Page 63 of Escape

Last night, I’d spent my first night at Huck’s place after leaving the hospital. It was so comfortable, and I felt such peace, much like I had when I sank down into the bathtub earlier in the day yesterday.

Whether that feeling was the result of being away from Kurt and out of the hospital, or if it was simply about being here, knowing Huck was here with me, I wasn’t sure. It was likely a culmination of everything that had me feeling the way that I was.

It became apparent yesterday that there was going to be an adjustment period for me when it came to my new living arrangements. And I guess I realized that was to be expected. Nobody could just fall right into a new routine in a new place with a new person like it was nothing.

But my biggest issue was that I hadn’t anticipated everything to be as wonderful as it had been. Not only had I experienced Huck’s warmth, kindness, and generosity, but I’d also had the lovely bath, the luxurious bed, and the home-cooked dinner.

Now that a new day had dawned, I suspected the lavish lifestyle was going to diminish slightly. Of course, I didn’t believe that would be a bad thing. I figured Huck wanted to make the start of my temporary stay to be memorable in the best way. But I didn’t think it would be something that would continue until the day I left.

So far, Huck was proving me wrong, which was why I’d made the statement about never wanting to leave.

Because when I finally woke this morning and made my way downstairs, Huck set about making breakfast for us. We’d just finished eating, and I couldn’t seem to hold back what I was feeling.

Sitting across from me at the table, Huck’s expression turned serious. Or, well, more serious than it had been from the moment I’d descended the stairs and he’d started fussing over me to make sure I didn’t move around too much and injure myself.

With that look on his face, he deadpanned, “I can think of nothing I’d love more.”

I blinked my eyes in surprise. “What? Did you just say you’d love for me to get used to this so I’d never want to leave?”

He dipped his chin slightly, his eyes pinned on mine. “I’ve gone for so many years without having you in my life, Josie. I’d happily welcome you here with open arms.”

Huck said that like he hadn’t already done that very thing. God, ever since he’d walked into Betty’s and saw me waitressing for the first time, he had been nothing but comfortable with me.

Granted, there hadn’t been any reason not to be. It wasn’t like we’d had some horrible falling out. Our lives had simply taken us in different directions.

But Huck had this level of confidence about him. It was in everything he did and said. And the mere idea of restraining his thoughts when a conversation like this popped up just wasn’t an option for a man like him.

For him, it was like no time had passed, like we’d never been separated at all.

“That’s really sweet of you to say, Huck. Like I shared during dinner last night, I’ve missed you a lot, so I can understand the sentiment.”

After taking a sip of his coffee and setting down his mug, he shared, “Just to be clear, I’m not simply saying that to indicate that I’ve missed you, Josie. That much is obvious. I said what I said because it’s the truth. If you like it here, if you’re comfortable, I don’t care if you never leave.”

I swallowed hard at his admission.

It was a wonderful thought, a generous offer.

But was he truly serious? How would that play out for the rest of his life? Did he believe there was the potential for something more between us, or was he simply trying to be a good friend?

Regardless of the answer, it probably wouldn’t have been in my best interests to become dependent on someone like Huck. As good as his intentions might have been, even as comfortable and safe as I felt with him, I needed to get to a place where I was reliant on myself again, where I didn’t risk my life because I had no other options but to stay somewhere that wasn’t the best for me.

At the very least, I thought it was important for him to understand my intention. “I appreciate that. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to feel like I had a real purpose again in my life. I want to be somebody I can be proud of.”

His features softened, a small smile forming on his face. “And I can respect that. We’re not making decisions today on any of this. For now, you just need a place to stay that’s safe and comfortable while you heal and get back on your feet.”

No matter what he might have been feeling, Huck never put any pressure on me. He might have easily shared his position and had an idea of how he wanted things, but ultimately, he was leaving it all up to me.

So, I returned his smile. “You’ve always been such a wonderful friend to me. I feel really lucky to have you in my life.”

He reached for my hand, gave it a squeeze, and promised, “And that’s going to be permanent now. I’m not going anywhere.”

God, I hoped that was the truth. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Now, you’ve been up for a little while, and you’ve gotten some food in you. How are you feeling? Do you need a nap, or did you have something you wanted to do?”

My eyes slid to the side, where the doors that led to his deck were. Then I brought my attention to our empty mugs and plates briefly before returning my focus to Huck. “I don’t feel so tired that I think I need a nap, but I’m definitely not ready to go run a marathon, either. I was kind of wondering if I’d be allowed to have a second cup of tea so I could enjoy it out on the deck. I liked being out there yesterday with you. I think I spent far too much time inside at the hospital, and I’d love nothing more than to feel the sunshine on my face before it gets too hot outside.”

Huck picked up his plate and moved it off to the side. Then he rested his forearms on the table as he took my hand in both of his. “For as long as you are here, I want you to treat this house like your home. That means, if you want to spend your entire day sitting on the deck while soaking up the sun, you are more than welcome to do it. If you want to lounge on the couch and watch movies, you can do it. But the most important thing I need you to understand is that you don’t need to ask me for permission for anything. I’m not going to tell you whether you’re allowed to do or have something. The food and drinks here are for you just as much as they are for me. The only time I want you to ask me about having a cup of tea or another helping of ice cream or any other thing is when you’re asking me to help you by getting it for you. You’re allowed to have whatever you want, whenever you want. Okay?”

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