Page 25 of Lucas

“The ride was amazing. The countryside is beautiful this time of year. How’s Dad? You said he was golfing today?”

“Yes, apparently one guy is sick, and they needed someone to fill his spot. They were lucky we were home. I’m not sure if they would have found anyone else last minute like this.”

The waitress interrupts to take our drink order. Mom gets really quiet after she leaves and I deflate. Is that going to be the end of the conversation? I know we’re not really close, but I was hoping we could talk to one another.

“Abby, I asked you to meet me here so we could talk. I ran into an old friend of yours, Michelle, and she mentioned something that was very disturbing to me. I didn’t understand and I wanted to talk to you about it.” My stomach drops to my toes and I bristle at the mention ofhername.

“Michelle and I went to school together, but she wasn’t a friend. Whatever she said, I would take with a grain of salt.” My hands have a mind of their own and I can’t keep them from trembling, so I tuck them in my lap.

“Well, that’s what I was thinking because the lies she told me were downright hateful. I mean, I can’t believe she would slander your good name the way she did. I needed to walk away before I slapped her across her face. Never did I ever think she could be so cruel.”

“Ignore whatever she said. Really, let’s enjoy our brunch and talk about something else. No sense in bringing up the past, anyway. We can’t change anything. So, when are you and Dad leaving?”

Changing the subject seemed like the easiest thing to do, but she’s upset and she just won’t let it go.

“Why would she insist on telling me about a group of girls she hung around with that made your life a living hell? How she’s had so many regrets about bullying and harassing you for so long? I told her that was absurd since you loved going to school with all of your friends. Am I right?”

My past comes crashing down around me in the middle of a high-end restaurant, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. Tears that I’ve suppressed for so long streak my face and I can’t just get up and leave. Until my mother wraps her arm around me and we hurry out the door. Uncontrolled sobs cut me in half as my mother holds me in her arms. Cradling me like when I was a child.

“Oh my god, Abby. I had no idea, baby girl. Good lord in heaven, why did I not see the pain you were in?” Her words make me sob even more. I was great at pretending because I didn’t want my parents getting involved.

She ushers me to a secluded bench in the park across the street. She still holds me as we sit there and stare out in the distance. What was supposed to be the best years of my life were the absolute fucking worst. No prom, no boyfriends, no bonfires, and no life. Just loneliness and fear.

Once I can finally catch my breath, I relive my high school years. Starting from the very beginning, when my guardian angel swooped in to save me on that very first day, while my mother sobs in my arms.

17

Lucas

An invisible forcepulls me in as I approach Java Joe’s on my way home. I truly wanted to avoid my favorite coffee joint and a certain barista, but I’m on such a high since the concert that I just wanted to share it with someone other than the band. And Abby seems to be the only one I want to share anything with lately. Don’t ask. I don’t understand what the hell’s happening with her, but I plan on just going with the flow. At least for now, anyway.

The overhead bell jingles as I leave the blistering cold behind and step inside the cheery atmosphere of the shop. It’s not too busy in here, and that’s a good thing since I want to run the second I spot Abby sitting in the corner with some other dude. Am I jealous? Fuck, I think I am and that’s unacceptable. I don’t do jealousy since I can have any girl at the snap of my fingers. So what’s stopping me? Not a damn thing!

I whip out my phone as I inch closer to the front of the line. Scrolling through my phone is all the proof I need that I can choose anyone of these names. Susan, Rachel, Angel, Claire, Mary, etc. etc. and they’d be here in a second. But—

“Hey Lucas, the usual?” I hadn’t realized the line moved that fast as I stare at the very girl that I came here to see. Curiosity gets the better of me as I take a quick look at the table where the guy now sits alone. Abby must have been on break and now she’s back to work. Obviously, you idiot. “Lucas, everything okay?”

“Yep, couldn’t be better. I’ll take it to go, Abby.” Not what I had planned, but best laid plans and all that BS.

“Sure, if that’s what you want. Oh, before I forget. The concert was amazing. Personally, I thought you guys were better thanExistential, thought you’d like to know.” Wait. What? Abby was there, and I didn’t even know she was in the crowd? A sultry laugh leaves her throat as she notices the shocked look on my face. “Hey, I didn’t want to miss your big debut! Besides, my friends and I had a great night out. Win, win. You rocked it, Pipes. Congrats.” When she walks away, I focus on her words and the sway of her hips. It makes me want to jump over the counter and crash my mouth against hers. With or without the new boy toy looking on. She came to the concert? Fuck if my heart doesn’t thump a little faster at her confession.

I continue scrolling through my phone so I’m not tempted to scrutinize the pretty boy she’s sitting with. As much as I’d love to compare the two of us, it would be like trying to explain night and day to a blind person. Not going to happen.

My finger hesitates over my contact list when Abby calls out my name. What is it about this girl that sets her apart from all the rest? I must think on it since she’s patiently waiting for me. I’ll get back to you on this one.

“Thanks, Abby. Glad you liked the concert. See ya soon.”

“Hey, I’m free after work if you want to hang out or something.” Seriously? I can’t help it when my gaze lands on the guy in the corner who is clearly oblivious to our conversation. Might be, because he’s texting someone while having breakfast with another. Idiot!

“Adam won’t mind, he’s leaving soon anyway.” I swear I’m going to get whiplash as I look between the both of them. Once again, she’s amused by my interest in him and sets the record straight. “He’s my brother, Lucas.” Well, that right there is music to my ears. “I get off at six, I’ll see ya then.” Oh, how I’d love to tell her she’ll do more than get off, but I think she already knows. Abby might like my musical talent, but I’m willing to bet she loves my bedroom skills even more.

I subtly slip my phone inside my jeans pocket now that I have someone to celebrate with. Maybe I’ll even share the fact that we have an audition in a few weeks. I don’t want to jinx our chances, but I know if Abby knew she’d be cheering us on. Nothing wrong with having our very own posse.

People on the street must think I’m crazy when I laugh out loud for no apparent reason. But the thought of her dudein the cornerbeing Abby’s brother has me in stitches. Here I was thinking he was her new fuck toy and it turns out to be her own flesh and blood. Hell, what do they say? Incest is best? Different strokes for different folks? Whatever floats your boat? Yeah, I like it kinky from time to time, but that’s a hard limit for me.

After devouring the delicious sandwich and coffee Abby made, I take my time showering. I think I’ve told you before that’s where I do my best thinking. Unfortunately, my conversation with Trevor is niggling and needs to be addressed. I keep my promises, and if there’s ever a time he needs financial help for his mom, I’m there. So, do I stick my tail between my legs and grovel or do I wait to see if my dad continues sending me my checks? I hate that I’m so fucking hot headed and immediately blow up whenever anything happens. Instead of waiting to see how it all plays out. Maybe, just maybe, I can set it up so my automatic payment goes directly to the hospital. Now all I need to do is see if I can make it happen without Trevor finding out.

Now that I’m dressed and squeaky clean, I wait. Who would have thought Lucas Knight would sit at home alone waiting for a girl? Oh, but not just any girl. Abby has many hidden talents. And she’s the only one that I want to hook up with repeatedly. She’s someone I try to avoid at all costs, but there’s something about her that keeps pulling me in. I can’t seem to get enough.

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