Page 50 of Linc
This is reminding me of the time mom grilled Reid and I over who drank all the expensive liquor, after a weekend away for her and dad.We were so drunk, laying on the floor and couldn’t even get up without the help from someone.She reamed our asses.The one thing that stuck out in that lecture was when she asked what type of example I was setting for Levi.What if something had happened; who was going to be responsible for him.That sobered me up.I didn’t want Levi to grow up with the same shame and guilt as I did over our biological parents dying and not being able to help them.I always wanted better for him.Now that shame and guilt is bearing down on me all over again threatening to ruin everything I’ve worked so hard for.My carefully crafted life has now started to have an effect on my relationship with Everly and I’m not sure how to juggle all this.
Everly doesn’t say anything, so I guess it does matter.
“Two days before we met.She came to the office for us to look over her building lease and when it was over, I bent her over the conference table and screwed her.”I’m raking my fingers through my hair doing my best to be honest but when I look up, I know that I went too far.Shit, I’m fucking this up.“I’m sorry,” My voice trails off but she just stares at me.It’s as if she’s seeing me in a new light.The scene that is in front of me will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“That’s just great,” her voice is cold and low.It feels like the temperature has just dropped twenty degrees in here.A shiver runs down my spine.
“Everly, I didn’t—”
“I don’t care who you were with before me, although it doesn’t feel good to hear about your conquests.It makes me sick that I even have to question you about it but I know logically that you’re eleven years older than me and have had a life.”She starts to rub her forehead and I don’t know if it’s a sign of her nervousness showing or if she’s getting a headache with all the shit I’ve brought on us.“What I care about is that you’re in this whole prostitution arrangement—or were.Can’t you see how this would look if it got out?My god, you’re an attorney for goodness sake!Think of what this could do to your business.Linley already tried to tie you in on this assault with her.Don’t you think she’s going to sing like a canary when Olivia goes after her and throws the book at her?”
Wait, is she trying to look out for me?
“Everly, you don’t need to worry about any of that, I’ll take care of it, if it happens.”My heart warms at her wanting to make sure that I’m okay.
“So, you see nothing wrong with any of this?This arrangement or anything?Can’t you find women the normal way to have sex with?Or is it too much of a challenge or work for you?”
“It’s not like that, you don’t understand.This is how it works in our lifestyle, the more money you have the more available things become without all the hassle.”
“Am I a hassle since we don’t have an agreement?”
“What?No, that’s not what I meant.”I’m losing her, I can feel it.I wasn’t properly prepared for this discussion and I’m saying things that aren’t coming out right.“You’re my everything.I love you Everly and want to make this right between us.Just give me a chance to explain.We just need to focus on getting you home and healed.This other stuff can be shelved for a later date to tackle.”
The door opens and a nurse in green scrubs comes in.
“Good morning Ms.Everly.I’m Kasey and I’ll be assisting you today.”She has a warm smile but it does nothing for the freezing temperature in here.Everly is quiet and I hate every second that ticks by.
“I think you should go,” Everly says as Kasey checks her vitals.
“I’m not leaving, Everly, we need to finish talking about this.”
“And I need some space to think about all this,” she snaps but her voice is starting to become shaky.Looking into her eyes I can see the moisture building in them.
Don’t cry baby!Let me fix this.
Why does it sound so final, is she trying to say goodbye or something?Is this what it’s like to have our first fight as a couple?My heart feels like it’s caving in.
“There’s nothing to think about—”
“She said leave,” a firm voice from the door says and in walks her father.Right now, he is the bane of my existence.
“Baby, don’t do this,” I plead because I know if her dad gets his foot in the door, I’ll never be allowed back in.“Let me go and get some real breakfast for us and then we can talk some more.”I feel like my time is running out and that the buzzer is going to blow any minute now.
“I’ve got all she needs.”He holds up a paper bag.“Got your favorite, Evie, from Saylor’s little corner bakery.”
God, I hate this man.
He places the bag on her food tray and rolls it between me and Everly, blocking me from getting close to her.
“Thank you for the offer but I think you should go home, shower and rest for a while, Linc.”
“I don’t want us to leave things like this.”
“I just want to think for a bit, I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
Feeling like I have no other option, I concede.Never in any of my court cases have I ever conceded but for her with those pleading eyes, I’ll do anything she wants.Even if that means walking away when I know I should stay.
I lean over the tray that separates us and plant a small kiss on her lips.There’s no passion, just a soft peck that she leans in for.
