"What the fuck are doing? You know damn well this isn't the place for you, not now. Maybe not ever." I jerk my door open, climbing behind the wheel and hightailing it out of this place.
I don't look back until I'm far enough away to breathe. I hate feeling this way, all because of those damn dreams, I don't understand why they're back. It took me years to admit I loved her and even longer to stop.
"Why are you back? What are you trying to tell me?" I slam my fist into the dash, angry as hell. But I don't have a clue why.
"To hell with this, I know how to forget." I hit the gas, driving to my favorite place. Oz is the place to be, and I can always hit one of the ladies up. Mena and Trixie are always ready for some quality time. Yeah, I'm an asshole.
Thirty minutes later, I park across the street from the club. I find it easier to leave when you're ready to go. I slide from my seat, hitting the lock as I jog across the road.
"Hey, man." Jack, the owner, shouts as I enter the doors. "I need some detail work man, when you gonna be around?"
"Hit me up Monday." I nod to the bartender. "I need an Old Fashioned." I lay my money down, knowing one will do, I have more at the shop.
She sets the drink on the counter, "Old Fashioned."
"Not really." I wink at the leggy blonde.
She leans in, fisting my shirt. "I'd like to find out, I'm off at two."
"I'll send a car, I'll be waiting." I slide her a business card.
Her free hand covers the card, slipping it off the top. She presses her lips to mine. "I'll be ready."
I slam the glass back, flipping it over to return it to the bar. "Catch ya later."
I turn, walking out the same way I came in. No conversation and never looking back. I don't want to talk about it. Fuck, I don't even want to imagine it. I just keep running in every direction, trying to survive.
Back in my truck, I head to the shop. The apartment over it has been my home for so long, I've lost count. The house is something I wanted, but the time has come to face some hard truths.
"You need to let it go." I hit Highway Seventeen, burying my foot on the floor. "Her. It's time to let her go.
I keep my eyes straight ahead, driving as fast as I can without drawing attention to myself. My body quakes with the sight of the highway sign up ahead. Those words never have held more meaning.
I hit Seventeen North with a gasp as trepidation fills my entire being and my soul screams with uneasiness. I fight the dread building in my stomach as it pitches and rolls.
"Seriously? This is a good thing; can't you stop worrying? Even if he gets off half a day because it's Friday, you'll be far enough away he won't catch up before I get there." I admonish myself for allowing any of it to shake me. Try as I might, anxiety overwhelms me and the tears I've held at bay for so long start to escape.
Two hours later, I begin to spot the signs, I'm almost there. I reach into my backpack, pulling my pay-as-you-go phone out and flip it on. The screen glows, signaling the call is ready.
I hit dial on the only number stored in it. Each ring vibrates through my body, and panic sets in. I've lived in fear for so long, it's all I know. "Please pick up. Please pick up."
"Harper?" Her voice is soft, calming me. My breath hitches as relief washes over me.
"You remembered." When I slipped her this number, I never imagined she'd memorize it.
"Tell me you're Alright."
"I will be." My voice trembles, mirroring my hands. "Meet me, please."
"Where are you?"
I bite my lip, not only hating to say my next words but to hear them. I can no longer deny or hide what the last eight years have been like to endure, and I realize I have to face them and myself.
"I'm near South Strand, at the hospital so a doctor can check me out." The flood of emotions I've held onto for so long threaten to break free. "Pretty sure he broke my rib."
When I finish, I try to listen to the muffled voices on the other side, and she answers. "We're on the way."
"Will you not ask any questions, will you?" I snub, hoping to not full on a sob.
"Later, maybe. We love you."
I turn my signal light on, taking the exit to South Strand Hospital. "I'm a few blocks away, I will wait in the car."
"Park near the front, just in case." A door slams in the background. No doubt she's angry, but she sounds calm and that helps me.
I pull into the lot, driving around until a spot closer to the doors opens. She should be here in about twenty minutes. It depends on the traffic this morning. I asked her to not bring Landon but realize that might've been impossible.
I tighten the hood over my head to hide my face, I chew on my nail, scanning the cars for his. I understand it sounds crazy, but I don't have anywhere else to go, he'll ascertain I came home, and he'll come after me. I'll be watching my back for the rest of my life.
A flicker of light catches my eye, I turn my head in its direction. The sun bounces off the hood of their SUV as they turn toward me. I gasp when the sight of them brings me comfort.
"After all this time, they still want me." I mutter to myself as their car comes to a stop behind mine. The door opens as I reach for my handle, I step out into the strongest set of arms. I wince but would never dream of asking him to let me go.
"I love you, Harper. I'm so sorry." His words soothe me, giving me a balm for my pain and hurt. "Let me see you."
"I'm okay, Landon." He holds me at arm's length, his eyes roam my body as I cut mine to Scout, standing to the side with tears in her eyes. "I've made it this far; I only want my ribs examined."
His eyes dart back to mine, teaming with unspoken emotion that I recognize all too well. "Let's get you checked out; we can talk later."
"That's big brother code, isn't it?" I reach for Scout, my sister-in-law, after Landon releases me.
She nods, pulling me close. "It is, and it's because I warned him about the rest all the way over here and warned him to not overwhelm you."
"Are you..." Landon trails off, his brow pulled low. He wants to ask, I know he does, but he's afraid of the answer and refuses.
"I'm never going back but it doesn't mean he'll be okay with that answer." We turn, walking toward the front of the hospital.
"He damn well will, Harper." Landon seethes. "I'll make sure of that, I promise." He puts his arm around me and for the first time in an awfully long time, I have no fear that I'm safe and protected.
Scout gets me checked in and taken to a room without waiting. It's not why I called for her to come to me but having a doctor in the family is a blessing right about now, I didn't want people staring at me.
Landon waits out in the hall until I get changed into a gown. I need x-rays. I settle back on the table and Scout gets Landon; he joins me while we wait on the doctor.
"You know, I've put this thing on, and he might not even want them done." I wrinkle my nose, checking out the design on the gown.
Landon sighs. "Have you looked at yourself? You will need them. I'm upset you cleaned that damn place up before you left."