Page 49 of Working Out West

“It’s Lucas, West. It’s me, honey. I’m here. You’re at home.”

I stilled. “Lucas?” Opening my eyes, they focused on Lucas’s face right in front of me.

“Hey,” he whispered with a soft smile.

Tears pooled. “Lucas,” I uttered, my breath catching in my throat. It stung as I swallowed over and over, but the emotions got the better of me, and I cried. I sobbed because I wasn’t there.

They’d come for me.

I was home with my friends, my family.

I was free.

“Oh, honey, it’s okay. You’re all right. You’re here,” Lucas cooed. He touched his forehead against mine. “We have you.”

They did.

I was home.

Where I was supposed to be.

After a shuddering breath, I opened my eyes to my best friend. “T-Thank you for coming for me.”

“We always will. I knew something was wrong when you didn’t come home or call. I got Wreck onto it right away, but we didn’t have a clue where you were. I-I’m sorry it took so long.”

“No. Don’t apologize. N-No one… no one would have—” I closed my eyes, clearing my tender throat. “—thought my parents would dothat.”

My body trembled over the reminder of it. The pain, the agony, the heartbreak. Their crazed eyes, the prayers. I never wanted to hear another prayer in my life. I thinned my lips to keep from crying.

I’m home. I’m home, I’m home.

“Adrik—”

Lucas had started until I opened my eyes wide. “He was there.” It flashed back to me, hearing his voice. “I hadn’t imagined him?”

Lucas shook his head. “No, he was there. Adrik was the one who heard you. He broke through the door to get to you and hasn’t left your side since. Well, until his parents just arrived to check on him and you.”

I bit my bottom lip to stop the tremble. I shook my head, tears welling once more.

“What? What is it? The pain meds should still be working. Do you need a drink, food?” Lucas straightened to check me over.

“He can’t be here,” I whispered.

Lucas paused. He went to his knees beside the bed and looked at me. “But why?” he asked.

It was difficult, but I lifted a hand, ignoring the stabbing pain in my back and wrist, and covered my eyes as the tears slid down. “He can’t be here” was all I said again.

“West, honey, I don’t understand. You left him because you didn’t think he held anything for you. But anyone who was there could see he does. He cares for you a lot.”

“Hecan’t,” I tried again.

“Why, West? Please make me understand.”

I couldn’t. Adrik wouldn’t understand.

Closing my eyes, I shook my head.

“West, honey, I need to know before he comes back to your room because, believe me, he will come back. He doesn’t like being far. He hasn’t slept. The only reason he’s not at your side now is because of his parents.” I groaned when I shook my head again. “West, you know I love you. I do. And I know you have been through so much. You’re in pain. There’ll be a lot of healing ahead. But… and I’m going to be honest here, that man out there can help you. If you let him.”

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