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We pack up everything and then head to the lobby together. Carter checks out and then we head for her car. She takes her hand in mine, and I can’t help but look around anxiously.Is he still watching us? Is he somewhere nearby?I hold on tightly to Carter’s hand as if she might protect me from him. I know that is a lot to ask, but I also have a feeling Carter wouldn’t mind.
“Do you want to stop for breakfast anywhere?” Carter asks.
“Sure.” I nod. But I’m not really into it.
“I can just drop you at home if you need some alone time? You seem like you’re not really here with me.” Carter frowns, looking over at me.
“I’m sorry. It’s just with the nightmares last night, Steve is on my mind more than usual.” It isn’t a complete lie. Steveison my mind.
“I’m sorry, love, why don’t we just head back home then? We can get breakfast closer to us if you’re hungry.”
“Okay.” I nod. That does sound like a better plan to me. Carter reaches for my hand and gives it a light reassuring squeeze. I take a small breath and try to calm myself down. The conversation from this morning with Steve is still jarring me.
We’re both pretty quiet on the way home, but it doesn’t bother me. It’s a relief not to have to fake anything with her and that she isn’t pushing conversation when I’m not really in the mood. It is like she can read my mind and know what I need without even saying it. When we get to my house she helps me bring my bag inside and we both look between each other for a moment.
“I had a really nice time,” I finally say.
“You did?”
“I did,” I reassure Carter. “I’m sorry things were weird this morning, I didn’t plan to dream about my ex.”
“Don’t apologize, I promise you can be yourself with me. I’m glad you told me about him.”
“You are?”
“I am. It means you trust me.” She kisses the top of my forehead, and I feel an ease flow through me.
“I love you.” I smile.
“I love you, too, see you tomorrow morning?”
“Yes.” I nod. I will be back at work tomorrow and things will be back to normal. I will be able to not think about Steve and instead think about my amazing girlfriend.
* * *
CARTER
I leave Lainey’s apartment feeling a little bit unsettled. It’s like there’s something more she isn’t telling me and as much as I don’t want to push, I do want to know what’s going on. Is there more about her ex that she isn’t telling me? She seems to have told me everything last night, I mean how much more could there be besides him abusing her? Fuck. Just thinking about that makes my blood boil. The guy is lucky I wasn’t around to teach him a lesson or two.
I decide to head into town and grab Lainey some lunch by the seaside before heading home. I don’t have to stay if she doesn’t want me too, but my girl deserves some flowers and a good lunch. I stop at the florist first, grabbing a bouquet of roses because Lainey strikes me as the cliche romantic type. Then I grab her some fish n chips from the local stop. I’ll have to get there quick to make sure it stays edible, but her apartment is only a ten minute drive from town.
I’m pulling up to her apartment when I see the guy from the other day at the bakery and Lainey arguing. I pull into a random spot, stop the car, and get out within seconds.
“You have no fucking right to be here!” Lainey’s yelling.
“I have every right! You’re mine until I say you’re not,” the guy screams. What the hell is his name? Steve?
“Excuse me!” I call, interrupting them.
“What?!” Lainey yells, not realizing it’s me. Her face softens as she realizes who I am.
“What are you doing here?”
“I was bringing you some lunch, are you okay?” I look at her to make sure she’s okay. He hasn’t laid a hand on her and he isn’t about to now.
“Oh great, your little girlfriend is here now. Have you told her about me yet?” Steve says mockingly.
“She’s mentioned how you’re an abuser. So you have no business being here.” I stand in front of Lainey and puff out my chest so he knows I mean business.
