Classic Novel
Chapter 113
113 Damn Bro Code
(Winona)
The doorbell rings, jolting me from my thoughts. I glance at the nearest screen to check who it is. It's Gordon Brown, thank God.
"Gordon's here. I hope it's good news," I say, heading towards the door with a mix of hope and anxiety. swirling in my chest.
T
"Anne, Gordon Brown is here," I call out as I way to the front door, figuring she might want to
make mu know.
I open the door and give Gordon a weak smile. "Gordon, come in."
He steps inside, his expression serious yet hopeful. "Winona, I have permission here for you to go see Abby in the hospital."
Relief floods through me like a tidal wave. "Thank God." My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I glance at the screen.
It's Phillip. "Go right in, I have to take this call," I say, shutting the front door behind Gordon and walking back to the sitting room as I connect the call. "Phillip, how is she?" "She's awake. Jayden's in with her now. One at a time. I thought I'd call you and let him go first," Phillip says, his voice a mix of exhaustion and relief.
"So, she's okay?" I ask, my heart pounding.
"The clot has been dissipated. Now we just need to get her stronger again, and she can come home."
"Gordon just got here. He says I can visit her. I don't know the details yet."
"Great news. Look, go talk to him. Call me when you know more."
"Thanks, Phillip. I will."
"Winona?" His voice sounds a little weird, hesitant.
"Yes?" I prompt, sensing there's more he wants to say.
"I'm going for a beer with Jayden after."
"You're what now?" I almost shout, my mind spinning. What is it with men? "Why?"
"Lance came to see Jayden," Phillip explains.
"Oh God. He wanted the first punch money, didn't he?" roll my eyes. This is an ancient bet among their group. "You know about that?"
"Lance is incorrigible. He has no actual clue why anyone can't just make up after a fight."
"He said it's bro code. Jayden threw the first punch, so he has to buy the beers. And, well, I like beer, so..."
"I swear Lance Collins has never left college"
113 Damn Bro Code
"Gus is joining us."
"Don't tell me Gus agreed as well." Somehow, I thought a man like Gus would be above all that.
"Bro code apparently. But I'll keep you posted."
"Won't that be against the rules, you talking to Jayden? What about the case against me?"
"It will just be one beer in a public place. But can you ask Gordon about it first? I don't want to set your case back." "Sure. Get in there and see our girl."
"I will. Bye."
"Bye."
I walk into the sitting room shaking my head in disbelief. "I will never understand men, that's for sure."
Sheila looks at me quizzically, her brow furrowed. "What's going on?"
"That was Phillip. Abby is holding her own and she's awake," I say.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
"Great news," Sheila says, her face softening with a smile.
"And... Phillip, Jayden, and Gus are all going for drinks after with Lance..go figure? Bro code and, apparently, they all like beer."
"They just had a punch up," Sheila raises her eyebrows in surprise.
"I know, right? Men are idiots. Present company excluded, of course," I add, glancing at Gordon.
He grins. "No, you're quite right. We are idiots."
"Is it okay for Phillip to be with Jayden? I know Gus isn't a witness or anything. But Lance may be after Ashlyn and the pregnancy stuff."
"Under the circumstances and the fact that you aren't directly involved in the meet-up, I can spin a reason for them socializing." Gordon assures me, his lawyerly confidence shining through.
"Of course you can. You're men. Magic things happen in the world of men," I say sarcastically, shaking my head at the absurdity of it all.
Gordon looks a little guilty, but what the hell, this means they are getting along for the sake of Abby, and I can't want more than that right now.
"But if anyone utters the words bro code, I'll end them myself," I add, half-joking but fully serious.
Gordon chuckles, then his expression turns serious. "Let's go over the details of your visit to the hospital."
I nod, focusing on the here and now. "Alright. What do I need to know?"
"You'll be allowed to see Abby under supervision. Sheila will accompany you, and you'll need to stay handcuffed the entire time, except when you're physically with Abby. The judge has made a special provision considering Abby's health and your role in saving her life," Gordon explains.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Thank you, Gordon. I really appreciate this."
113 Damn Bro Code
"We're doing everything we can to make sure you're there for her. Just follow the rules, and everything should be fine," he reassures me.
I nod, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. "I will. I just want to be there for Abby."
Gordon gives me a supportive smile. "We know you do. Now, let's get everything ready for Sheila, can you help Winona with the logistics?" your visit.
"Of course," Sheila replies, standing up. "We'll get you to the hospital as soon as possible, Winona."
"It actually works better for you if Jayden isn't in the hospital at the time. So they are doing you a favor with the -*
"Don't say it, Gordon. Don't use those words." I warn with a smile. "I know you want to."
Current arrangement," he says instead. "You know this might be the perfect time for Jayden's lawyer and myself to get some information exchanged. In public." "Oh my God. Seriously? You're going
there too?"
"Bro code calls, Winona. Who am I to resist? After all, deep down, I'm just a man who likes