I smirk, continuing. “We’re going to spend the holidays in the boathouse. It’s what we would’ve done anyway.” I shrug.
She takes off her glasses, giving me a soft, warm grin. “It really does sound magical out there.”
“It is,” I say, nodding shyly.
We wrap up the session with a few more catch-up questions, and at the end, Mrs. Baker sends me on my way with some homework over the holidays.
I make my way down the steps of the therapy office, feeling accomplished. It’s not like I’ll be healed in a day. Hell, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be healed from what Derrick has done to me. But, working on being a better man for myself and for Elijah, that’s all I can really do. I’ve just got to focus on each day as it comes.
I see the truck waiting in the empty parking lot. The setting sun reflects off the white snow on the ground, making everything sparkle. Thankfully, the truck is already warm as a restless Elijah sits in thepassenger seat, beating his hands on his legs to the music he’s playing inside.
I tap on the glass, laughing as he startles, clutching his chest like I just scared the life out of him.
“You’ve got to stopdoingthat!” He laughs as I open the driver’s door and hop in. He’s playing one of my favorite songs by The Wallows which only makes me smile more. He’s always listening to the playlist I made him. It’s so cute.
“But it wassoeasy.” I chuckle, leaning over the console to give him a kiss.
Elijah hums against my lips, kissing me back. “Mmm, I’ll show you easy.”
“Thank you for being here…like always.” I rub my finger along his jawline, cupping him gently and keeping him close.
“Forever, baby.” He smiles, softly biting my lower lip before diving back in for more. I think kissing him may be my most favorite thing ever. I seriously can’t stop.
We sit there for a little while, just touching and kissing before we finally come up for air. I always feel like my emotions are all over the place after therapy. But, today is a little different.
I’m not sure what tomorrow will look like or if I’ll be feeling the same way a few days from now…but right here, right now, I feel okay.
“Let’s get this show on the road.” I squeeze Elijah’s thigh in one hand while I start reversing with the other.
Elijah bounces in the seat next to me, tapping the dashboard like a drum. “I’m excited. I’ve got a surprise for you—”
All of a sudden, a dark blue classic Chevy whips out from nowhere, blocking my way to reverse out of the parking spot.
“What the…” I mutter, trying and failing at seeing who it is in the rearview mirror.
“The fuck?” Elijah bites, already throwing his door open and jumping out.
I let out a long sigh. Elijah, my impulsive lover. Ah, well. If I’ve got to jump into a road rage argument to protect him, I’ll do it.
I get out, immediately shocked by what I see.
Standing at the back of my truck,It’s not a random angry driver at all.
Instead, it’s an out of breath Gabe with beat red eyes, and messy hair.
“What are you doing here?” Elijah’s voice is laced with anger. I can hear it and it makes my stomach turn. “Icalledyou a million times and you never answered.”
Gabe’s eyes are glistening as he looks down, obviously ashamed. “I know. I’m…fuck, I’ve been sort of fucked up.” He runs his hand down his face. “I should’ve answered you—”
“You should’ve.” Elijah shakes his head. “Come on, T. Let’s go.” He turns around, walking back to the truck.
“Wait.” Gabe reaches out.
Elijah stops in his tracks, whipping back around to face him. “How’d you even find us here?”
He cringes his lips, clearly not wanting to answer that. “Claire told me you two would be here.” He scratches the back of his head. “Please,don’t be upset with her. You don’t even want to know what I had to promise her in order to get her to talk.”
“Why?” I finally ask.
