Page 69 of Lucy
“We’re fine,” he assured her. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she looked at me next.
“We’re fine, Hell Raiser. Are you being nice to Lauren?”
“Yeah, I came to get her some crackers.” She flashed that devious grin of hers and I laughed. I shouldn’t have encouraged her but I did.
“Lucy…”
“What? You know birds love crackers.” Chase laughed too and shoved her a little. She shoved back and he grabbed her with one arm until she screamed with laughter.
“Can you get through this dinner without blowing up, Crazy?” He spoke against her ear. My palms tingled and itched at the sight.
“Yes, Weirdo.” She bumped him with her hips and I continued setting dishes on the table. I had to let Lucy go. She was happy. Like she said, we existed somewhere else with our twins and our dog and cat. In another lifetime we were good and perfect and that’s all I had to hold on to.
Lucy left Chase and me alone again and his shoulders slumped as he set out silverware. “If shit is awkward…I’m sorry. It’s not my intention to rub anything in your face, Abel. That girl adores you and always will. I have nothing but respect for you.”
I set the salad bowl down and looked at him. Something rang true in his energy. As much as I wanted to hate him and demand that Lucy not be with him or anyone else…I couldn’t. I had to let logic take over my emotions.
I’d always be in love with her, like I knew she’d always be in love with me. We had to learn to put it behind us and move forward. It would make us stronger.
“Thank you, Chase. I respect you too, man. Make her happy and keep her safe. That’s all I want.”
“I know. I don’t think I could ever hurt Lucy. Not on purpose.” Once the table was set, he leaned against the wall, his head nearly level with the doorway. I gave him a nod and it seemed things were set. Lucy didn’t belong to me anymore.
**
