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I exhale softly. “Of course, that’s why I’m here.” I really need to chill the hell out. His shoulders depress, and he smiles.
Gripping the edge of the seat, I quash my fierce longing. Even though I stopped comparing him to Saxon some time ago, some mannerisms remind me of their kinship—like their lopsided smirk.
“Everything okay?” he asks, peering down at me white knuckling the chair.
“I should be the one asking you that.” I try to lighten the mood before I end up in the bed next door.
“Lucy?” That possibility sounds even more appealing when Kellie enters the room.
She pauses, ensuring to scrutinize every inch of me. I’m certain she’s looking for traces of Saxon ingrained into my very pores. She doesn’t intimidate me in the slightest. I sit taller, daring her to speak out of line.
From the corner of my eye, I see Sam subtly shake his head. He too knows I won’t take her shit because if she so much as says one horrible word about Saxon, I’m walking.
His warning seems to get through because she adjusts the strap of her Chanel purse, and her stilettos stab at the floor as she muscles past me and kisses Sam on the forehead. “How are you feeling today, darling?”
“Better.” I feel awkward, not knowing why he miraculously feels restored.
She tenderly brushes the long strands of hair from his brow. “Wonderful. Let’s hope they send you home today then. Your father and I have tidied up your old room.” I pale at the thought.
There is no way I will be going anywhere near the Stone’s family home. I agreed to be here for Sam, but if that involves seeing Kellie every day, then I’m out.
Sam seems to be a lot more in tune with my thoughts than I thought he was because he firmly shakes his head. “No, I’ll be going home.” When she begins to protest, he silences her. “Lucy is here. And besides, we have a shitload of stuff to organize. Thanks for the offer, Mom, but I can’t.”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead where I sat.
Kellie tugs at the collar of her white dress shirt, pursing her lips. “For how long? I’m sure she’ll be running back to your brother the first chance she gets.” What a way to kick a guy when he’s down.
“She can stay for as long as she wants. I’m just thankful she’s here.” I’m surprised by Sam’s response because I think he means it. We lock gazes, and he smiles once again. It’s going to take some getting used to.
“Lucy?” What I won’t get used to, though, is the voice of my boyfriend’s ex.
Taking a deep breath, I meet Sophia’s curious stare. Her beauty still floors me. “Hi.”
“I didn’t realize you were back,” she says, her surprise clear.
“Just temporarily.” I don’t see the point of being vague. We’re way past small talk.
It’s fairly obvious what’s on the tip of her tongue, but she remains professional. “How are you feeling today, Sam?”
“Better. When can I go home?”
She smiles as she flips through the files she’s carrying. “Good news. All your tests have come back clear.”
“What about the headaches?”
“It’s to be expected and completely normal. The blackout could have been linked to several things, but with no conclusive test results, it’s difficult to determine the cause. We will monitor you closely and prescribe some medication and take it from there. So that means—” she flips to the last page of her notes before returning to the first page “—you’re free to go home.”
I’ve never seen Sam look so happy. Kellie, on the other hand…
“What’s your opinion of Sam going home alone? I’ve told him it’s in his best interest if he comes and stays with me.”
Sam shakes his head, jaw clenched. “I’m not going home alone. Lucy will be with me. Right?” All attention swings my way.
The hopelessness behind Sam’s uncertainty has me nodding once. “Yes, that’s right. That’s why I’m here.”
He beams while Kellie looks ready to poke out my eyeballs. “How long, though? I’m certain you’ll be out that door the moment things get tough. History has a way of repeating itself.”
I shoot up, ready to give this woman a piece of my mind once and for all, but Sam beats me to the punch. “That’s enough. Lucy didn’t have to come, but she did. I won’t have you saying such awful things about her to make her regret her decision. Now, please leave. I’m going to get dressed, and then we’re going home.”
