Chapter 26
And the mess thickens.
Ipractically ran down the stairs, fuming, refusing to shed tears. Carter and Chelsea had been together at some point. Somehow, Grey found out and confronted them both. I wanted to scream in frustration at the unfairness of it all.
My best friend fucked my boyfriend!
If he’d cheated with some random, we could possibly get past it. How in the hell could I ever look at him or Chelsea the same? Even Grey seemed different to me. I wondered if I could trust him anymore. Maybe they were all laughing at my naivete since no one ever believed I could land Carter. And if Chelsea and Carter have been together since he and I, then whatever he said to me is trash. No way could I ever believe any words out of his lying fucking mouth. I slung open the door, ready to vent to my sister again, when she grabbed me to her as soon as I slid into the front seat.
“Darren, I answered your phone while you were inside. His brother said that Carter was rushed to the emergency room. He was talking and joking one minute, and then he apparently had a seizure.”
“What?” I held on to her tighter, my rage replaced by cold fear. “Is he okay?”
Danielle shook her head. “We need to get to the hospital now. Ms. St. Patrick wants you there. Thinks you being there might help.”
“Okay.” I nodded and backed up to my side. I closed my eyes, trying to find peace within my soul to be there for him. Isn’t this what love is? Pushing past your emotions when your loved one needs you most. Carter must need me. If his mother asked for me, she believed he did.
I pulled out my cell from my jeans pocket.
Truth. Were Carter and Chelsea fucking while he and I were together? 6:32 pm
His response was almost immediate.
No... or at least I don’t believe so. They were before you. He’s the reason she and Carmello broke up. Let me call you. I’d rather talk than text. 6:33 pm
Not a good time. Carter had a seizure, and he’s in the hospital. His mother wants me there. I don’t want to hate him. Not now, when we don’t know what’s wrong and could lose him. 6:33 pm
I’m sorry about Carter. I’m praying for him to pull through, and I mean that. And don’t hate him, especially not now, because as much as I wish I could say otherwise, I believe he loves you.6:34 pm
I held my phone against my chest, feeling some relief that Carter didn’t cheat on me. Still, it didn’t excuse Chelsea or him for not telling me they’d been together. My phone buzzed.
I love you, too. I always will. 6:37 pm
My heart twisted in impossible knots as I furiously responded,
Why would you say that now? I don’t need this. Got too much stuff spinning around in my head. 6:38 pm
I lost you because I was afraid, and he wasn’t. I can’t be afraid anymore. Just wanted to put my cards on the table so you know I’m an option. When you’re ready, we need to talk.6:39 pm
“Ugh,” I yelled in frustration.
Of course, Grey would finally say he wanted what I did. He was a competitor at heart, and right or wrong, he knew that my belief in Carter had been shattered. This was the right time for him to step up. Unfair as he was to make his feelings known at my most vulnerable, I hated that I couldn’t wait to talk to him. I also hated holding out a little hope that I could still love Carter. At this point, I needed to be by my damn self. To sort out old and new feelings. To sort out if either was truly the man for me. I had been operating on emotions and lust since I moved into the condo. Never really taking time to think about who understands me the best, respects my ambitions, and with whom I can honestly grow old and in love, raising our family together. I wanted what my parents had. I wanted the love of a lifetime.
My sister reached for my hand and held it. I remained silent. I wanted Danielle to be there in support, not resentful or angry at Carter. He needed positive vibes and prayers around him. So, I allowed her to believe my turmoil was only about the extent of Carter’s injury.
MY SISTER AND I MADEit to the emergency room. Some bench players and an assistant coach were waiting in the corner of the large waiting area. Most were on the phone, probably keeping up with the game, which should be over soon. Carter’s brother rested in a chair with his eyes closed, and his mother wasn’t around. I eased down next to Chase and tapped his shoulder. “Hey.”
He opened his eyes and smiled. “Glad you’re here. He’s asked to see you.”
My heart swelled in relief as I anxiously asked, “Carter’s okay?”
“For now. More CAT scans to make sure there isn’t any bleeding or clots. He had a concussion. They want to observe him for a few more hours, and if everything remains stable, he’ll be discharged.” He chuckled. “The first thing he asked when he opened his eyes was whether we won. The second thing was asking for you. Mama didn’t like that. She never had any competition for his attention until now, and she can’t stand it.”
“Guess she’ll be happy if we break up,” I snarked before catching myself. Knowing Carter asked for me, I couldn’t help that raw pain and joy ripped through me. That he needed me, and his family recognized his love for me. Yet, he did something I wasn’t sure could be forgiven.
Chase’s broad smile dimmed. “She wants him to be happy, and you make him happy. She’ll come around.”
Contrite, I softened my tone. “I’m sorry if I seemed disrespectful. It’s been a lot.”
