Chapter 12: When Moments Happen

Brent

A silly song wakes me up. I know it's a ringtone, but the music is nothing I'd ever listen to—even on a bad road trip. When the music stops, my mind suddenly connects to another moment: making love to Vanessa.

I rest on my stomach. Memories of last night flood back to me, making me hard.

"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't answer last night," Vanessa says, "I didn't hear—um, is something wrong?"

I open my eyes when the bed dips, and I lose the bedsheet covering me.

With the bedsheet wrapped around her, Vanessa strolls to the corner of the room.

The early morning Southern California sun greets me as I turn onto my back. I squint.

"What?" she questions and gasps before adding, "Surgery? When did it happen? The insurance company wouldn't cover it."

I rub my eyes, yawning.

I almost forgot I made the call this morning.

"So, you're serious, Isley, Grandma Suzy-May actually got the surgery, and I don't have to pay anything?"

There's a pause.

"Wow," she says, sounding astonished.