Chapter 17
17
STEPHANIE
Stephanie was sitting on a box, bored to tears. Lance had been so stubborn, firmly putting his foot down against her helping to lift the heavy boxes. Every time she picked one up, he took it from her, gave her this frown, and pointed at the ‘temporary chair’ since the couch was already on the truck. He was covered in sweat, and she felt so guilty because she was perfectly capable of helping and decided to pull a trump card.
Lila, do you have a minute?
What’s up, Steffi?
I need help moving and wanted to see if you and Natalie could come for a little bit – plus we can say goodbye.
First off, we aren’t saying BYE… ever. You are stuck with my hormonal text messages and random outbursts because that is what sisterly love is like.
Secondly, I’m on my way. Let me go tell the boss that my period cramps are too much, watch him freak out, and then I’ll be there in ten minutes.
Don’t get fired.
LOL – puh-lease. I dare him to fire me.
See ya soon!
I texted Natalie, but she didn’t answer. Is she with a customer?
GIRLLLL – no. She ditched me for a dude. Can you believe the nerve?
We’ve gotta find you one.
Uh, hard no.
People change, things change.
Again, hard pass. I probably need to talk to someone first – like serious therapy or something. Maybe I should try finding a few brain cells, God, and Alcoholics Anonymous, so I can handle this train wreck of my life.
Want someone to talk to?
Who?
Maybe a pastor?
Sure. Hook me up with the number to a pastor – and I promise not to ruin the man. I’ll text him a few things, scare him half to death, and then he can chase me across the country with Holy water.
Har. Har. See you in ten?
Giving up so soon?
And yes – I’m on my way.
“Lance?” Stephanie said simply, looking up as her husband yanked up his T-shirt to wipe his face, revealing a stomach that should be in underwear ads. Calvin Klein, eat your heart out, she thought, sighing happily.
“What’s that look for?” he chuckled.
“What’s Pasteur’s cell phone number?”
“WHHHHY?” he drawled hotly – and Stephanie laughed. It was adorable how possessive and protective he was of her – and a jealous streak was a whole new thrill to explore and enjoy.
“Lila is on her way…”
“Nope,” Lance blurted out, picking up a box.
“She needs someone to talk to.”
“She needs an exorcism. That woman is…”
“Is my friend,” Stephanie interrupted firmly. “And Pasteur married us. He’s a pastor, right? RIGHT?” she growled and heard Lance’s sigh as he put down the box on the truck, turning to look at her with a flat expression.
“Yes, he is.”
“Pastors usually counsel and tend to their flock, right?”
“Lila is a wolf among sheep.”
“So were you – and look how happy we are,” Stephanie said softly, crooking her finger toward him. “She’ll be here in ten mi nutes or so. How about you take a break, and we talk in the bedroom.”
“You are not texting him, no matter how sweetly you ask.”
“Of course not. I was going to have her reach out to him.”
“I don’t want to set my buddy up with someone like her.”
“You’re not. I am…”
“Stephanie…”
“Lila is a sweetheart, Lance,” Stephanie pleaded. “She’s been through so much, broken deep down inside from her past. I’m not trying to match her up with Pasteur, but she could use a friend, and with me leaving for Florida…” she let her voice trail off pointedly as she stared at him levelly. Lance cursed under his breath, looked at her, and raised an eyebrow as he pressed his lips together.
“You don’t play fair, Stephanie.”
“No,” she smirked. “I really don’t. Tick-Tock, husband. We’re down to eight minutes if you want to ‘ discuss’ things.”
Hours later, the truck was loaded, and she said her ‘goodbyes’ to Lila. Lance was a complete sweetheart toward her, even though he was still holding a slight grudge against ‘Drunk-Lila’ from the first time they met. As Lila got into her car, waving and crying, Stephanie heard Lance’s voice beside her in the U-Haul truck.
“If she could stay sober, she’s a half-decent person.”
“She’s a sweetheart on the inside.”
“And a drunken nightmare on the outside. ”
“You were, too.”
“You are going to give me a complex,” Lance muttered. “That’s twice you’ve said that today, and I was just about to agree with you.”
“You were?”
“Yeah, just please keep my name out of this, okay? Pasteur is a good friend, and maybe he could reach her. He’s extremely kind, smart, and understands what it’s like to let loose – but – you give her the phone number and stay out of it, okay? Whatever happens, happens.”
“Oh, I agree. I don’t want to touch this with a ten-foot pole.”
“Princess, by giving Lila Pasteur’s cell phone number – you are currently pole-vaulting with said pole into the deep end,” Lance chuckled, smiling at her. “Buckle up, and let’s head for the hotel for the night.”
Twenty minutes later, she was texting Lila from the hotel parking lot while Lance got them a room. They would get started driving first thing in the morning and try to make the trip in one day. It would take them about twelve hours to get to Jacksonville without any traffic, and then, round two of all the hard work began again.
Here’s the number to a pastor, Lila…
You’re crazy, you know that?
Dial-A-Dud?
Text-A-Twerp?
Prattle-A-Pastor?
Therapy isn’t free and while this is sweet – hard pass. Thanks, but no thanks.
He’s a friend and completely safe.
You said *HE*
Yes. He’s a guy, but I promise he is safe. Feel free to reach out whenever you want or need to – and just talk to someone, please? You can’t keep this up forever. I worry about you and love you to pieces, Lila.
And just because I’m in Florida and you are here, it doesn’t mean we can’t see each other. Come visit, okay?
I’ll think about it.
Texting him or coming to visit?
Both – but don’t pressure me.
Did you text him yet?
How about now?
Hmm?
Text him.
I said not to pressure me!
Text himmmm….
Did you do it yet?
What about now?
OHHHMIGOSHHHHH!
Did you text him yet?
Yes.
Did you really?
No.
Ughhh, don’t lie to me. Just do it.
Fine.
Did you?
Yes.
Really?
OMG go talk to your husband (and text me when you get settled. I miss you already!)
XOXO
Stephanie sighed happily, watching Lance emerge from the hotel as he held up the room card key. Yes, they would get some rest tonight – and tomorrow was day one of a new adventure, a new world full of new opportunities for her.
“… And for you too, Lila,” Stephanie whispered to the silence of the cab of the rental truck. “I hope you actually texted him like you said.”