When I stand from the table, Anthony advises me, “You need to use your crutches. Doctor said another week. And your therapy appointment is set to start shortly. The laptop is ready in the study.”
It’s virtual so I don’t have to leave the house. But after every appointment, I feel drained. Dealing with my fractured leg has been easier. “Thanks. But it’s really fine. It doesn’t hurt that bad anymore.”
Anthony gets up from the table, grabs my crutches, then holds them out to me. “Which is why it’s important to keep following the doctor’s orders to ensure it heals properly.”
I take the crutches, looking down at the brace. “Anthony,” I wait until he looks at me. “The last few months have been really hard. But I’m glad you’re here.”
To my surprise, Anthony hugs me. “Me too.”
“Ah, a bonding moment,” Zachary says as he walks in. “He is a pretty cool dude.”
Anthony jokes, “He’s only a fan because of our arrangement.”
“What does that mean exactly?”
“Zachary receives an allowance for his academic efforts and attendance. Half of the funds go directly to him while the other is put in his trust fund.”
“Bribery. I’m on board,” I chuckle.
“Reward for good behavior,” Anthony retorts.
Zachary says, “Yeah sure. Just keep the funds flowing, sis. But can someone tell me why that dude is digging up the yard?”
When I look to Anthony, he’s confused also. So, we all three head to the front. Zachary opens the door and points to the left. “See.”
I don’t know what to say. Because I’m looking at a shirtless Luca who is covered in dirt from head to toe with hundreds of irises lining the driveway and still tons more in pots. “They’re my favorite flower. Mom always planted them for me.”
“I’m going to let you handle this one. Please let me know if you need any assistance though.” Anthony pats my elbow before he steps away.
I don’t want to argue or fight with him. I just don’t know how to react to him doing something meaningful like this.
Walking out, I glance over the flowers while I avoid looking at him. “Taking up gardening? Needed a new hobby or something?”
Luca responds, “Yes, groveling, begging, and earning your forgiveness is my new hobby.”
“You should find a different one then.” I can’t help asking, “How’d you know these are my favorite?”
“Brooke told me.”
I can’t resist any longer and finally meet his gaze. “I appreciate the gesture, the house, the butler, but nothing has changed Luca.”
“I still have to do this for you.” He goes back to planting the irises.
“Hey neighbor,” Brooke calls out as she makes her way across the lawn.
“‘Neighbor’?”
“Luca didn’t tell you? My mom and I moved into the Montclair estate,” Brooke clarifies.
Um. That’s news to me. Especially considering the state of her and Micah’s relationship right now. “Are you okay with that?”
“I didn’t really have an option. My mom said she’d only leave my dad if I moved with her. And it’s the only place she felt like he couldn’t get to us. But once I save up enough, I’ll get my own place.” She glances over to where Luca is gardening. “I’m really sorry about everything. I just didn’t know how else to get us out of the situation. It wasn’t just as simple as leaving, my mom tried that in the past. Apparently, that’s why he attackedher this time too. He found her packing when he was supposed to be on shift. She didn’t even admit it to me. I overheard Mr. Montclair begging her to not go back. And when she told him what happened, he offered for us to stay at his house and protect her. That’s when I begged her to take him up on the deal. It puts me in an awkward place with Micah since he hates me. But at least my mom is safe from my father. He knows the Montclairs aren’t a family to mess with, not sure why I did.”
“Have you heard from Micah?”
“No, no one has. He’s still hasn’t come back since the final challenge.” She pauses. “Do you think he’s okay? Like he’s alive, right?”
“Yeah. He probably just needs some time. It hurts to be betrayed by someone we love.” The words spill out before I can catch them. And I know Luca does when his back tenses up, but he doesn’t miss a beat and keeps planting.
