by Kelsey Hodge
“Well, if the shoe fits,” he says, laughing.
“You’re a cocky bastard at times.” I can’t help smiling before saying, “Now shut the fuck up and listen to me.” With a deep breath, I tell him straight, “Lorenzo has been lying to me from the very beginning.”
“What! Has he been cheating on you? God help him if he has.” The anger behind these words makes me feel proud that this man is my best friend, by instantly leaping to my defense.
“No, no. He hasn’t been cheating. That I think I could deal with. Goodbye and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
“Then, what is it? How bad can it be?” Liam asks, thinking that nothing can be as wrong as cheating.
“Lorenzo confirmed he’s Alfredo’s son.”
“That’s not funny, Wyatt. Are you fucking serious?”
“Believe me, I wish I were joking.”
“Does he work for his dad? Does he know what his dad does?” The shock in Liam’s voice is evident.
“He confirmed that he owns the flower shop but Liam, I still think he’s lying. I think he knows exactly what his dad does, and he’s involved somehow.”
“Isn’t that risky considering you’re a cop? He must have realized the truth would come out in the end,” Liam asks, not believing what I’ve said.
“I think that’s why he gave me a fake name and only told me he worked at the shop. If anything ever came out, he would have dismissed it as unimportant instantly.”
“Of course,” Liam states as the truth of my words hit home. “That would have been the case if you hadn’t decided to go to the funeral and spotted him.”
Holy shit, I hadn’t thought of that. It probably wouldn’t have if Liam hadn’t mentioned it. I had no idea why I went to the funeral, but something told me to go. From the second I spotted Lorenzo, my gut told me something wasn’t right.
“There’s actually more too,” I tell Liam.
“For fuck’s sake, what else can there be?” Liam says, throwing his arms into the air.
“Lorenzo told his family he’s gay.”
“Is that it?” Liam asks, forgetting for a second who his family is. As the statement registers, the shock sets in, so he asks, “And?”
“His dad wasn’t happy about it.”
“I bet he wasn’t,” Liam says dryly.
“Lorenzo thinks that’s why he ended up in the hospital,” I continue.
“How do you mean?”
“Lorenzo said his dad would prefer to have no son than to have one who’s gay. So, he thinks his dad organized the robbery, and he wasn’t supposed to survive.”
“Wow.”
“Seriously, Liam, is that all you can say?”
“I’m not sure what I can say to that. What do you think? Do you think his dad would go that far?”
There’s no doubt in my mind that Lorenzo’s dad is a sick mother fucker. He’s more than capable of doing something like this. There’s no way a gay son would be accepted in the community he travels. “Yes, Liam, I think his dad would go that far.”
“Poor Lorenzo. He must have realized telling his family wouldn’t go down well,” Liam states, almost thinking aloud.
“Shit, I hadn’t thought of that.” I can’t believe it never dawned on me that Lorenzo would have known that his family wouldn’t accept him, yet he still told them.
“You know what it means, don’t you?” Liam asks me.
“No, what?” I reply.
“Even though he knew he would lose them, he told them everything, for you.”
“Shit…”
Chapter 13 - Lorenzo
Waking up, something is different. Looking around the room, I realize Wyatt isn’t there. I had gotten used to him being there, but when the doctor came around and confirmed I would be discharged at three, I text him using the cell he left for me.
>Doctor has confirmed discharge at three.
I hope for a reply more than expect one. When it comes through, I can’t help but smile and heave a sigh of relief.
>You’re awake. Shit, I wanted to be there. Sorry. I’m on my way and can take you home when ready.
He wanted to be here when I woke up. That must be a good sign, right? I hope when he told Liam the whole story, Liam didn’t tell him to end things, cut his losses and run. That I wouldn’t be worth the trouble. I needed to have the chance to tell him everything. I wanted out, and he was more important than everything. He was worth dying for, so I decided to give him some extra thinking time.
>There’s no point in us both waiting here. Could you pop over to the apartment and get me a change of clothes? Then come get me at three.
>No problem, but only if you’re sure?
>Course, see you at three.
Dead on three, Wyatt appears at the door to my hospital room with an overnight bag in his hand. As I get out of bed, he rushes over to help, placing the bag at the end of the bed. Once I’m steady on my feet, I pick up the bag and walk into the bathroom, so I can change before the doctor arrives with my discharge papers. For the first time since the attack, I look at myself in the mirror. My black eye has gone down but is still a nasty mixture of purple, yellow, and green, and my skin is pale, which is probably making the black eye worse. I remove the hospital gown and spot the gauze under my ribcage covering my incision. I want a shower, but I’ll wait till I get home when I can get into my own bed. I wash my face, dampen a facecloth, and wipe my body to get the hospital feel off. Wyatt has packed my grey sweatpants, a plain white t-shirt, and my matching grey slip-on sketchers. After the hospital gown, everything feels so comfy on my skin, which is why Wyatt probably brought them.
Five minutes later, I come out of the bathroom to see that the doctor has arrived and is talking to Wyatt. He has a clipboard in his hands that I’m guessing holds the papers I must sign to leave the hospital. Then he hands Wyatt a piece of paper while pointing to me. I walk over to them, placing the overnight bag on the bed as the doctor turns to me.
“There you are, Lorenzo. All ready to go home, I see,” the doctor says while looking me up and down.
“No offense, Doctor, but I’m so ready to go home,” I say, almost adding, ‘Now pass me the fucking papers,’ but I don’t. Instead, I go with, “Are those the papers I need to sign?”
The doctor hands me the clipboard, and I realize it’s a list of symptoms I need to look out for once home and a form to confirm that I’ve taken the list. I place the list in my bag and sign the form.
“Lorenzo, I’ve given a copy of that list to Wyatt too with instructions if any symptoms are constant for more than a few hours. You’ll need to return to the hospital. He also has a prescription for some painkillers, but again, if you get a headache that doesn’t ease, you need to come back to the hospital immediately. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Doctor, I promise.” I probably would have agreed to anything to let me go home.
“Good. Now I want you to rest at home for at least another two days, and then you can ease yourself back into work but not more than a few hours a day. You’ll find that for the next week or so, you’ll tire easily, so make sure you get some rest.”
Before I have the chance to reassure the doctor that I’ll take it easy, Wyatt pipes up, “Don’t worry, Doctor. I’ll make sure he takes it easy and follows your instructions.”
Turning to him, I can’t resist saying, “You will, will you?”
“Yes.”
“In that case,” the doctor says, “you’re free to go home, Lorenzo.”
I surprise him by taking his hand and shaking it. “Thank you, Doctor, for everything.” I try to add hidden meaning to the words. I wanted to say, ‘Thank you for not calling my family.’ Thankfully, I think the doctor understands.
“You’re welcome, but please take care of yourself. I don’t want to see you back here anytime soon.” With that, he leaves the room.
Wyatt picks up my bag and asks, “Do you have everything?”
I look at him with a serious expre
ssion. “I only had what you got me, so yes, I have everything. Now, I want to get going.”
Laughing, he points to the door and states, “After you.”
I leave my room and realize I have no idea how to get out of the hospital. Wyatt comes up behind me, places his hand at the base of my back, and steers me towards the elevators. As we walk past the nurses station, I hear, “Thank you, ladies. Take care.”
“Bye, Wyatt. Take care.” I can’t resist some teasing.
“Stuck in a hospital bed for four days, and you flirt with the nurses?”
“Really, Lorenzo?” I see the glint in his eye. “I was only saying thanks. Plus, the male nurses aren’t in today, but they were fine.”
I feign shock. “So, you weren’t flirting with the female nurses but checking out the male nurses too.”
As quick as a flash, he replies, “Well, I needed to do something to keep me occupied while you were sleeping.”
“You couldn’t have brought a book?” I ask him.
“I could have, but this was much more fun.”
As the elevator doors open, we burst out laughing and step in. I look over to the nurses station to see them smiling and chuckling at us. They must have heard our banter, and I guess there are probably no male nurses.
Once we’re back in the main hospital lobby, Wyatt tells me to stay where I am while he gets the car. I’m relieved as I feel myself getting tired from the walk from the room to here. Within five minutes, I’m secure in the front seat, and we’re heading to the apartment. I can’t wait to climb into my bed and sleep.
Wyatt unlocks the apartment door, while I’m propped up next to it. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. I can’t believe how much this short journey has taken out of me. As the door swings open, I push myself off the wall and am about to move when Wyatt places his arms under my knees and carries me like I’m his bride going over the threshold. I can’t help but snuggle into his shoulder, safe and warm in his embrace. Once we’re through the door, he kicks it closed, strides to the bedroom, and carefully places me on the bed.
“Do you want a nap or a shower then a nap? Either way, you’re having a nap.” Wyatt asks.
“A shower sounds heavenly,” I reply.
“Stay there, and I’ll get it ready, okay?” With that, he turns into the bathroom, and I hear the shower turning on. Not long after, I see the steam billowing out. I sit up on the edge of the bed, kick off my shoes, and undress.
“Do you need a hand?” Wyatt asks, coming up to me.
“I think I can get undressed,” I snap, not meaning to. Wyatt only seems to see an invalid now.
“I was only trying to help,” he says solemnly.
“Sorry,” I say, looking at him and feeling guilty. “I’m tired. I want that shower and some sleep. I didn’t mean to snap.”
“It’s okay. I was crowding you. Have your shower and then take a nap. I’ll call you in an hour.”
“That sounds perfect,” I say, smiling. Just because I can, I strip in front of him. When naked in front of him, I love the flame of desire in his eyes.
“I’ll leave you to it.” He kisses me on my forehead and walks out. I sigh and make my way to the shower. Carefully removing the gauze bandage, I step under the hot spray and feel myself relaxing as the hot water washes over body. Taking extra care, I wash my body. Once done, I turn around and let the water move over my back, tilting my head back to let the hot water run through my hair. I groan with how nice it feels. I stay in the shower until it turns cold, but the hot water had added some much-needed life to my muscles. Grabbing a towel from the heated rail, I carefully dry myself off and replace the gauze on my side. Putting on some sleep shorts and a t-shirt, I make my way over to the bed. I lie down and pull the covers around me. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m fast asleep.
“Wake up, sleepyhead.” I hear Wyatt’s voice and slowly open my eyes.
“Has it been an hour already?” I ask sleepily.
“Actually, I let you sleep for two. When I came in after the hour, you looked too peaceful to disturb. Is that okay?” he tells me.
“Yeah, of course,” I reply, stretching out in bed.
“You ready to get up? I made some food,” Wyatt says.
“Food sounds good,” I say as my stomach growls loudly.
“Looks like your stomach is in agreement.” Wyatt chuckles.
We make our way into the kitchen area, and I see two place settings, with a pasta and sauce dish set up in the middle and a jug of iced water.
“No wine?” Wyatt is about to argue when he realizes I’m joking. We sit, and I pile my plate with the pasta, taking a mouthful and groan. It tastes so good.
“My cooking doesn’t normally get that reaction,” Wyatt comments.
“After hospital food, anything would be amazing,” I say.
“Not sure if I should be offended by that comment or not,” Wyatt replies, and I shrug my shoulders and carry on eating.
The rest of the meal is eaten in silence, but it doesn’t feel awkward. The two of us together is lovely other than the underlying tension. I decide to enjoy my time with Wyatt. since I know at some point, I’ll have to come clean about my involvement with Dad and what I’ve done over the years. I pray he doesn’t arrest me on the spot. Even though none of the deaths I’ve been involved with have ever been ruled as murders, I’m still confessing that I have in fact murdered someone. I must somehow make him see past this and past the fact he’s a cop.
“How long you staying for?” I ask Wyatt, hoping he’ll see I’m not forcing him.
“Couple of hours, if that’s okay. Until you turn in for the night,” Wyatt says.
“Yes, of course. I want you to stay for as long as you want.” I can’t force Wyatt to come back. We would have to talk first, then he would need to think and process. Once that happens, we can try to get back on track, if he wants to.
“Let’s sit and talk for a bit.” He moves to the couch without waiting for my answer.
I follow him to the couch and sit, turning to face him, and I wait. This is a conversation he wants to start. I’ll answer him truthfully regardless of what he asks me, but I need him to start.
“Can I ask you something?” he finally asks.
“Of course. Ask me anything you want. I promise to answer you truthfully.” I don’t need to tell him this, but I want him to know there will be no more lies between us.
“When you told your family about being gay, how did you think they would react?” His unexpected question throws me for a second.
“Why?” I ask.
“Just something Liam mentioned.”
“So, you’ve spoken to him then. How did he take it?” I ask, ignoring Wyatt’s original question.
“Answer my question first.”
I see by the look on Wyatt’s face this is important to him. “I knew they would be angry. I thought I would have been kicked out of the family, but I didn’t think Dad would go to the extremes that he did.” I pause.
“So, you went there knowing you would most likely lose your family.” His voice is laced with surprise.
“Yes.”
“Why?” he asks. I see he’s struggling with what I said.
“Because, Wyatt, I love you. It’s that simple,” I tell him.
“But your family, Lorenzo. You gave up your family!!” There’s no mistaking the shock in his voice, with maybe a hint of worry.
I’m getting to the point where I’m not sure what to say, and his reaction concerns me. What I feel for him is worth more than secrets and lies, but I wonder now if he feels as deeply for me as I do for him. I somehow must explain to him that I won’t be giving up anything but gaining everything. I grab his hand and force him to look me in the eye.
“No, Wyatt, I didn’t give up anything. I gave myself the possibility of everything. My family gave me up. They gave up the chance of meeting you. They gave up on the chance of seeing me happy. That’s what you do, you make me happy.”
; There are actual tears in his eyes after that last statement, and I can’t help but smile and lean forward to place the briefest of kisses on his lips.
“I still cannot quite believe you did that. When did you decide to tell them?” Wyatt says, staring at our entwined hands, avoiding looking at my face.
“The moment you walked out the door, my world collapsed.” With that, his face snaps up. “I knew that to start the healing process, the truth needed to be told. The first place to start was with my parents. It was the only way to prove to you I had changed, so I could get you back.”
“Lorenzo, you’re talking like we broke up. I needed to process what you had told me.”
“When you walked out that door, after me confirming who Dad was, I didn’t think you would come back. The click of the door felt so final, but it made me act and do something I should have done a long time ago.”
“But Lorenzo, your family,” he says again, looking down at our hands so intently, you would have thought they were a piece of art. I can’t help but find this amusing, I try again to get my point across.
“Wyatt, you’re my family and have been for a while now. Your parents have always made me feel welcome. Mine would never have been like that.” Now Wyatt looks at me, and I remove my hand to lift his chin to look at me. “I. LOVE. YOU.” I pronounce each word to get my point across. “I would do it all again in a heartbeat—okay, maybe not the beating, but everything else. All I need is us.”
Finally, he seems to accept my words, but he still must ask, “What happens if you start to resent me for losing them?”
At this, I roll my eyes and say honestly, “That will never happen. They chose to lose me, not the other way around. I could never resent you for that. Regardless of what happens with us.”
The hug I’m pulled into is so strong, it knocks the wind out of me for a second, but I take it and smile. Then he pulls away and takes his phone out of his pocket. I see him typing something.
“Everything okay?” I ask, wondering who he could be texting now. As he turns the phone around, my smile returns when I read the text he sends to Liam.
>Don’t wait up. Staying here tonight.