CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Everly
“E verything seems to be healing just like we wanted,” Dr. Brewer states as he looks over where my stitches were on my head.
“You’ve got another three weeks in the cast, then we can look over your arm and assess whether or not we need to remove the hardware, or if keeping it in is the best option.
I’d like for you to stay in the sling for one more week then you can discard it. ”
“That’s good,” I say with a smile. “I’m not in as much pain as I first was.”
“Every week you’ll start to feel it less and less. Are you still taking the pain meds that were prescribed?”
I shake my head, “I stopped fully about a week ago.”
“Don’t hesitate to take them if you need it but do take over-the-counter relief for the next week if it takes the edge off.”
“Okay, sure,” I agree, nodding, as Dad does as too.
I’m at my four-week checkup in LA with Dad. We drove in yesterday and stayed at my apartment. He helped me clean the place and we went grocery shopping.
“How are you feeling mentally and emotionally? Have you spoken to someone about what happened?”
I smile, “Yes, I had someone come to Dad’s house over the last two weeks. I’m good; just a few nightmares.”
“It’s important to have someone to discuss that trauma with, whether a professional or someone close.
” I nod as he types on his keyboard. “Okay, well I think I’ll see you back here in three weeks, and we can get you out of that cast and start your rehab to build those muscles back up.
Karen, at the front, will set you up with an appointment. Continue to take it easy until then.”
We leave the medical office and head down the street towards Dad’s truck.
“Want to grab some lunch while we’re out?” Dad asks as we pull out of the parking lot.
“Tacos are sounding really good right about now,” I say as I point over at the food truck as we pass a bunch of them lined up.
The weather is perfect as we sit with our food at a table under a tree, not far from where Linc and I ate all those months ago.
“Alright, sweetheart, you’ve had your space and time and I’ve not wanted to push you the last few weeks, but what have you decided to do about you and this guy?”
I take a gulp of water and raise an eyebrow. “Don’t act like I didn’t catch those subtle remarks over the last four weeks.”
He does his best to scoff with a mouth full of food. “I was just making observations.”
“Oh really?” I start to laugh as I toss a scrunched-up napkin at him at his blatant lie.
“What’s important is that you are happy and it’s what you want. All the outside noise doesn’t need to be a factor.”
“Can it really be that simple?” I ask.
“Yes, it can. It can be whatever you want it to be.”
“You know, I don’t think you were this laid back when I was in high school.”
His face grows serious as he looks over my shoulder, deep in thought.
“Ever since you moved here and I’ve been at the cabin alone, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on the last twenty years.
I wasn’t always the best father to you, Everly.
” I start to correct him but he holds a hand up to stop me.
“I wasn’t present enough in your life. Yes, my career made it difficult but I was so worried about making sure to provide what you needed and to put a roof over your head and doing what my country asked of me that I missed out on raising you like I should’ve.
I was so thankful for Adam’s parents taking care of you while I was away, but I missed out on the major life moments with you.
On moments where you needed me to assure you that you are enough and loved. ”
“It’s okay, Dad. I think I turned out just fine,” I say as I reach over the wood table and grasp his hand with my good one.
“But it’s not.” He squeezes my hand back.
“I want you to be happy and if that means you living here in the big city, then I’m happy.
If you want to be with this Lincoln guy then I’ll support you, as long as he treats you like the most precious possession on this earth.
If he’s not, then I’ll be here to take up all your time until you meet the right guy for you. ”
A wave of emotion flutters through my body as I take in his words. It’s hard to put into words, when all your life you’ve wanted your parent to be present and hear you when you need it the most.
“Thanks, Dad, it means a lot,” I say, getting choked up.
The rest of the meal, we keep light as I point out all my favorite places Saylor and I like to eat at or hang out.
“Where to now, sweetheart?” Dad asks as we hop in his truck.
“Do you think you could drop me off around the corner? I think it’s time to talk with Linc for a bit.”
“Of course, honey. Do you want me to wait?”
“No, I’ll call if I need anything.”
“Okay, I’ll be back at the apartment,” he says as he pulls up to the front of the tall building. “Go put your lovesick man out of his misery,” he cheers as I hop out of the seat and open the door to get out.
“Dad!”
“What?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be giving the ‘ hurt my daughter and I’ll break every bone in your body’ stance?”
“I did that already at the hospital,” he casually says.
“Wait, what?” My voice screeches.
“This poor guy has spent the last four weeks sending you personalized love packages every day, living seven hours away. I saw the way your whole body lit up every time Steven knocked on our door. It brightened your day and I watched you checking your watch a dozen times an hour waiting for those deliveries, honey. You knew the second day up at the cabin what you wanted, but I’m glad you and I got to spend the last month together. ”
I can’t help the smile on my face. We might not have had a lot of time together when I was growing up, but he still does know me.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Any time, Everly. I’m just a phone call away.”
“Okay,” I say and shut the truck door.
Dad waits until I’m in the building before pulling away from the curb. As I stand in the open foyer, I watch as dozens of people stream in and out of the lobby area in a hurry.
Over the last month, I’ve realized a lot of things between Linc and I.
For one, Linc said that he loved me and that I was his everything.
But how could such an intelligent person think it was okay to support modern day prostitution?
And then not be honest about it. Saylor, of all people, was the one who told me that there might be something more going on that I didn’t know about and needed to give him a chance to explain further.
It was something that happened before me and that I shouldn’t hold it against him.
If we judged everyone on their past then no one would be given second chances.
During our time apart, I learned one thing for sure; I love him.
With my whole heart. I might not have a past but if I did, I hoped he wouldn’t hold it against me.
“Can I help you, Miss?” A young man asks at the reception desk, at Linc’s office. I hope he’s there and we can talk this through. I miss him more than he can ever know and hope that we can work this out.
“I was wondering if Linc was available.” He gives me a confused look and I remember that no one calls him that. “Lincoln Thorne, I mean.”
“Do you have an appointment?” He’s typing on the keyboard and looking at the monitor.
“No, but I’m sure he’ll want to meet with me or at least know I’m here.”
“Your name?”
I give him my name and wait as he makes a call.
“Someone will be down shortly to speak with you. Please have a seat.” He motions over to the set of chairs.
Minutes go by and I’m starting to think this was a bad idea.
Maybe he doesn’t want to see me or has moved on.
But that can’t be right after all the daily packages and notes he sent.
The elevators open with a ding and a woman dressed straight off of Rodeo Drive comes strutting off.
Her skyscraper heels click against the floors louder than any other shoes.
She screams money from the tip of her head to the bottom of her shoes.
As she passes the receptionist her eyes hone in on me, bringing her to a halt.
The lady does an about face, making her way over to me, not once losing eye contact.
“So, you must be what all the fuss is about,” she states, her voice is dripping in hatefulness. It’s like she views me as the dirtiest thing she could find on the bottom of her heels.
“I’m not sure what you mean or if you have the right person.”
“Everly, right?” Her eyes narrow.
“That’s my name, but I’m afraid I don’t know yours.”
“Blaire, Blaire Hutchins.”
The name recognition sets in and it’s my turn to narrow my eyes.
“Is there a reason for you coming over here, or are you just going to continue to stare at me trying to intimidate me?” I ask.
“I know girls like you, hell, I was a girl like you once. Someone who sees dollar signs and a pampered lifestyle. He won’t be satisfied for long with a plain bitch like you. He’s had the most exotic women on this planet. Surely you can see how you’d never measure up.”
She’s as smug as she is plastic from head to toe. What the hell is that supposed to mean, girls like me ?
Another ding from the elevators, along with the pounding of heels, has me slanting my eyes over at the commotion.
Olivia rushes out as if her ass was on fire. She homes in on my location and makes a b-line for me.
“Gosh, Everly it’s so good to see you.” She swoops down and gives me a hug, being mindful of my arm that’s still in a sling. “How are you doing?”
It’s then that she notices the vile woman beside her.
“Ms. Hutchins,” Olivia narrows her eyes ever so slightly. “I’d suggest if you’re done with your meeting, you leave the premises and be warned to stay far away from my client.” Olivia is using her don’t fuck with me tone.
Blaire’s nose flares as she whirls on her expensive heels, then makes her way over to the glass doors. Olivia watches as she takes her final steps out of the building, before turning her attention back to me.