The Stranger In the Guest Room by V. Lockwood (best books to read for young adults TXT) 📕

Brooks laughed.

“Well, someone had to look after you,” Easton blurted out at me as he laughed. “She was concerned about you, and she didn’t sleep that first night or two here. She would pace the loft and check in on you to make sure you were okay.”

“She told you that?”

“Yes, she did,” Easton said as he sat up straighter in his chair. “She said she would help me get set up at home today. So we’ll head over there for a few hours. I told her I can do it. I’ll be fine. But she insisted she’d make sure I’m good to go.”

“You don’t know, Margo.” I laughed.

Easton winked and took a sip of his coffee.

“Brooks, how was the den?”

“Comfortable. I don’t think I’ve ever slept on a pull-out bed that comfortable.”

“Well, I bought the most recommended comfortable furniture for when company comes to stay. Some of those pull-out sofa beds are so hard to sleep with that bar in your back all night. I wanted something comfortable for everyone, so I’m glad you both found it very comfy.”

“Those are the worst!” Easton said. “That’s when you just sleep sideways on the bed and let your feet hang off the edge.”

“Been there,” Brooks laughed. “I think the floor is more comfortable in that instance.”

“True there!” Easton grinned as he finished the last of his coffee.

“Well, I’m going to clean up my bedding area. Erika, thank you very much for the hospitality. I appreciate it. It was a fun adult sleepover. But I’m going to head back over to see what I can get cleaned up before Margo heads over. I haven’t been there since... that night.”

I knew what he was talking about. The kitchen needed to be cleaned up from his wound. “Do you need help?” I blurted out without even thinking.

He grinned. “No‚ thanks. I got this. I took a pain med earlier. I should be good for a few hours.”

“Well, don’t overdo it. That will make the healing process last longer than you’d like.”

“Noted.” He grinned as he headed into the living room.

“Were you warm enough last night?” I asked Brooks.

“Very warm. I slept hard last night. I must have been that tired. I think I passed out before you even hit the stairs.”

I laughed. “That good, huh?”

“Whatever they gave me for pain meds makes me drowsy. Very drowsy.”

“As long as they’re working for the pain, and you’re getting your rest, then they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. At least that’s the way I see it.”

“Yes, true. So true. This coffee though...” He winked as he held up his cup. “He makes some damn good coffee.”

“Would you like some more?” I asked him as I walked over and grabbed the pot. I filled his cup and reached for a cup of my own.

“I missed you last night,” he blurted.

I set the coffee pot back on the burner and turned to face him. “You did? You just said you were out before I hit the steps, and you slept hard all night.”

“Doesn’t mean I didn’t miss you.”

“Well, for the record, I’ve missed you more than I ever thought I would. These past few days have been like I’m trying to deal with a breakup all over again.” I winked at him as I struggled to hold the tears inside.

“Erika,” Brooks said with a deep breath. “Come here.”

I grinned at him and walked towards him. He turned in his chair and held out his arms. I fell into them, wrapped my arms around his neck, and laid my head on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry to make you feel like that,” he began. “I’m going to make it right, okay?”

I grinned as I held him tight. The mixed emotions going on the last few days had my feelings mixed tougher.

“These last few days have been draining for all of us. I’m so appreciative for what you’ve done for me, how you’ve been there for me, and how strong you have been.”

“Brooks, I don’t feel strong. I’m ready to fall apart. I’m ready to just... just...” The tears poured from my eyes before I knew what was happening.

“Oh geez, I’m... this is my fault,” Brooks said as he held me tighter. “I didn’t want you to feel like this, and I know what I did and what I said. I need to start over. I need to not be on the drugs that make me feel like I’m loopy and out of it.”

I laughed and stood to face him.

He grabbed my hands and looked me in the eye. “I’m going to make everything up to you. I’m going to make you happy, I’m going to make you proud to be with me.”

“Wait...” I looked at him. “What are you saying? In the hospital, you wanted me to leave you alone. That you...”

“Can we just erase the hospital thing?” he asked. “I was a mess in there and confused and...”

“Yes. Yes.” I nodded as I dried my eyes.

“Tell her everything you said to me,” Easton said as he walked through the kitchen towards the front door.

We both laughed.

“We had a good talk. A few good talks,” Easton said. “You helped me too, man,” he said as he winked at Brooks. “Just like you say I helped you, you helped me. And I think you know that.”

“Thank you, man,” Brooks said. “I’m going to make everything right between all of us.”

“If Margo wakes up, tell her I couldn’t wait. She can come over when she’s ready.”

“Will do.” I nodded to him.

“See you all soon,” he said as he closed the door.

“I owe him for a lot too,” Brooks said. “He’s not the man I thought he was. He’s a much better friend than I’ve ever had. I can say that’s true for my entire life. He’s a good man. Been through a lot.”

I nodded. “You know more than I. I’ve only had one conversation with him, and that was in his hospital room when Margo was there. And it wasn’t