Chapter 9

“Hey there, pretty lady,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. God, it was so good to see her awake and interacting.

She didn’t say anything for a long moment. Then slowly, she rolled her head to look at her brother. I watched as she squinted in suspicion. “I thought you said I was okay,” she accused, her voice a little rough from disuse.

Zack sat up straight, alarm all over his face. “You are. Why? What’s wrong?”

“I’m hallucinating. I think I see Ben Winters in the doorway. But that’s just not possible.”

I laughed, walking farther into the room. Zack, however, looked even more concerned. “I told you he was here, Joes. He told you he was here. You don’t remember?”

“Zack,” I said softly. “It’s okay. She wasn’t exactly at her best during those conversations. But you’re awake now, aren’t you, honey?”

Josie rolled her eyes and then winced like it hurt. “What the fuck are you doing here, Benjamin Aloysius Winters?”