“You knew that’s what happened?”
He nodded.“I saw you through a few of those, remember?”
He had.Strong arms surrounding me but not holding me captive.Letting me cry, letting me catch my breath.Letting me come to terms with a situation in my own time.
“Thank you for coming back,” Lucas said.
“I’m glad I did.”I smiled at him, and his features relaxed.The men took their seats, and we dug into our food.All the wonderful smells made my stomach growl as I took my first bite, trying to sort things out.
This could be a new beginning.New friends, new opportunities.It was up to me to make the best of this.I needed to remember that not everyone was like my parents, my sister, and their so-called friends.There were genuine people in this world, like this group.Time to let go and let myself get to know them better and that included giving Lucas a chance.
We all had a past, and I was interested in learning about Cassie’s and Emma’s relationships as it appeared that both began at Fantasies, Inc., and there seemed to be no issues with employees dating, even boss/employee.
Lucas’ leg brushed mine as he devoured his burger.He relished food and ate with enthusiasm.I wanted that focus turned on me again.First, I needed to know if Lucas and I could get beyond the past before any relationship could restart.
Chapter Nine
Lucas
Happiness exploded inside me when Valerie returned with Cassie and Emma.I’d been worried she’d just leave.I needed her to understand I was serious this time.I wasn’t going to walk away.The fates were willing to give me a second chance with her, and I wasn’t going to screw it up.
Dinner was lively.The others made up for Valerie’s and my silence.I kept my attention on her.She was intent on the conversations going on around us, not unusual for the Valerie I knew.Always listening and not saying much.
I figured it had something to do with her childhood.When we were together, we only touched on her family lightly, even the time when she had a panic attack over them.She told me she hated talking about them because it made her sad.I’d given her space and figured one day she’d tell me everything; that day never arrived.
My cell rang.I looked at the screen.Speaking of family… Mindy.“Excuse me.Have to take this.”I pushed my chair back.
“Hey, what’s up?”I said as I walked away from the table.We’d just spoken yesterday about the offer she had, and she told me she’d turned it down.
“Quick question.Is there a history of hypertension in the family?”
I stiffened.“Not that I know of.What’s going on?”
Mindy sighed.“Nothing major.My blood pressure is a little elevated.The college nurse wanted to know if there was a history.”
“It’s after nine where you’re at.What are you doing at Student Health?What happened?”I mentally started calculating how long it would take to get a flight and get to Mindy.
Mindy’s sigh carried through the cell.“Lucas, I’m fine.I just felt a little off while studying and came down to get checked out.It’s probably just the pressure of school.Please stop worrying.”
“Not possible.”I’d always worried about my baby sister.
“Don’t you dare just show up to check on me.Hold on.”I heard muted voices, then Mindy came back.“See, it’s already back down to normal.”
“Doesn’t mean it isn’t an issue.”My sister didn’t have a clue.“Keep me advised; high blood pressure is nothing to mess with.”Was I overreacting?Probably, but I couldn’t help it.
“I will, and I know.”
“Promise me.”It was the only way she’d keep me in the loop.
“I promise.Now go back to what you were doing.I heard the background noise.On a date?”
“I wish.”The words slipped out.“Just friends from work.”
“You need a girlfriend.”
“Working on it.”And I was.
“I can’t wait to hear about her.Got to go.Love you, brother.”
