by Tessa Elaine
“So, let me get this straight, you and Lucas talked everything out and you stayed the night in his bed and didn't sleep with him?” She asks, shit what do I say? Yes, we fucked all night then he made me breakfast this morning. I guess I'm quiet to long because she starts cracking up.
“You fucking did, didn't you?” I don’t answer her, so she yells my name, “Elena?” Damn, I can't keep anything from her.
“Yes, I slept with him.” I finally blurt out.
“And?” She says back.
“And what?” I ask, not sure how much more she needs to know to leave this alone.
“Really you're just going to leave it at that?” Aubrey never lets anything go. I should know that by now.
So, I tell her the rest. When I'm done she sighs.
“See that wasn't that hard, was it?” She is such a smart ass.
“So, what are you going to wear to the dinner?” Only Aubrey would go straight to clothes after everything I just told her.
“I was just going to wear jeans and a t shirt, it’s not like this is a date.” I tell her, shutting the engine of the car off.
“Sure, it is. You slept together last night, now you're having dinner with his parents.”
“Yeah and also his sister and brother.” I say.
“So, you still have to look good. Go to your clothes and tell me what you packed.” I spend the next thirty minutes going over what to wear with Aubrey. We settle on my white lace top, yellow blazer, skinny jeans, and yellow heels. I feel like it's a little much, but Aubrey assures me it's not. We hang up and I decide to lay down for a nap. I didn't sleep much last night. I put on sweats and a shirt and climb in bed.
I feel like I'm having an out of body experience. I see my mom and dad's car drive right by me. All of the sudden it flashes to the car totaled. I can see blood but there's no one in the car. I run over to it yelling for my mom and dad, but all I see is lots of glass and blood. Another flash and I'm standing in front of two tombstones. I look closer and read the names, Lillian Brighton and Joseph Brighton. I fall to my knees, I'm all alone. I can't breathe and I'm shaking. This isn't fair, I try to scream but nothing comes out.
I sit up straight in bed covered in sweat and trembling. I climb out of bed and walk to the bathroom the best I can. My legs feel like jello. I get to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face, when I look up I don't even recognize myself. I look like I just saw a ghost. I go back to bed and sit against the headboard. I can only think of the latest dream. It's all I can see, my parent’s headstones. I feel guilty, I haven't been to the cemetery in seven years. Not since we laid them to rest. I am the worst daughter. I have been in Eureka for five days and haven't gone to visit them.
I lay back down and try to sleep some more. When that doesn’t work I look over at the clock, it's only three. I wonder what time dinner is, he never said. I reach over to the nightstand and grab my phone. I go to Lucas number and send a text. I erase it a few times before I decide on something simple.
Elena- Hey, I just wanted to say thank you again, for being there for me yesterday. You sure there's nothing I need to bring to dinner?
And send, I only have to wait a minute for a reply.
Lucas- I'm always here if you need me. Mom said to just bring yourself, she's really excited to see you. Do you want me to pick you up?
The last part has me thinking, I almost tell him no I'll just meet him there. But I know I want to spend as much time with him as I can.
Elena- Are you sure? I can meet you there.
That doesn't sound so desperate, his response is fast.
Lucas- It's no problem at all. I will be by around five, dinners at six.
I send a quick message back.
Elena- Great, see you then.
I feel a little better after talking to Lucas. After that nightmare I wasn't sure if I could bring myself to get out of bed. The thought of getting to see him and spend more time with him gives me the motivation I need. I have a couple hours before Lucas will be here, I better start getting ready.
I take a shower first, when I'm done I step out and wrap my hair and body in a towel. I go back to my room where my clothes are laid out that Aubrey helped me pick.
I still feel like it's a little much, but what the hell. I get dressed and walk back to the bathroom. I do my makeup first going for a more natural look. My hair always takes the longest, I have so much of it. I go with leaving it down and just giving it soft curls. I'm almost finished when I hear a knock at the door. I walk over and open it to find Lucas on the other side. He's just standing there not saying a word, looking at me like he has never seen me before.
“Are you going to say something, or just stand there staring?” I ask, but he just stammers over his words. I can't help but laugh at his reaction.
“Hey, don't laugh at me. I'm not used to this city girl. You look exquisite, Elena.” I put a smile on the best I can, not sure how I feel about the city girl comment. I turn to grab my things off the desk and swear I hear him groan. I walk back to him slipping my arm through his, letting him lead the way to his truck. Mrs. Johnson tells us to have a good night and I give her a quick thank you on our way out the door. When we get to his truck he opens the door for me and helps me in. When he's behind the wheel he looks over at me.
“You okay, darlin’?” He asks, I gave him my best “I'm fine” expression but I think he sees right through it. “You can talk to me” I'm not sure how to tell him how I feel but here goes. This might sound stupid, it’s my insecurities raising their ugly head again.
“It's was just the “city girl” comment you made. It's nothing really, I just realized how much I really have changed.”
“Elena, I didn't mean anything by it. You have changed, and that's okay. We've all changed in the last seven years there's nothing wrong with that. Honestly you look hot as hell.” I blush and look up; my breath catches in my lungs. He’s giving me that smile that makes me melt instantly.
“I guess you're right we have all changed.” I sit back and look out the window as he starts the truck and pulls away from the Inn.
We haven't been driving long when he reaches over and puts his hand on my knee. I love all the small touches he gives me when we are close. I wonder if he knows he's doing it. I don't think Lucas has changed that much, he is still the most caring man I have ever met. I reach down intertwining our fingers together. When I look over at him, what I see in his eyes has my heart racing. There is so much love in the look he gives me. What are we going to do when I go home? Can we stay friends? Will that be enough?
I can't think about that right now, we are pulling up to his parents’ house. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly trying to keep the panic I'm feeling down. Lucas brings our hands to his lips and kisses the back of my hand looking me in my eyes.
“Everything is okay, they missed you and want to see you. If everything gets to be too much, we can have a word that signals it's time to go.” I laugh at what he's saying.
“What like a safe word?” I can't stop laughing at the idea.
“Sure” he says chuckling, “What word would you like?” I think for a minute, trying to think of something that wouldn't sound ridicules. He's just looking at me smiling.
“How about peaches?” I ask laughing harder at this whole conversation.
“Peaches it is.” He says winking and kissing the back of my hand again, making me shiver and getting a warm feeling all over. He walks around the truck to open my door and help me out. Forever the gentleman. We walk up the steps and I freeze. He turns to me cupping my face with his hands, I close my eyes loving the feel of his touch.
“Look at me, Elena.” I look up at him, “There is nothing to be afraid of. Everyone in this house loves you. No one is angry and no one is judging. We have all just missed you.”
“What if I can't keep it together, what if I break the minute I see them?” I tell him, my voice wavering. I can already feel the tears pulling in my eyes just thinking about it.
“I will be right here the whole time. I've got you, I won't let you break.”.
I take another deep breath and let it out, shaking my head I let him know I'm ready. He kisses my forehead and turns to open the door. Guiding me through the door with a hand on my lower back. He turns to me and kisses me on the temple letting his lips linger as he asks, “ready?”. I just shake my head again. I am falling so hard for the man he is now. I was in love with the boy that I knew growing up, but spending just a little time with him has me falling in love all over. He has made me feel safer than I have ever felt, and I don't even know if he realizes he's doing it.
We make our way through the house to the kitchen; this place hasn't changed much. Before we make it there a giant comes up the stairs from the basement, shit this guy is bigger than Lucas and there are very few people that are bigger then Lucas. This guy has the same dirty blond hair as Lucas, and the same green eyes. He is huge, solid muscle. I don't think there is any fat on this guy, his arms are bigger than my legs. Is that Logan? It can't be.
“Brother” the guy says, “What are you doing here?” Well the fact he called him brother tells me this is defiantly Logan. “And who do we have here?” I can't say anything, all I can do is stare. Logan got hot! He used to be this tall skinny kid with geeky glasses. He still has the glasses but he definitely is not geeky. I look him up and down, I still can't believe this is Lucas’s little brother. What is he, twenty years old now?
“Logan, you remember Elena?” Lucas says when I can't seem to say a word.
“Elena Brighton? Damn you look good.” Logan says as he wraps me in a hug with his massive arms. I laugh and pull away, I look up at him because he is so tall.
“Looking pretty good yourself, Logan.” I look back at Lucas, “Little brothers not so little anymore.” I tell him, he just rolls his eyes at me. Logan still has his hand on my waist and Lucas smacks the back of his head.
“Hands off. Where’s mom and dad?” Lucas asks, Logan raises his hands in resignation. He just points to the kitchen. I can't help but laugh at these two. We all three walk to the kitchen together. Lucas leans down and whispers in my ear.
“I can still kick his ass. I don't care how big he gets.”
“Sure” I tell him, “If you say so.” I'm just teasing him. He narrows his eyes at me and places his hand to the small of my back as he opens the door to the kitchen.
When we walk in, Eva, Lucas’s mom has her back to us and Barrett, Lucas dad is at the table with a paper in his hand. I stand there unable to move. Lucas’s father is the first to look up. The minute he sees me he puts the paper down and stands. Lucas still has his hand on my back rubbing small circles reminding me he's there.
“Eva” Barrett says, she turns and when she locks eyes with me her hand flies to her mouth. She gasps and she looks like she might cry. I smile and give a small wave, trying to keep my emotions in check. Eve makes the first move, she walks over to me and gives me a tight hug. For such a small woman she could crack a rib with how tight she's hugging me.
“Oh sweetheart, we have missed you.” She whispers in my ear and hugs me for a little while, like she doesn't want to let go. When she pulls back she holds me at arm's length looking me over.
“You have grown into a beautiful young woman.” She says and wipes her eyes. I am unable to speak, the minute I do I will fall apart. Lucas’s dad is standing right behind her, he steps around and hugs me too. He's a big guy and I barely reach his chest.
“It's good to have you home, Elena.” I don't want to get their hopes up and let them think I'm staying, but I don't have the heart to tell them I'm leaving again. Barrett pulls away and he looks like he might cry too. Today has been one emotional high after the next. Lucas clears his throat and tries to change the subject.
“So, when is Sarah going to be here?” No one pays him any mind; Lucas's dad pulls me to the table.
“Come sit Elena, tell us how you’ve been.” I follow him over and take the seat across from him. Logan tries to take the seat next to me but Lucas pushes him out of the way and takes the chair.
“Would you like a glass of wine?” Eva asks. I look at Lucas and he laughs.
“Dad you have any beer?” I can't do the sweet stuff, beer is my go to. His dad laughs.
“A girl after my own heart.” He brings three beers over to the table, one for him, and one for Lucas and I.
“Where's mine?” Logan says.
“When you're old enough to buy it, you can drink it.” Eva tells him.
“I'll be twenty-one in two months.” Logan whines.
“Well in two months you can drink.” Barrett says. I giggle and take a long pull from my beer. I still haven't said a word and it's getting awkward with my silences. I feel Lucas squeeze my hand under the table and that makes me feel safe.
“Thank you for having me over for dinner. It's really nice to see you all again.” Lucas’s dad smiles and Eva turns to me.
“Nonsense, there's no thanks needed. You're family, you're always welcome.” There's a knot in my throat from her kind words. They have always felt like family, but I don't deserve the hospitality. Not after just taking off the way I did. I clear my throat and push those thoughts out of my head.
“Is there anything I can do to help Mrs. Wayne?”
“Now none of that Mrs. Wayne stuff, I have known you since the day you were born it's Eva.” She says and I blush. “You want to cut those vegetables?” She points at the cutting board.
“Yes ma'am”
I finish my beer and get up to throw it away. I go to the sink to wash my hands, then start chopping the vegetables. A minute later I hear the front door open and Sarah calls out.
“Family I'm home.” I'm a little nervous, I hope Sarah is okay with me being here. She walks in the kitchen door with a big smile. I wipe my hand on the towel and stand there unsure what to say. She just walks over and gives me a hug, then goes to the sink to wash her hands. She comes back over and starts helping me with the vegetables. It’s like nothing has changed, like I haven’t been gone for seven years. It’s so crazy that we can fall back into this familiar routine.
We get in a flow in the kitchen. Between me, Sarah, and Eva we have everything done in no time. All three of us are laughing and joking like no time has passed at all. I feel Lucas’s eye burning a hole in me, so I look over my shoulder at him. He smiles and winks at me while he raises his beer. I blush and turn back to helping Sarah and her mom.
“Want a glass of wine?” Sarah asks and everyone starts to laugh. “What is so funny?” she asks looking around at everyone.
“Elena is a beer drinker.” Logan says and I shrug.
“I can't do the sweet stuff.” I say
“More for me.” Sarah says, and I just laugh. She pours her a glass of wine and brings me a beer.
“Thanks” And before I know it dinner is ready.
We all take our seats at the table and start passing the food around. Sarah gives me a funny look when I sit down next to Lucas, I just shake it off. I know she asked me to stay away from him, but that's not as easy as I thought it would be. We all eat and the conversation glides through dinner.
They all make me feel like I haven't missed out on the last seven years. I am so thankful for that right now. They are keeping my mind off all the stuff I have going on.
I'm stuffed and my face hurts from laughing so much. I'm on my fourth beer and I think I should slow down. Eva starts to clear the table and I get up to help, but Lucas stands and takes the dishes from me and his mom.
“You lady's cooked, Logan and I will clean up.”
“We will?” Logan asks
“Yes, we will.” Lucas replies. Logan groans and stands to help his brother.
I go to take my seat but Lucas’s dad is standing there holding a beer. “Why don't we go have another drink and let these boys clean up.” Mr. Wayne says. He walks out to the porch and I follow. He takes a seat in one of the chairs and points to the one next to him. I si
t and look out at the beautiful Montana land, I forgot how amazing it is here. The air is clean, everything is green, and the wildlife here you can't see in the city. We sit in silence for a long while. I'm not sure what to say, so I just stay quiet.
Mr. Wayne starts, “I'm really glad you came to dinner tonight, Elena.”
“Me too” I tell him.
“I'm not sure if you already know that your Aunt Grace called to tell us you were coming back to sell the ranch?”
“Yeah, Sarah told me.” He just shakes his head and takes a drink. We sit for a few more minutes in silence.
“Have you been by the ranch since you've been back?” He asks.
“Yes sir, I went Monday evening?”
“Did you find the letter?” I look over surprised he knows about the letter.
“Yes sir” I answer, he just nods his head. Mr. Wayne has always been a man of few words, but when he talks everyone listens.
“I want you to tell me if I step out of line, but with Lillian and Joseph not with us anymore I feel like I should look out for you. Your folks were mine and Eva's closest friends.” I swallow down the rest of my beer, a little scared of where this is going. “When they left this earth, it was hard on a lot of us, they were two of the most amazing people I knew. I can't even begin to imagine what you went through.” I feel the tears pull in my eyes and my throat burns, but I don't say anything. “I want to talk to you about the ranch. Now I'm not going to tell you what to do, you are the only one that knows what is best for you”. I don't think I know what is best for me anymore, but I don't say that out loud. I just let him talk.
“I just want you to know the kind of man Sebastian Breck is.” Mr. Wayne tells me about Breck's plans for my family's land. He wants to tear everything down and build a western resort. He also tells me all the trouble the town has had with him trying to run hard working people off their property, including the Wayne's. He goes on to tell me about his contacts he has that informed him about all the other dirty deeds Mr. Breck has been involved in. He tells me about him bullying people off their land, about buying property out from under people through the bank, and going as far as destroying property.
