Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

17 288 (Vouchers

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? THE NOW

JOSH

Walking into the hospital after practice felt like stepping into another world-one I didn't want to be in but couldn't stay away from. The smell of antiseptic was always the first thing that hit me, followed by the weight in my chest that never left when I was here. Luke was walking beside me, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "Jess said Asha had a good night," he said, trying to sound upbeat. "She's really getting the hang of it."

"Yeah," I murmured, distracted. I was grateful for Jess, but I couldn't keep leaning on her, especially now that her due date was so close. She already had enough on her plate without taking care of my daughter too.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I need to figure something out soon. Jess can't keep watching Asha for me."

Luke glanced at me, his brow furrowing. "We'll figure it out, man. You're not alone in this."

!

I nodded, but his words didn't ease the pressure building inside me. I hated feeling helpless.

As we approached the intensive care unit, someone called my name. "Joshua?"

10:190

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

288 Vouchers.

had dirty blonde hair pulled back into a neat ponytail and piercing blue eyes that, for a split second, reminded me of Laura. For that moment, I froze, my heart stuttering in my chest. But as quickly as the thought came, it faded. She wasn't

managed to say, my voice awkward and

and I turned back around, feeling heat

beside me, shoving me lightly. "What

shaking my head.

say anything, but I could feel his eyes on me as

were nurses and medical staff moving around, and the atmosphere felt different. My chest tightened as I stepped in. "What's going on?"

could respond, the doctor walked in. "Mr. Andrews," he said, his

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Z28 Vouchers

tongue.

issues. A tracheostomy is a more permanent solution

Luke asked, stepping forward when he saw the tension in my shoulders. He placed a hand

It's

wasn't major. It was common. But it still felt like another step in the wrong direction-another sign that she wasn't