Page 148 of Jackass
“You weren’t there, man. I know what he did to Sammy was bad. But I saw a different man today. I need to at least try.” I shrugged. “He’s the only family I’ve got. I never thought I would ever find any.”
King nodded his approval.
“I’ll talk to the guys, let them know to tread carefully,” he said.
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” I grinned. “Charlie already handed Declan his ass. She won’t hesitate with the guys.”
King’s mouth hitched up in the corner.
The doctor walked into the waiting room, and we all stood.
“Family of Ryder Thomas?”
“We are his parents,” Mr. Thomas said. “These are his friends.”
Blade and Beck stepped forward with Ryder’s parents. The young woman also stood.
“He came through surgery with no issues. He’s in recovery now, should be about an hour, and then you can see him.”
“Thank you,” Mrs. Thomas said.
“Mark, Abby, I am so sorry.”
“Micah, this wasn’t your fault.” Mrs. Thomas placed her hands on each side of Blade’s face. “That’s what we get for raising a good man. I know my son. When he saw that gun pointed at Rebecca, he wouldn’t have thought before jumping in front of her. Just like I know you and your brothers would have done the exact same thing.”
She kissed his cheek and sat back down. Beck walked over and sat with her.
“Abby’s right, Micah. I know my son. He wouldn’t want anyone to make a big deal, but I also know you and Rebecca. I know you won’t let his humility prevent you from showing your appreciation.”
“He’s still pissed at me,” Blade muttered, his eyes on the floor.
“He’s hurt, not mad. I’ll be honest, son, we’re all still a little hurt. Give him time. He’ll get over it,” Mr. Thomas assured.
Two hours later, the doctor came and let us know we couldsee Ryder. I saw Beck speak to the woman. She shook her head, hugged Beck, and then sat back down. Walking down the hall, I asked Beck about her.
“Who’s that woman?”
“That’s Rayne Perry. She is the author doing the book signing in November. She was in the bookstore today. She wanted to make sure Ryder was ok,” Beck explained.
“That was nice of her.”
“Yea,” Beck said with a wide grin.
We stepped into his room. He was pale, but looked good, considering.
“Well, the gang’s all here, I see,” he said.
“Be nice, Ryder,” Mrs. Thomas warned.
“Where are my girls?”
“At our house with Avery. We didn’t think they should stay in the apartment tonight,” Mr. Thomas said.
Ryder just nodded. He looked at me.
“Charlie?”
“She’s home. Carrie, in her delusion, took her to the motel Derek was staying at. Thought they would be a family. He kept my baby safe. Carrie can’t hurt her again,” I explained. “There’s more to the story. We can fill you in on it later.”