Page 146 of Savior

“Up we go, darling girl.” Mama tosses back the covers, not bristling at Sloane’s body stench as she pulls her to sit.

Sloane groans. “I don’t want to shower.”

“Well, we rarely get to do what wewant, dear girl. You know that better than anyone, don’t you? We have to pick ourselves up and do the hard shit. One moment at a time, one foot in front of the other, it’s all you can do. Can you do that for me?” Mama puts her hands on her ample hips, glaring down at Sloane as I watch her struggle to her feet, her legs shaking.

“Now, are you comfortable with Luca showering you, or do you want my help?”

Sloane looks between Mama and me.

“It’s your choice. We’re both here to help you through this, Sloane, and to love you through it,” Mama adds, and my heart nearly bursts in my chest at her words and kindness.

This was the right decision.

Sloane looks at my mama, eyes brimming with tears.

She’s never had a mother figure care for her before, and Mama knows that. Her hand comes down on Sloane’s shoulder. “You’re not alone, dear girl. Not anymore.”

Tears break free, trailing down Sloane’s cheeks as Mama squeezes her shoulder. “Luca can shower me. I’m comfortable with him.”

“You’re sure?” Mama prods.

Sloane nods, and I push off the doorframe and head over to steady her, letting her lean on me as we move into the bathroom.

“I’ll make lunch for us,” Mama shouts as I get Sloane to the bathroom and help her undress while the water in the shower warms.

“She’s something,” Sloane says, and it’s the first time I’ve heard her speak in days.

I nod, a smile curving my lips. “She is, isn’t she? I hope you don’t mind her coming. I was thinking last night about how to help you—about who I’d want beside me if I had a choice. I always want her near me when I’m sick or down. She’s got this presence about her…” I shake my head, lost for words.

“She does. Thank you, Luca. For everything. I know I’ve been a burden, and I’m sorry, but…”

I silence her with a finger covering her lips. “You’re not a burden, little dove. Maybe stinky, but never a burden.”

She smiles as if the heavens open and God’s light shines through again.

I ignore the fact that she’s naked before me and help her into the tub, giving her a moment to get under the water as I sit on the toilet.

I hear her moan as the heat of the spray sinks through her weary body.

The sounds of Sloane showering and Mama banging around in the kitchen fill the space, and my heart fills with so much love. The last few weeks have been hell, but having both of my favorite women safe and sound in the same space makes me feel so lucky.

I don’t know how long it’ll take Sloane to come around, nor how I’m going to broach the subject of suggesting she speak with a professional, but I know that it’ll all work out if we believe it will—if we remain optimistic.

I stand and peel the curtain back to check on Sloane. She’s washing her hair, so I lean against the wall and stare in awe.

“The water feels so good,” she says, noticing my eyes on her. “Want to come in?”

“It’s a damn tempting offer, little dove, but no. I think I’ll stay right here.”

“And leer?” she teases, a rueful smirk curving her lips.

“It’s an amazing view.”

She looks down at her body as suds wash over the deeply carved lines of hunger drawn throughout her frame. “Looks different as of late.”

“You’ll get back to normal soon. Everyone has times when things get a little dark and heavy, Sloane. It’s like Mama said, one day at a time.”

She finishes washing, and I help her back out, toweling her off before I wrap her in it.

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