Page 74 of Fearlessly Us

You don’t even like ice cream that much, weirdo.

Maya

Nah, but Cait does and she called this meeting, which means you better get all the best flavors.

Sophie

I’m on it.

Me

I really love you guys.

Maddy

We love you too.

Maya

So much, Cate.

“Catie.”

At the sound of Drew’s voice, my head snaps up, phone falling from my hands onto the blanket covering my legs. He’s standing at the entrance to my curtained-off area, tall and gorgeous and perfect in black joggers and a cozy-looking gray hoodie, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and relief. But there’s something deeper there too. A something that has my beleaguered belly swooping.

I don’t know whether it’s the look or the fact that I just made plans to come clean to my friends about what’s been going on with me or my defenses being low from everything I’ve been through today, but to my utter shock and surprise, tears swim into my eyes and cascade down my cheeks before I can stop them. My instinct is to brush them away, but I don’t because the man I have deep and complicated feelings for is looking at me like he sees the whole of me, and I am suddenly desperate to be seen. By him, and judging from everything I just texted my friends, by them too.

But mostly him.

“You came,” I manage.

Drew is next to the bed in two strides, taking the empty chair that has haunted me since six this morning, and when I see him sitting there, something deep inside me slots into place, like this space was meant to be filled by him. Without a word, he takes both my hands in his and kisses the back of each then cups my face, kissing me softly and resting his forehead against mine. His thumbs sweep over my cheeks and wipe the tears away. “You called, Catie. I’ll always come when you call.”

“I needed you.” My voice is a raspy whisper, but the words come more easily than I expect, so I try for a few more. “I didn’t think I needed anyone, but I really needed you.”

“Oh baby,” Drew says quietly, pressing kisses to both my cheeks. “I really like being needed by you.”

“I swear it’s not just because the hospital wouldn’t let me leave without having someone to take me home and I didn’t feel like explaining this whole thing to my family today.” I pause, considering my words. “Okay, I guess it’s a little because of that.”

Drew smiles, pressing his lips to mine again. “Princess, I don’t give one single shit about the reason. I’m just happy you called. I know asking for help from anyone isn’t easy for you, and I’m glad you chose me. That you knew you could. I’m…happy to see your face,” he says, a flash of anxiety-tinged relief crossing his.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, my hands coming up to circle his forearms.

He shakes his head. “It’s nothing.”

“Is it really nothing or are you saying it’s nothing because I just had a surgeon digging around my insides and my best-case scenario is being diagnosed with a chronic and incurable gynecological condition because then at least there’s something to treat?”

Drew huffs out a laugh, which is the exact response I was hoping for. “That one.” He pauses, eyes bouncing around the room. “My dad texted me earlier when I was hanging out with the guys. More about how he wants to see me. Come to one of my games. It…affected me is all.”

I suspect that’s not all. Not nearly. But I can also see he’d rather be here now than in whatever memories and feelings the texts dredged up, so here is where I’ll keep him. “I’m glad you told me. When you’re ready you can tell me more. Or not. Not is okay too.”

When he smiles, this time there’s only relief. “I know. I…” He pauses again, but this time his eyes don’t leave mine. “Thank you. Just, thank you. So, can I bust you out of here now?”

“Please,” I say, practically groaning the word. “I hate it here and this gown is itchy and I would give a limb for a Sprite with tons of pebble ice. The hospital ice isn’t bad, but all they have is ginger ale and that isn’t the same.”

“I’m so glad to hear that.” Drew reaches down, coming up with a giant to-go cup I didn’t notice until now and hands it to me, then flips me a mini-Snickers he takes from his pocket. “Figured you might be thirsty.”

With my eyes on his, I take a sip from the straw and let out a moan the second the most perfect drink on earth hits my taste buds. “Holy shit, this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” I mutter, sucking more from the straw then unwrapping the candy and popping it in my mouth. “You are my favorite human on earth,” I say effusively.