Fight for Love (24 page)
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” She rushed to my side.
“Calm down. Breathe, Luke. Come on. You caught me off guard. And for a minute…well, I thought you were going to propose to me.”
That made me laugh. “Propose? God woman. I’m eighteen, I’m not proposing to anyone anytime soon.”
“I know. But you’ve never been that nervous. And you said you wanted to get it right. In my experience when guys go to that much trouble the next thing they do is pull out a box and get on a knee.” She looked at my leg. Thank you, Dave. “Well, not in your condition, but you know what I mean.”
“I do. And it’s okay. But I do love you.”
A tear fell down her cheek. “I love you too, Luke. I love you too.”
“I mean I’d love to give you a sappy list of all the reasons why, but I’m not that good with words.” Wait, what did she say? Did she love me too? “You…you do? You do love me?”
Stacey leaned over the bed and kissed me. The passion in her touch made the pain I felt fade for a moment. It was better than any pain medication the hospital could have provided. After I’d need a pillow to hide the tent in the sheets, but it was worth it. We stayed lip-locked long enough that the nurse caught us when she came in to take my vitals again. “Of course I love you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
A week later I sat on the couch in Stacey’s apartment. My body still ached, but for the most part I felt fine. My hospital stay lasted longer than expected because of my bruised liver. Four days longer to be exact, but I was home now. And the police finally had Dave in custody. His court date hadn’t been set yet. The greatest thing about the fight was that Mom finally decided to tell the cops everything. Now not only was he up for assault on me but also the abuse of my mother. I would have spent months in the hospital for her to do that. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to.
Stacey came through the door with arms weighted down by books. “Hey let me help you with those.” I maneuvered off the couch.
“No, it’s okay. I’ve got it. You still need to take it easy.”
“The doctors said I could return to normal activity. That means I can lift a few measly books. Geez, it’s not like I’m in a wheelchair or anything.”
Stacey sat her books on the table then came to sit. She stretched her legs out on the couch and laid her head in my lap. My fingers instinctively began brushing through her hair. “Luke, I worry about you. What are you going to do now?”
“I’ve been thinking about that. You know graduation is in less than two months, and I got my acceptance letter to TSU while I was in the hospital. Mom told me about it a couple of days ago.”
“Yeah.”
“Mom’s at home by herself. I talked to her last night. She wants me to come home, and a part of me wants to go. But at the same time I don’t want to leave you.”
She laughed. “I don’t want you to leave either, but I think you should. Your mom needs you right now. I’m not going anywhere and neither are you. We both need to focus on school, and you still have things to work through.”
“I know you’re right. That doesn’t make it any easier though.”
“Luke, we can see each other every day.” She took a deep breath and slowly let it out.
My mom and I met with Dr. Greenberg before I left the hospital. We all decided it would be best to discontinue seeing her. Sure, things with Stacey were gray and there weren’t really any HIPPA violations, but it was all a little too much. Rather than make things more difficult we felt I’d be better off transferring to another psychiatrist. She referred me to one of her colleagues and I’d already met with him once. I hoped Stacey wouldn’t feel responsible, but I need to know for sure.
I rubbed the back of my neck with my free hand. “Umm yeah, speaking of Dr. Greenberg…” Stacey sat up, turned and pulled her leg in front of her so she could face me. “I’ve changed psychiatrists. She referred me to one of her colleagues.”
She didn’t say anything for the longest time. “Okay.”
“Okay? That’s all?”
“Well yeah, it’s not like you need my approval. If you and your doctor have discussed it and that’s what’s best then I’ll support it.”
Relief washed over me like I’d never felt before. I guess I should have known better. Stacey understood the psychology field and what worked and didn’t work. Knowing Dr. Greenberg the way she did, I’m sure she trusted her judgment on a recommendation as well.
“You know that means you can come to appointments with me now.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s the best idea. Those are for you, not us.”
“You’re right. But I’m glad to know the option is there. You really have been a lifesaver for me. I should have listened to you about Dave. I’m sorry I didn’t.”
Stacey placed two fingers on my lips. “Stop. I don’t want any more apologies about that. You did what you felt was right, that’s all that matters.”
“I guess.” I leaned over and kissed her. “So I’ll start moving my stuff out and we’ll keep seeing each other. Everything’s going to be fine, huh.”
“Yep. Just fine.” Stacey smiled and kissed me this time.
For the first time since we’d moved to Texas I felt like maybe I could do something with my future. Apply to college, conquer my anger, and make a life of my own.
The End
Acknowledgements
This book wouldn’t have happened without the help of so many.
Lynn, Mel, and Kim without the three of you this story would have never had a voice. Your late night chats and critiques helped these characters become the people that they are. Kelly you were an amazing help for this book as well. Lucas’ story certainly wouldn’t be complete without your help. Beth, your insight was greatly appreciated.
Mom, it was while I was on the phone with you that the idea for this story was born. Those chats in the car will forever be brought to life in this story. Thank you.
My husband. There aren’t enough words to express how much I appreciate everything you’ve done and helped with over the last few years. I love you.
About the Author
Jennah Scott resides Kansas City, Missouri. Until she started writing she didn't know what she wanted to be. Which is why she has degrees in education, business, and medical assisting. All that uncertainty has provided her with plenty of ideas for new books. When she isn't writing she's causing trouble on Twitter, hanging out with family, or she's lost in a book. There's one thing about Jennah, there will never be a dull moment when she's around. Sign up for her newsletter at her website to stay up to date on new releases, cover releases, and other exciting news!
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