by Finn, Emilia
I spend the rest of my hour with my motherly therapist. These aren’t therapy sessions anymore, not really. They’re simply snacks and tea time, and when Sonia is done tearing up with pride, we flop back in our chairs and giggle about Chester some more.
When my hour ends and we book another session for next month, I stand from my chair and for the first time ever, step forward and wrap my arms around the deceptively strong woman. “Thank you for everything you’ve done since we met.” I lean back and hold her forearms. “I needed you, and you helped me in a way others couldn’t. My sister healed a part of me, Ang healed another, and Kane another. My recovery was like a jigsaw, and without your piece, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I know it’s just your job, but…”
“Not just my job, sweetheart. It’s my passion. For almost fifty years, this has been my calling. I’ve met wonderful young men and women just like you, and I watched you claw yourselves out of hell and come back swinging and stronger than ever. If you think that isn’t rewarding for me, then you’re wrong.”
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I step back into the reception area and stop with a goofy grin. Where Jess sat for most of my appointments in the early days of my recovery, Ang now sits with a smile and hungry eyes.
Tossing a car magazine to the side, he unfolds his tall body and pulls me against his chest when I accept his hand. “Hey, beautiful.” He drops a kiss on my jaw. “How’d it go?”
“I gave her an update on Chester.”
Snorting, he pulls me through the front door until we emerge into the chilly afternoon air. We had to flip a coin to decide what we’d drive today, because although Wanda is special to us, the Charger is infinitely more special to Ang, since he’s had it since he was a teenager.
Lucky for me, I so rarely lose our bets, so Wanda sits in the parking lot with her impeccable paint shimmering in the sunlight, and though she’s technically mine, I hand him the keys and allow him to help me into the passenger side.
Leaning over the door and stopping so Ang’s nose brushes my jaw, his hot breath bathes my skin and makes me smile. “Where to next?”
“Let’s go up to Lookout Hill.” I grin. “I’ll do that thing you like as a consolation prize for losing the coin toss.”
The end…
Continue The Checkmate Series here in Castling The Rook.
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If you haven’t started The Rollin On Series yet, go back and meet the fighters that started it all – http://a.co/d/5B8HTYF
Author’s Note:
This book covered a lot of heavy topics. Laine was treated horribly, and when that monster got his hooks into her, she felt there was nothing left.
In her mind, there was no reason to live.
But it wasn’t true. Those are the lies monsters feed us.
If you ever feel this way, please just Stop. Take a breath. And if that didn’t help, take another. Then another. Then another. After a while, they add up. And when you’ve done that, Speak up.
Speak to someone. Speak to anyone!
Just say the words, say you need help, and watch the humanity this world is often lacking come out in the most wonderful ways.
People care.
People will miss you.
You matter, and your life is more than the heartbreak you might be feeling in this moment.
To everyone else; if you see someone struggling, a smile might save their lives. A simple ‘are you okay?’ might be the difference.
We all want to live a meaningful life. We all want to be remembered for something amazing and special.
We can’t all be famous. We can’t all have our names on the side of buildings, or in magazines, or on sports titles, or on any number of other amazing accomplishments.
But we can be important.
We can save lives.
Be the one person you hoped and wished and prayed for that time you were hurting so much, it felt like drowning.
Next time someone is hurting, stop for a moment and offer a hug. You’d be amazed what such a small act might achieve.
Acknowledgments
It takes a village to write a book. It takes inspiration, hard work, and encouragement from your friends when you feel like it’s all too hard.
Angelo’s story was hard for me, it wore me down, and did a little damage to my soul to the point I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same after knowing them, but I’m truly glad their story has been told, I’m happy they’ve finally found their way to each other.
I’ll forever smile knowing they’ve found their pocket of happiness, and for as long as their friends live on – and don’t worry, there are many more to come – their story will continue to unfold on the sidelines; babies, weddings, backyard barbecues where Laine is able to laugh and not worry about a thing ever again.
And let’s not forget Chuck – yes, he’s important. More on that later.
For now, we just stop and take a breath, because finally, they’ve found each other, and it won’t ever be undone.
I’d like to thank my team for their amazing support.
My best friends, because without you, I might’ve already quit. Arelis, Kelly, and Karen, you guys make my heart beat faster. You’re all so uniquely perfect, and together, we just make a giant slosh of awesome that I could never live without.
My betas, Debbie, Jenelle, and Siddhi; you always read my messy drafts and come back with pearls of wisdom that enhance my stories. Thank you!
My proofreader, Lindsi. You make my book shine. Thank you.
My editor, Brandi. You make me better every day. Truly.
My cover designer, Amy. I love your work, and am honored that you dress my babies.
My cover photographer, Golden. Thank you for your talent.
My cover model, Joey. Thank you for being you, for being kind, for your gentlemanly manners, and *objectifies you* for being sexy. You make an amazing Angelo, so thank you.
And finally, to my Crew! You guys are nuts!! But I wouldn’t have you any other way. I love you guys.
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If you enjoyed this book, could you please leave an honest review on the retailer which you bought it. It doesn’t have to be long or eloquent. Just something short and sweet is fine. You liked it, you loved it, it sucked – whichever applies.
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Thank you AGAIN for reading my words. It means a lot to me that you guys keep coming back for more.
Until next time,
<3 <3
Emilia
Looking to connect?
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