andrew. James gave me your number. I hope you don’t mind.
A smile lifts my cheeks. Not the person I was looking for, but I won’t complain.
Me: Not at all. Glad to hear from you.
Unknown Number: I’m not one to beat around the bush, I’d really like to see you again.
My smile turns into a full on blush. I have to admit, there is something different about this guy.
Me: That would be nice.
Unknown Number: How about lunch tomorrow around noon?
Me: Sounds great.
Unknown Number: Good. I’ll text you later with the details. Have a great day.
I place my phone back on the counter. A permanent grin on my face. I was so caught up in my conversation with Andrew I didn’t hear my son walk into the kitchen.
“When is Hulk coming?” Gabe asks grabbing my attention.
