by JL Paul
“Well, it didn’t go as well as I would have liked,” I groaned, as I lifted each leg to the couch. I had to take a couple seconds to catch my breath. “Maybe what I did was wrong but that doesn’t give him the right to insult me that way.”
“I agree,” she said as she sat on the floor, folding her legs underneath her. “I, um, spoke to my father last night and he said that he was disappointed in you for attending that party but you’re agreement is still intact.”
“Well,” I frowned, my heart aching. “That’s good.”
“No, it’s not,” she said. “Irelyn, we don’t need him or his money. We can figure out a way to send you to college and Tommy to Torrison’s. I don’t want him buying you this way.”
“Aunt Mina?” Tommy’s little voice called as he crept into the room. Mom raised a brow at him and I could see the worry on her face. I felt the same – I hoped he hadn’t heard the nasty conversation between Dustin and me.
“What’s the matter, Tommy?” she asked as she patted the floor next to her.
He sat and looked deep into her face. “I don’t want Grandfather to pay for my school.”
Mom ruffled his hair affectionately. “Tommy, he has to pay for it because I can’t, honey.”
“I don’t have to go to school at Torrison’s, do I?”
“I thought you loved your school?” I asked.
He lifted a shoulder. “I do but I loved my old school, too. I just want to play the piano. If you want, I can go to my old school and take lessons with Mrs. Freeport again.”
I wanted to cry at his simple offer. And I loved him all the more for it –but I wouldn’t allow my selfishness to keep him from a great opportunity. “Thank you, Tommy, but I don’t want you to have to do that.”
“Irelyn, it’s something we may have to consider,” Mom said sternly. “I am not going to allow my father to run your life.” Straightening hugged Tommy. “We’re a family here and even if my parents look down their noses at us, we’re much better than they are. We love each other and we stick together. From now on, we’ll do things ourselves.”
My wide smile caused my sore jaw to ache but I hardly felt the pain. My mother was absolutely right. Tommy’s future would be whatever he wanted it to be – not what my grandparents thought it should be. And my future would be bright – I’d make sure of it.
***
“Are you sure you’re feeling up to this?” Morgan asked as she helped me ease my arms into the sleeves of the simple black dress. I winced as I tried to yank the sleeves up my shoulders. Morgan hurriedly took over the task.
“Okay,” Bailey said as she swept into the room with what I thought was a toolbox. “I don’t think makeup is going to cover that huge bruise on the side of your face, dear, but we’ll do the best we can.”
“Irelyn, honey?” Mom said as she followed Bailey into my bedroom. “Please don’t drink anything alcoholic – you’re still on pain meds.”
I rolled my eyes as a tiny smile curled the corners of my mouth. “I know, Mom.” Excitement ran up and down my spine as I glanced at the clock. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”
“We’ll keep an eye on her,” Morgan assured my mother as she slipped my feet into flats.
“She probably won’t be coming home tonight,” Bailey smirked as she carefully rubbed foundation on my face. “We’re hoping, at least.”
I saw Mom’s reflection in the mirror and nearly laughed. She had her ears covered but a bit of amusement still shined in her eyes. “I don’t want to hear these things.”
“Aw, Ms. Colby,” Bailey chided. “She’s too sore to get up to anything naughty.”
“Enough,” Morgan tsked. “She’s a nervous wreck as it is.” She grabbed a brush and a hair clip and went to work on my hair. She cautiously ran the brush through the strands, mindful of the stitches that constantly irritated me in the back of my head. “I’m going to pull your hair back and cover that area,” she explained.
“You guys better hurry,” Mom said. “What time do they go on?”
“They’re already on,” Bailey said as she brushed blush on my cheeks. “But that’s okay- Irelyn probably won’t be able to sit through both sets.” She stepped back to admire her work. “There. Let’s go.”
“Hang on,” Morgan said as she fiddled with my hair. “Okay. Perfect.”
Standing gingerly, I kept the grimace off my face as my aches and pains made themselves known. “I’m ready.”
Mom handed my overnight bag to Morgan and kissed my cheek. “Good luck, honey.”
I sat in the back seat, nervously chewing on my lip as Bailey drove through the streets. She parked as close as she could to the entrance and I was glad that she hadn’t parked in the back. I didn’t think I could look at the spot where I’d fallen without vomiting.
They helped me out of the car and each held an arm as we made our way inside. The bar had a good-sized crowd and our usual table was already occupied.
People glanced at my bruised face and my slow pace curiously but I kept my chin up and focused on the stage. My heart kicked up a notch as Lucas’s sexy voice floated in the air and when my eyes landed on him, I nearly tumbled.
“Let’s sit you down,” Morgan said, clucking around me like a mother hen. I just nodded as Bailey shooed two men out of their seats. They eased me down and I folded my trembling hands on the table, my eyes lingering on Lucas. He was wearing one of the t-shirts I’d given him at Christmas. It stretched across his chest and emphasized his muscles spurring desire to shoot through me and overpowered my pain. I sighed.
It was growing late and I knew they had to be nearing the end of their set. I impatiently waited for them to finish as I wanted to whisk Lucas away so I could explain everything to him and pray he’d forgive me.
When he finally spotted me, a stunned expression washed over his face. I smiled shyly, and my heart cheered when he grinned, his eyes crinkling in the corners. When they finished their song, he leaned over to whisper in Spencer’s ear. Spencer glanced at me with wide eyes and nodded before hurrying to whisper to Collin.
My smile grew when they started playing their next song. Lucas’s voice sounded strong and just so sweet when he crooned the words to my favorite song into the microphone. I couldn’t believe he remembered let alone learned to play it.
“I’ve never heard them do this song,” Morgan said. “What is it?”
“It’s an old song my mother always listens to,” I whispered, my eyes glued to Lucas. “I told him about it a long time ago.”
“Geez,” Bailey said as she dabbed at my eyes with a bar napkin. “So much for the makeup.”
I was startled at the tears that were coursing down my cheeks. I brushed at them as I concentrated on the stage. “Don’t worry about it.”
They finished the song, and the set, to rousing applause. My heart began to thunder in my chest as Lucas handed his guitar to Spencer and jumped off the stage. He waded through the crowd of dancers who were patting his back, trying to talk to him as his eyes remained on me.
When he reached our table, Bailey got out of her chair so he could sit. He gingerly touched my cheek as his eyes carefully inspected my face and the rest of my body. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I whispered.
“You look beautiful,” he said. “How do you feel?”
I shrugged. “Better. Still sore, but better.”
He smiled as he tucked my hair behind my ear. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.”
Laughing, he ducked his head. “This is awkward, huh?”
“Yeah.” I shifted slowly in my chair and took his hand. “Lucas, can we talk? Please?”
“Certainly,” he said, lifting his head. His eyes searched my face. “Do you want to go to my place?”
A slow smile spread across my face. “I was kind of hoping that I could…um…spend the night with you.”
His eyes lit up as he grinned. “Sure.” He kissed my forehead. “Um, do you want to see the guys before we leave? The
y’ve been worried about you.”
“We’re right here,” Collin said as he knelt next to Lucas. “How are you darling?”
He reached out to hug me and Morgan put a hand on his arm. “She still has stitches in her head so be careful.”
“It’s fine,” I assured Collin as I leaned painfully into him. He pecked my cheek. “Thanks for doing that song,” I said as I pulled back and allowed Spencer to kiss my forehead.
“It was Lucas’s idea,” Spencer grinned. “He’s a closet romantic, you know.”
I beamed at Lucas and ruffled his hair. “I know.”
Lucas stood and helped me to my feet. “Hey, Collin, can you grab my guitar? Um, Irelyn is coming back to our place.”
“I got it, bro,” Collin said, shooting me a wink.
Morgan handed Lucas my bag before she kissed my cheek. I hugged her and Bailey then turned to Lucas. “Ready?”
Taking my hand, he nodded. My heart hammered frantically as we left the bar. It was time to fix this – hopefully for good.
Chapter 22
Lucas helped me into his truck carefully, mindful of my sore body, and buckled me after he got in. He held my hand the whole way to his apartment, inquiring politely about my health.
My entire body was starting to throb, making me think longingly about the pain medication tucked in my bag – but it would have to wait. I wanted a clear head when I spoke to him. I was already on the verge of a sobbing breakdown and I needed all the strength I could muster to get through the explanation.
When we arrived at his apartment, he grabbed my bag and wrapped a cautious arm around my waist as he steered me into the house. He eased me to the sofa, hovering over me with a frown.
“Do you need anything? Pillows or water or anything?”
I smiled at him, my heart filling with love. “No, thanks. Please just sit so we can talk.”
He dropped next to me, his lips pursed. He stared into my eyes and lifted a hand to stroke my cheek. “You look so beautiful. I love the dress.”
I smiled. “I wore it for you.”
He brushed my lips over mine. “Talk to me, love.”
“I…” I sighed. I grappled with my words, wondering where to start. I shifted, and winced, causing him to bend closer, waving his hands helplessly over my body, wanting to help but not sure what he should do. I smiled weakly and slid so I could rest on the back of the couch. “Well, you already know that my grandfather found out about us,” I said, closing my eyes. “But he, um, well, he threatened to stop paying my tuition if I didn’t stop seeing you.”
“He did what?” Lucas asked, astonished. “He actually told you that?”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “And when I told him I didn’t care – that I’d pay my own way even if I had to go to another school, he threatened to stop paying Tommy’s tuition at Torrison’s.”
“Damn,” he muttered as he took my hand. “I’m sorry.”
I opened my eyes as my pulse quickened. “Lucas, I didn’t want to end things with you – I swear. I just didn’t know what else to do.”
“I know,” he said. “I can’t really blame you.” He sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
Laughing, I clutched my ribs. “No, but don’t worry – we’ll figure it out. Mom, Tommy, and I talked and we’re working on it. We’re done with my grandparents and all their efforts to run our lives. And Tommy said he didn’t care what school he went to as long as he could continue playing the piano.”
“Wait,” Lucas said, his brow furrowing. “You’re, um, not going along with this?”
“No,” I said. “Lucas, why do you think I’m here?”
He smiled and traced my jaw line with his index finger. “I wasn’t sure, really. I thought maybe – oh hell, love. I didn’t know. I was hoping that maybe you’d changed your mind and you wanted, you know, for us to be together.”
“I do want us to be together,” I said. “I mean, if you’ll have me.”
His smile grew, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Of course I’ll have you.” He kissed me again, very softly. “Are you sure you want me?”
I giggled and grabbed the front of his t-shirt, pulling him to me. “Yes, very sure.”
His kiss was better than I remembered and it made my heart splatter against my ribs. I didn’t want it to end. But he edged back to stroke my unmarred cheek. “I’m so sorry you got hurt. It was stupid of me to fight with him, especially with you so close.”
“It’s not your fault,” I told him. “Not at all. It was an accident. Please don’t blame yourself.”
“You look like you’re hurting,” he said abruptly as his eyes searched my face. “How about if I draw you a hot bath and order a pizza?”
“You don’t have to do all this,” I protested, even though it sounded like heaven.
He kissed me again. “I want to.” An impish glitter flashed in his eyes. “Or I can give you a sponge bath.”
“Maybe when I’m not so sore,” I grinned.
“I’ll start the water,” he said as he stood. He pondered for a few minutes, a deep groove in his forehead. “Um, I’ll call Collin and ask him to bring a pizza home. You don’t mind, do you, if he’s here?”
“Of course not,” I said. “He does live here. Matter of fact, maybe Collin, Spencer, and the girls can come over – I haven’t told them anything and I think I owe them an explanation.”
“Sure, love – whatever you want.” He winked, setting my heart fluttering. He disappeared and a moment later, I heard the water running in the bathroom. I closed my eyes and smiled.
I heard everyone come through the door while Lucas was helping me to dress. He carefully tugged one of his t-shirts over my head and helped me into a pair of my pajama pants. He watched as I swallowed my pain medication then took my hand and escorted me to the kitchen.
Spencer jumped up to offer me his chair which I gladly accepted. The bath had been wonderful and eased some of my stiffness and soreness but I still couldn’t stand for long periods of time. Lucas pulled a chair next to me and twined his fingers with mine.
“Well, looks like things went well here,” Collin remarked as he set a plate in front of me.
“Yes, they did,” Lucas said as he kissed my cheek. He took the slice off the plate and bit off a chunk before offering it to me.
“Oh, no,” Spencer groaned. “Tell me you aren’t going to be all lovey-dovey now.”
I blushed as Lucas gently squeezed my hand. “Yep, probably.”
“So, things are settled?” Bailey asked as she eyed me. “You told him everything?”
“Yes,” I said as I sipped from a glass of water. “And I guess I should probably tell you guys, too.”
“You don’t have to,” Morgan said but I shook my head.
I told them what happened once I left my birthday party, filling them in on every detail I could remember about my conversation with my grandfather. I expected their reactions – especially Bailey’s angry curses – but it still warmed my heart how they exclaimed and defended me.
“So, what happened with Dustin?” Collin asked.
I took a deep breath. “He stopped by my house this week. We sort of had it out – it wasn’t pretty – and he knows for sure that it’s over between us. Of course, he assured me that he wanted nothing more to do with me.”
“His loss,” Lucas said as he crammed half a slice of pizza in his mouth. He chewed and chased it down with a swallow of water from my glass. “My gain.”
My heart flipped as I smiled.
“What are you going to do about school? And about Tommy’s school?” Spencer asked.
I shrugged, fighting a yawn as the pain meds kicked in and made my lids heavy. I told them about the family discussion and the decisions we’d made. “So, I’ll probably just go to school somewhere else. I’m going to have to work on that soon.”
“Are you going back to classes on Monday?” Morgan asked.
“Yeah.”
<
br /> “Are you well enough?” Lucas asked as he touched my cheek. “Maybe you should wait.”
“Nah, I’m fine.” I yawned as Lucas kissed my cheek.
“I think you need some sleep.”
I agreed and bid everyone a good night. Lucas helped me up and held my hand as we headed toward his bedroom.
“It’s good to have you back, Irelyn,” Bailey said with a grin.
I settled in the bed next to Lucas. After nearly a week on the sofa, his bed was wonderful. I had to lie on my back as he positioned himself on his side so he could look at me in the weak light streaming between the slats in the blinds.
Suddenly, a sob erupted and tears fell from my eyes. Lucas panicked as he kissed my face, desperately trying to stop the tears. “Hey, it’s okay, love, I promise,” he whispered.
My sobs turned to whimpers as I reached for him and he hugged me. “Sorry. I just…I just feel horrible about how bad things got. I never wanted to end things with you. I wanted to be with you and not Dustin and everything got out of hand. Then I wondered if you even wanted me to be ...you know…you’re girlfriend. And then the accident and …oh, Lucas. I’m just sorry.”
He kissed both my cheeks and my nose and my head. “Irelyn, I love you. I want to be with you. Nothing that’s happened matters anymore except that we’re together. Tomorrow when we wake, we’ll start all over and do things right.”
My heart stopped. “You…love me?”
Chuckling, he brushed his lips over mine. “I do.”
I sniffed, hiccupping, as I pulled his head down so I could kiss him. “I love you, Lucas. I really do. I realized that awhile ago.”
Grinning, he kissed me, allowing his lips to linger on mine. I wished fervently that my body wasn’t aching and I was whole again so I could beg him to seal our love. But I couldn’t. And the pain meds were dragging me down farther into the black hole of blissful sleep. I struggled to hold on to consciousness for just a few more minutes.
“Hang on a second,” he said as he quickly pulled away from me. I wanted to yell at him to come back but he was already off the bed. “Shield your eyes a second – I need to turn on the light.”
