Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Beck
When Sloan and I get back from my doctor’s appointment, WaggingWithWords is closed. There is a sign up on the door that says, ‘Closed early for the day. Will be open tomorrow for a welcome back concert from, From Troy.’
Sloan uses her key to get in while I stand behind her, caging her small frame in as I monitor the street for her ex. The second we get in, she turns around locking the door as quickly as she can, her fingers trembling.
“You’re safe, Little Dove,” I breathe into her ear from behind her. Gently squeezing her shoulders and brushing my lips just below her ear.
Goose bumps pepper her skin. Sloan drops her arms and leans back into me.
It’s become so natural to touch her. To kiss her.
“James is here, Beck. He found me. Maybe I should try and leave tonight, before James can get to me,” Sloan whispers, shoulders slumping.
“No. You aren’t leaving, Sloan. That’s not an option,” I say fiercely, going rigid at Sloan even thinking of running.
Sloan whips around, facing me. “So, what? I just lie in wait. Wait for him to grab me? To attack me? Do you have any idea how terrifying that is?”
Grabbing her shoulders, I look into her gorgeous tear-filled eyes and I plead with her.
“No, Sloan. I can’t begin to imagine how afraid you are.
But you're not alone anymore. You don’t have to deal with this by yourself.
If you run again, you have no one again.
And you will still be lying in wait. You will always be waiting for him to find you.
You’ll have to go through this, all over again.
Except, alone. We know he’s found you. We will all do our best to make sure nothing happens to you. Please don’t run.”
“Beck, I’m so scared.” Sloan breaks, crashing into my arms. Sobs racking her body. Holding her tight to my chest, I rub circles on her back. Just letting her cry. There’s nothing I can say to make this better. All I can do is hold her and be here for her.
A loud thud has her yelping in my arms. I release her, pushing her behind me.
Never letting my hand leave her hip, as we both turn and face the door.
There’s no one there. Walking closer to it, I look out the window while keeping Sloan tucked behind me.
A dead cardinal lies on the sidewalk, just below the window.
I turn to face her because she’s gone silent, she’s pale and trembling.
“That has to be a bad omen,” Sloan whispers, her eyes wide.
“Hopefully, it’s not. I think more birds fly into glass than we realize when they see their reflection, unfortunately. Are you ready to head upstairs now?” I ask. Wanting to get her away, just in case her ex is lurking somewhere we can’t see.
“Yeah. Can you…umm…check the lock one more time, please?”
“Of course.” I gently brush tears from her cheeks. Kissing her forehead.
Checking the lock and tugging on the door for good measure. “It’s locked. You sure you’re ready to go upstairs?”
Sloan nods.
“Your words, Little Dove.”
“Yes, Beckett,” Sloan sighs.
Scooping her up in my arms, Sloan wraps her legs around my waist, resting her head on my chest.
“A girl could get used to this kind of treatment, Beckett.” I feel Sloan smile against my neck, as I carry her toward the doors leading to the apartment. Locking that behind us too—just in case.
“Good. Get used to it, Little Dove,” I growl, carrying her up the steps to the apartment.
Opening the door, we’re met with so much noise and chaos. I worry Sloan’s going to shut down.
She surprises me though. When I set her down on her feet, there’s a little light back in her eyes because of all the company in the apartment.
Quinn and Asher are finishing setting up silverware and plates in the kitchen. The island is covered in ingredients for a taco bar. Beef and shrimp tacos with all the fixin’s. Nachos with queso, salsa, and guacamole; all made fresh by Quinn and Ash.
It looks unbelievable. My stomach growls at the smell.
It looks like Sutton may have premixed an entire pitcher of lavender margaritas for the girls. Sloan got them hooked on those before Sutton left for tour. I notice Sloan’s smile grows when she sees it too. There’s a vibrant, fresh fruit spread of berries and pineapple on the island.
“Isn’t there a thing with pineapples?” Knox, From Troy’s bassist, jokes, popping a piece in his mouth, while wiggling his eyebrows at Quinn.
“Something with swingers, right?” Sutton questions.
The same time that August responds from the living room, “Supposed to make cum taste better I think.”
Knox bursts out laughing. “I was implying the cum, Sut, but the swinger thing is true too. I think it has to be upside down or something?”
“What do you think, Blondie?” Knox grabs her by the hip, pulling her to him. “Open.” Knox pops a piece of pineapple in Quinn’s mouth.
“I think it’s if the guy eats the pineapple. But not interested in finding out, Knoxie.” Quinn pats his cheek.
“Get the fuck out of my kitchen, unless you’re going to be useful,” Asher growls at Knox.
“Fine. Relax.” Knox holds up his hands, walking into the living room to sit next to August.
Sloan and I both immediately make eye contact, having a silent conversation about their dynamic. Sloan’s eyes lit up with humor, trying hard to fight back a laugh. But honestly so am I.
August and Knox are sprawled out on the floor in the living room. Both dogs lay on the throw rug near their feet.
Sloan’s eyes fill with tears when she makes her way to the tv. Her favorite movie, Ten Things I Hate About You, queued up and ready to go. I texted the girls when we were leaving the doctor’s, suggesting that movie for Sloan.
“You guys…” Sloan whispers.
“We love you, Sloan.” Quinn and Sutton come up and squeeze in on each side of her.
“I love you guys too. How did you know?” A lone tear streaks down Sloan’s face.
“What’s the verdict, man?” Ash questions, slapping me on the back.
I feel all three girls’ sets of eyes on me, when I answer Ash.
“I’m good to start training again!” I grin.
“Is it time to eat yet? I’m fuckin’ starved!” Knox groans, from the living room.
“Quit whining, Knoxie! Everything is finally ready,” Quinn declares.
Sloan gets in line to make a plate. Eyeing everything on the counter, smiling. “This spread is incredible, Q, Ash. Thank you.”
“It was nothing.” Quinn kisses Sloan on the cheek.
Sutton passes out glasses of margaritas, filled to the brim, to everyone but Ash and I. Tossing bottles of water to us.
Sutton puts her glass in the air. “A toast… To love. To making our dreams come true. To friends becoming family. And to a home-cooked meal. Cheers!”
“To friends becoming family. Welcome back. Now everyone, dig in,” Sloan and Quinn say in unison. Smiling at each other as Sutton walks over to them.
“I love that my besties have also become besties,” Sutton expresses, pulling both girls in for a side hug.
Everyone plates their food and grabs their drinks. Heading to the living room to start the movie.
“You didn’t want to invite Ty and Beau?” I ask August about the rest of the band members, trying to make polite conversation.
“Ty wanted to get back to Rachel. You know Beau, not much of a mingler,” August replies, shrugging his shoulders.
“I missed my Blondie! That’s why I came.” Knox leans over, kissing Quinn on the cheek.
“Get out of here, Knoxie!” Quinn shoves his head away playfully.
Asher sits next to me, annoyance written all over his face. His posture rigid as he watches Quinn and Knox’s interaction.
“So, you gonna be ready to start training again tomorrow?” Ash asks me, faking being amped up. My guess is he’s trying to distract himself from Quinn and Knox.
“Yes. Little Dove and I will be there.” I nudge my foot against hers.
“Actually, I saw the sign that you guys are putting on a show tomorrow night. Do you need me here? I can skip a day at the gym. I’m pretty sore from yesterday.” I notice Sloan’s cheeks flush.
I try to hide my smirk, biting into a shrimp taco. Groaning at how good all of the flavors pair well together. Pops of habanero, mango, and coconut light up my taste buds.
“It would actually be great if you could be here. If you don’t mind. We could use an extra set of hands. It’s going to be pretty busy,” Sutton says.
“If I can make a suggestion.” Asher clears his throat.
“Not to dampen the mood, but Sloan, with your ex lurking and the show tomorrow, not to scare you, but it gives him a chance to sneak in with a large crowd potentially. I’d actually like for all three of you girls to let me run a couple knife training drills with you tomorrow before the café opens. Just in case, you know?”
“Ooooh, Sunshine’s gonna be a grizzly tomorrow if you’re waking her ass up early,” August chuckles.
“You hush.” Sut puts her hand over August’s mouth. He laughs harder under her hand.
“You get one hour, Asher Ward,” Quinn huffs in agreement.
“Got it, Sugar.” Asher winks at Quinn.
“Only one, Ash,” Sutton groans. “You know I need my eight hours of sleep.”
“I will be there. Thanks, Ash,” Sloan agrees, slightly tense.
“It would make me feel better. Thank you. We can man the doors like old times if you want, be on surveillance. I can see if a couple of the other guys from the gym wouldn’t mind helping out too. Make sure there are a few of us and we’re all vigilant,” Ash offers.
“That would be really great actually. Thank you,” Sutton says.
“All hands on deck. I imagine it’s going to be crazy with you guys having gone viral,” Quinn squeals.
“We got this. Like old times.” I smile.
“Like old times,” We all cheers.
“It’s still so surreal,” August says almost in awe.
Sutton leans her head against his shoulder. August wraps his arm around her, pulling her close to him, kissing the side of her head.
As I watch them, I don’t feel anything. Not hurt, not mad, nothing. I’m happy for them.
“It really is,” Knox sighs.
Tapping his stomach like he’s full. “This was so good, Blondie. Can you cook for me all the time?” Knox questions with hearts in his eyes.
“What do I get out of it, Knoxie?” Quinn teases.