Page 73 of Chubs

When James returns, he again sits next to me on the floor, wrists resting on his raised knees. He stays silent for several minutes before speaking softly.

“Nothing that’s happened this year has been fair to you, Lucy. You’ve been through it, and I can’t tell you how much that hurts my heart. I became a cop because I like helping people, and yet I’ve had to sit back and watch you struggle. You’ve hidden it well, but my years on the force have given me the skills to see past walls and masks. I want to help, but no words can fix what happened and make you whole again. If you ever want a break from real life, let me know. I’ll get creative and come up with something to give you that chance.”

I absorb his words and know he’s sincere as hell. I nod solemnly, then lean my head against his bicep for a moment. Sitting up straight, I carefully set the dog on his feet and then stand. Urging the dog into his kennel, I ignore the guilt from having to close the door behind him. Turning to James, I respond to him.

“Thank you, James. I may take you up on that offer. Also, thanks for bringing me here. Fur therapy is a real thing, and I believe in it now. Can I buy you dinner?”

“You’re welcome, but no. I’m paying, and we’re going to consume all the calories we want and have dessert,” he says with a wink. “Let’s go embarrass ourselves.”

On the way out, I stop at the desk and write a check for a large donation. Ignoring Dale’s constant staring, I slide the check across the counter to him and follow James out the door. We didn’t embarrass ourselves, but that wasn’t from lack of trying. We just didn’t care what anyone around us thought.

Axel: Need a favor.

Me: Name it.

Axel: Can you come to the police station and bring bail money without telling anyone?

Me: So, what you really want is for me to come to the hospital and help you escape. Answer is no. Bailey said the doctor wants you there for another day. Besides, I was joking about Alex calling other men “Daddy.” Kind of.

Axel: Not nice but I really did mean the cop shop. Please????

Me: Are you serious? Why did you get arrested? For what?

Axel: Trumped up bullshit charge of indecent exposure. Speaking of, can you stop at the gym and bring me my duffle bag? It’s in the office. I need to cover all my good parts ASAP.

Me: Oh my God! Indecent exposure? Did you take a piss somewhere public? Again? Why aren’t you at the hospital?

Axel: Can we discuss this after I get out of this hellhole? Help me out, Lucy! I’m too pretty for jail! Guys are already giving me lustful looks and I’m too weak to fight them off. I would really like to keep certain parts of me virginal.

Me: TMI!! Be there soon but you better not be making this up to mess with me or I’ll end up with an assault charge.

Axel: I’m not joking! I really do want to stay a virgin in that ass… aspect. Haha! See what I did there?

Me: I’m on my way and yes, I saw that. Good one, ASSMAN! See what I did?

I tell Candy I have to run an errand, but she refuses to let me leave alone. I try to explain that I’ll be completely safe because of where I’m going, but she parks her butt in the passenger seat of my car anyway.

I make a quick stop at the gym, wave to Cash and Pooh, and enter the office. Bailey is working at the desk and looks up when I walk in. I look around until I find Axel’s gym bag and lift it, slinging it over my shoulder. At Bailey’s raised eyebrows, I say the only thing I can think to say.

“Axel asked if I could bring this to him. Guess he needs something out of it.”

“Hmmm. Guessing he wants clothes since I took everything but his phone when I left the hospital today. Thought that would keep him there until tomorrow, but now it looks like he’s found a way around that. I have to take Alex to her dance practice, so I’m just going to ask that you don’t let him have the bag if he’s planning an escape attempt.”

“From the hospital, right?” I ask.

“Well, yeah.”

“Okay, see you later,” I answer, then bolt out the door.

I really hate lying, but I seem to be the keeper of everyone’s secrets lately.

During the ride, I explain what I know to Candy about Axel’s request. Her eyebrows raise, and her head swings in my direction before a grin breaks across her face.

“This is going to be good,” she mutters while adjusting her seatbelt.

“If you want to score points with the club members, they love a good video of someone doing something stupid. Just a suggestion.”

Her grin grows, and she holds her phone up in one hand.

---