AllFreeNovel
Share Us
LUISA
From my perch near the window, I watched Press, Beau, and their father walk across the lawn, heading away from the house. I wondered what Martin was saying to them. Whatever it was, I hoped it would help smooth things over between his two sons.
It was impossible not to hear the argument they’d had when Press left the room. It was short, but the animosity in Beau’s voice was evident, and it angered me.
I’d spent weeks wishing he’d notice me, pay attention to me, want to be with me. While he flirted, enough to hold my attention, he’d never taken it further. In fact, when he showed up at Seahorse with his girlfriend, I felt like a fool for misreading what I thought were signs he was interested in me. I was so embarrassed, so humiliated, I wanted to leave immediately.
Thinking back on it, I cringed. I’d never considered how much my actions must’ve hurt Press. He’d done so much for me, and I’d shown so little appreciation.
The bottom line, in my opinion anyway, was Beau had no right to be angry. In fact, I wondered if he had an inkling Press and I were getting close and if that was the only reason he’d kissed me the way he had, in full view of his brother.
I’d sent a message to Dr. Benedict as soon as Press left the room. While he’d said she would be available to talk with me today or tomorrow, I wouldn’t count on it. It was a Saturday during the holiday season.
Even if she did respond and had time to talk, we would have to do it over the phone since I still hadn’t remembered to charge my tablet.
“Anything I can help with?” Jaicon asked.
I smiled. “Do I appear perplexed?”
She smiled too. “Very much so.”
“I’m waiting to hear from my therapist,” I confessed.
“It’s important you reach out to people like that, those able to help you.”
“I want to talk to her about Press more than I do about the message I received last night.” In fact, I never wanted to think or talk about that ever again.
“He cares about you very much,” Jaicon said, motioning to the three men almost out of view.
“I’ve finally realized how much he does.”
“You’re nice together.” Her expression changed as if she suddenly remembered she was on the job. “Not that it’s my business.”
“I don’t mind. I like having someone to talk to.”
“We could arrange for Jada to join you here if it would help.”
“I appreciate the offer, but she’s already done so much for me. I don’t want her to have to come all the way up here.” My cell phone vibrated with a message from Dr. Benedict. “I should respond to this,” I said to Jaicon.
“Please do so. I’m in the vicinity, should you need anything.”
I thanked her, then read the message the therapist sent. She reiterated she was available to speak whenever I was ready. Rather than respond immediately, I hesitated. There were two subjects she’d want to talk about. First, the message. Second, Press.
I found myself dreading discussing either with her, even though only a few minutes ago, I’d wanted to talk about him. Wouldn’t talking with her when I didn’t want to, be counterproductive?
I sighed in relief when I saw Press headed this way. Beau trailed behind him, talking to Martin. None of the three looked particularly tense, which I hoped meant they’d set aside their differences. Their family needed to band together now. I remembered as much from my father’s accident. We’d needed to come together, but we hadn’t. Seraphina was the one who’d stepped in to fill the void left by my parents—one who was in a coma and the other who might as well have been since she sat by his side day in, day out. It hadn’t gotten much better after he died.
I lived with my mom while I was in college, but we certainly didn’t have a good relationship. Before I was abducted, we’d argued more than spoke. Since I’d been rescued, things were a lot better, but was that because she was babying me? Was everyone babying me?
“You’re frowning.”
I nearly fell off the window seat when I turned my head and saw Press standing within a foot of me. I hadn’t heard the front door open nor him walking into the room.
“My apologies. I didn’t intend to startle you. What’s on your mind, Luisa?”
“I’d say that should be obvious, but you know better, don’t you?” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “My mom.”
“May I sit?” he asked.
