Chapter 39
Nate
The door shutting behind Olive reverberates through the stillness of the hospital room.
I held my tongue for as long as I could, watching Benny treat Olive with annoyance and indifference.
Now, with her gone, it looks like I’ll be the recipient of Benny’s attitude, if his scowl being thrown in my direction is any indication.
“I realize you’ve had a rough couple of days,” I start before Benny interrupts me.
“More like rough life,” he spits out.
I nod sympathetically. "Olive has told me a little about their childhood and about how awful their mother is, so he’s no doubt correct. But that’s no excuse. “I understand, but Olive has that same experience.”
“I know.” His tone implies he thinks I must be an idiot.
I decide to try a different approach. “I’m going to cut the shit, Benny. I’m in love with your sister and have every intention of marrying her as soon as she agrees. And I want nothing more than her to be happy and safe. And I need you to get on board with that.”
His eyes narrow, but he doesn’t respond, so I continue.
“Your actions haven’t only impacted her emotional and financial health, but most recently, they also put her life in danger. And that is something that I won’t accept.” I give him a pointed look. “Regardless of if it’s her brother causing it.”
“So you aren’t going to let my sister see me?” His body is taut with agitation.
“I’m not one to control the people I love, so it won’t be me letting her do anything.
But I’ll do everything in my power to make sure Olive has the best life.
Because she deserves it. And I refuse to allow you to take that from her.
But…” I emphasize the word and pause to make sure he’s paying attention.
“You not being in her life will make my mission of making Olive happy very difficult.”
His shoulders droop a little, and I hope that means he’s accepting that he needs to be a proactive part in this.
“Here’s what I would like to happen, Benny. You’re going to go back to inpatient. You’re going to complete treatment. And then when you get out, you’ll continue outpatient. And then you’ll get a job and continue to do everything in your power to be your best self.”
His Adam’s apple bobs with his swallow. Some of the earlier fight seeps from his eyes.
“What do you say?” I cross my arms and wait for his response.
“Yeah, okay.” It isn’t the enthusiastic agreement I hoped for, but I’ll accept it.
The door clicks open as the nurse and doctor enter the room. I nod a greeting and step into the hall to give Benny some privacy. I’m wandering down the hall just as Olive exits the elevator, a large fountain drink in hand.
“Hey, what are you doing out here?” she asks with a nervous smile, her eyes jumping between me and the door to Benny’s room.
“The nurse and doctor are in there with him.” I slip my arm around her soft waist and pull her body into mine.
Feeling her against me again is a remedy to my frazzled nerves.
I nuzzle my nose into her hair and inhale deeply.
Her giggle vibrates through me, and I lean back and gently raise her face to look at mine.
Ignoring the fact that we’re in the middle of a hospital floor, my lips find hers.
Her content sigh spurs me on, and I deepen the kiss.
Her lips.
Her tongue.
Her hand splayed on my back.
Every single part of her is exactly what I need to remind myself that, from this point forward, no matter what challenges we may face, everything will be okay. Our love is strong enough to carry us through.