Page 51 of Love Shots

The next few days were hard. Despite a never-ending stream of visitors, Summer had never felt more alone. It was becoming abundantly clear that she’d sent away the only person she wanted to see.

Every day had become a battle between her heart and her head. And it didn’t help that Teddy was playing dirty.

Shortly after he’d left, Lily dropped off a bag full of things she’d need for the remainder of her stay at the hospital. Packed by Teddy. It contained everything she would have picked out for herself given the chance. From her favorite pajamas, down to the exact number of cotton pads she used to tone her face every night. She wanted to be annoyed at how predictable she was, instead, it only made her ache. Why did he have to know her so well?

He’d also used their friends to sneak in thoughtful contraband for her on a daily basis. The first day it was a box containing three various slices of pie with a note reading, Only forty-four more flavors to go. The second day it was a bottle of her preferred sweet tea. And today, Laney had snuck in her favorite trashy magazines, along with a giant pallet of strawberries. It was official. She was the biggest bitch on the planet.

“So ... are we gonna talk about the proverbial elephant in the room, or continue to pretend everything is fine?” Laney eyed her as Summer bit into another strawberry.

“Um, hello?” Summer gestured over her cotton pajamas. “I’m in a hospital bed after my ex-boyfriend attacked me in an alley, I think we can safely say that everything is not fine.”

“Cute. You know exactly what I’m talking about, Summer. Who I’m talking about. One six-foot-four, grumpy, pain in my ass who has practically been stalking me since you kicked him to the curb.”

“Stalking you?”

“Yes, honey. Stalking me. He calls me day and night to check on you, not to mention all the frigging text messages. How’s she doing today? Has her color returned? Did she manage to keep any food down? The man has it baaaaad.”

Butterflies began to swarm Summer’s stomach. He hadn’t given up on her. She knew he said that he wouldn’t, but doing and saying were completely different things.

“He deserves so much better than me, Lanes.”

“What are you even talking about?”

“Come on, Laney. Be real. I take baggage to a whole new level. I’m like the epitome of damaged goods. Crazy exes. Mommy and daddy issues. An anxiety disorder. Oh, and let’s not forget that if it wasn’t for Teddy, I’d be jobless and homeless right now.”

Her best friend shook her head. Looking almost disappointed. “Well damn. I guess I should start shopping for a new friend, huh? One who isn’t such a disaster.”

Summer shot her a look that hopefully conveyed how not funny she was being. Sarcasm really didn’t suit her. “You really suck at this friend thing. Maybe I’m the one who should be shopping around. Aren’t you supposed to tell me that I’m wrong? Try and make me feel better?”

Laney simply laughed and stole another strawberry. “Huh, let me see. First off, you do have crazy exes ... well, one at least. Your mommy and daddy issues stem from them being total and utter assholes—I’m not sure you can do much about that. De-asshole-ification isn’t a thing yet. And then there’s your anxiety. I get that it’s a bitch ... but it’s also not as uncommon as you might think. Plus, it can be easy to control once you get to the root of it.”

“De-asshole-ification?” Summer couldn’t fight the smile tipping up her lips. “Do you have a point?”

“Of course I do.” Laney paused to chew the strawberry she’d been nibbling on throughout her little speech. “My point is, yes, you have shit going on. But who the hell doesn’t? Or even cares? Teddy certainly doesn’t. Plus, it’s not like you have any more baggage than the next person. If anything, Teddy is the one with baggage in this relationship. Not you.”

“No. He doesn’t. He’s fricking perfect and you know it.”

“Oh, really? So, you don’t think he has just as many insecurities as you? A retired Navy SEAL orphan?”

God, Summer really hated Laney sometimes. And she told her just that. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t. You love me.” She winked and went back to stealing her strawberries.

***

Two days later, Summer got the all-clear and was currently being discharged. After Laney had given her a stern talking to, she’d been more than motivated to get her act together.

She’d started by giving her statement to Brady and agreeing to press charges. Ben needed to pay. One way or another. She would not live in fear any longer. Lucky for her, he was still being held. Turns out good old Ben had a record. One he’d managed to hide from the aid agency and one that was now preventing him from making bail.

Her mommy and daddy issues were trickier. They weren’t exactly going to be solved overnight, but in the name of extending an olive branch she had given them a call. She’d even told them about what had happened with Ben. They’d been surprisingly sympathetic. Not so much that they were on the first flight to Montana, but enough that they suggested a visit in the near future. That would have to do for now.

She’d also spoken to her doctor about her anxiety. She was in a hospital after all, she might as well make use of all the experts milling around. Dr. Burke had recommended talking to someone as a first step and had helped her get a referral. It was only a matter of time now before she became the poster child for good mental health.

Then, of course, there was Teddy. He never strayed too far from her thoughts. And she’d finally come to a decision. One that was best for both of them.

“Ready?” Laney chirped as she grabbed Summer’s bag.

“As I’ll ever be.”

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