Page 28 of Hard to Love

“Lea. She’s at the ER. We need to get there. One’s there with the boys.” He unhooks Lulu’s leash, and we walk back to the door.

Hardy breaks every law known to man, hurrying to the hospital. Parking in the first spot he finds, we both exit the truck at the same time. He stands at the back of the car, staring across the street. An old Ford sits there, empty. I watch him as concern plays on his features. His eyes narrowed, and his mouth pulled tight. Hardy’s forehead is wrinkled as he’s lost in thought.

“You okay?” I question before I walk away.

“Fine, I’m coming.” He catches up with me as we rush to the ER entrance.

Racing through the doors to the emergency room, we see One right away. He’s surrounded by Lea’s sons, each look concerned. I want to hold Hardy’s hand. I love Lea, and I know what she’s become to mean to One. We’ve become fast friends. Lea and her children are unique to our family now. Growing up with brothers, Lea’s like the sister I never had. One finally sees us, and he doesn’t look happy.

“Did you two come together?” One’s eyes dart from me back to Hardy.

“Yeah, I was worried. Hardy was there, and now we’re here. What the fuck?” Speeding through my reply enough to throw One off asking what happened. It works.

One and the boys fill us in as best they can while we wait for the doctor to come to give us a report. We drift around the seating area for what seems like forever to hear anything more. Finally, the doors swing open as a man in a white lab coat strides out. He asks for Lea’s family; the boys include One. I know my big brother is happy to be here for them all.

Lea’s children are allowed to visit her; One asked to wait, giving them the chance to go first. He walks over to where Hardy and I sit to provide us with a little more background on what’s been happening. We’ve all been dealing with our own shit lately, so we take the time to catch up.

“So you really love her, man?” Hardy asks One as we wait.

“More than words. I can’t explain it; it’s just that simple.” He smiles at us as I hug him, and Hardy returns the sentiment.

“After you speak to her, you think I can see her for a few minutes?”

“Yeah, I’ll make sure of it. The boys seem to be okay with this, don’t you think?” One worries.

“They do. Happy even,” Hardy chimes in.

We wait with One while the boys visit their mom. Lea has three boys, one of which is married. She was a young mother, but she’s done a helluva job raising them. I’m happy to be an aunt and ready to help in any way I can. One goes in to see Lea when the boys come out, and they sit with us for a while until it is time for them to go. After returning from their last visit for the night, they tell us we can go back to see Lea.

No sooner are we through the door walking toward Lea’s room when we run into One’s ex-wife, Montgomery Easley. I hate her. Montgomery is a fucking cunt; she’s made my brother’s life miserable existence for years. It would do my heart good to stomp her ass, bitch. One must’ve told Hardy my loathing of his ex because he’s on me, pushing me through Lea’s door before I can get ahold of her. But not before I can take a parting shot. “Fucking cunt.”

“Thayer,” One calls my name to remind me where I am.

“Hey, Lea. How are you, sweetie?” Plastering a sweet smile on my face to try to alleviate my harsh words for One’s ex-wife.

“What’s going on? Old flame? Or something to do with the woman Malone talked to earlier? By the conversation, I’m assuming his ex.” Lea calls my brother by his given name, Malone. It’s sweet and just for them, intimate. One calls her by her given name, Hadlea.

“She needs to be put in her place, One.” Before he can respond, Lea does.

“She will be, but not right now. As soon as I can, I’ve got that bitch.”

“Baby, really. She’s of no consequence,” One retort. Lea doesn’t let it go so quickly.

“Here’s the deal. This jealousy thing is new. Didn’t know I had it in me until the bitch stood outside this door, and I couldn’t snatch her ass up. So we’re going to work with the woman with the hot ass man and the new feels,” Lea quips.

“This is getting good. I’m not really sure who has the biggest badass on their hands, One, me or you?” Hardy chuckles, answering before he even realizes it. The room grows quiet. Lea looks wide-eyed like she knew we were dating.

“Hardy?” One’s the only word as he looks between us. Hardy is doing the same.

“Yeah?” Hardy answers timidly.

“Who has Thayer’s ass?” Before Hardy can say a word, Lea intervenes.

“Uhh, you know. Thayer and Hardy are…” She trails off. “Malone. Baby, they’re together. And like us, not everyone is going to be happy. Thayer is a strong, gorgeous, independent, badass of a lady her brother taught her to be; she’s got this. Besides, didn’t you already know it was going to take someone like Thayer to handle his sorry ass?” Lea’s right but now’s not the time, so I say my goodbyes.

“Okay, Lea. I love you, get well soon. I need to get Hardy away from One,” I ramble as I pull Hardy toward the door. “Call me,” I call out as we leave with a wave.

Chapter Fifteen