“What?!” Felix snaps.
“Yea! When I first got to Cali and thought Lex was dead…” Some rare vulnerability flashes over his features as he swallows visibly. “I had no money to feed myself, so I was…” He clears his throat. “Doesn’t matter. The point is that I talked to him! Didn’t get his name or anything, but we exchanged words one time. He seemed really sweet. But like you said, not doing great.”
Felix appears fascinated. “But that’s just… wow. Small world, huh?”
“Tell me about it…” I rumble in mild disbelief.
“I feel a lot better knowing that you actually saw and talked to him,” Felix smiles at Ren, who smiles back.
“I hope the best for the kid,” Ren purses his lips. “I know that life, and it’s not fun. Maybe we could try to meet up with him atsome point?” He’s looking between Luthor, me and Felix. “Only if you’d be cool with it.”
Felix is chewing on his bottom lip. “Yea, I think it’d be nice for him to have a friend. Especially you, having the experience you have and all.”
“You can say it. A former drug-addled whore,” Ren murmurs, partially teasing, though of course it’s a defense mechanism.
Peters knocks on the door, peering inside. “Just wanted to let you know Benson’s home.”
My eyes light up. “Oh, that’s great. Thanks.”
We all get up to go downstairs and greet him, my stomach coiling into a knot of joyous nerves.
Benson… the prisoner whose life I saved. Who lost his arm in the war.
He was barely hanging on when the airlifted him to the mainland, but we heard shortly after that he was pulling through. Apparently, now he’s out of the hospital and back here.
Back home.
We reach the foyer as Hancock and Jasper are hugging Luke Benson.
“I was pulling for you, Hot Rod,” Hancock chokes, emotion strong in his voice.
“Look at you!” Jasper marvels.
Benson holds up his prosthetic, beaming. “I know, right? The Ivory really spared no expense. It’s gonna take a lot of PT, but I’m excited about it.”
“I can help you with PT, if you want.” Byron grins, stepping over to hug him, giving Justin Humphrey, who’s been in the hospital with Benson, dabs.
“Thanks,” Benson says, eyes springing to me. “Doctor… I have to say thank you.”
I nod humbly. “Wasn’t even a thought. I’m just glad to see you back here, and looking like a champ.”
He chuckles, chin dropping in vulnerability. “No, seriously. You saved my life. I wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for you. You’re a hero.”
They all clap, and I’m feeling a blush in my face that has me squirming. “Just doing my job. Well, not really…”
Laughter replaces the cheers.
Felix slips his fingers through mine, and I glance down at him.
“You’re pretty awesome, Dr. Husband,” he croons. “I’m proud to be a doctor’s wife.”
I laugh, pressing a kiss in his hair. “Oh, Mr. Love. What am I going to do with you?”
“Everything.”
And he’s right.Truly.
The future is open, and ours.
