“No.” She wanted to see him, and she didn't want everyone hovering. Lee led her to the room and she took a quick look. Heath almost looked like he was sleeping. For a moment, she stepped back, afraid of breaking down when she needed to be strong. He didn't need to see her crying, he was hurt enough.
“Go on,” Lee said, “he was adamant that he see you. I promise, he's okay.”
Everley nodded and walked into the room, stopping at his bedside. She slipped her hand into his and smiled when she felt him curl his fingers around hers. It wasn't a tight grip, but it was something, and that meant he was alive. His left arm was in a cast, and the gash on his forehead had a good number of stitches in it.
Slowly, he turned his head to look at her, a weak smile forming on his face. “Hey beautiful.” It was almost a whisper, as if talking itself was painful.
But he was alive.
“Hey,” she replied, a couple tears escaping.
“Guess I was the one who should have stayed in with friends,” he laughed, then winced in pain.
“Maybe you should stop laughing at your own bad jokes,” she scolded, leaning over to kiss him softly.
“That bastard hit me on purpose,” Heath stated.
“Yeah,” she agreed, “I'm sure he did. Unfortunately, you're the one who got hurt.”
“So much for karma,” he sighed. “Everley?”
“I’m here,” she told him, squeezing his hand.
“Can you just… stay?” he asked.
“Let me get a chair,” she said, “I'll stay as long as you need me.”
“No,” he frowned, “with me.”
“Well, who else would I stay with?” she giggled.
“No,” he was getting frustrated. “With me,” he said it again, “at my house. Move in? For real?”
“Heath...” He must have a pain medication induced delusion, she decided. He'd forget all about whatever he said tomorrow.
“Just think about it,” he said.
“Okay,” she promised, “I'll think about it.”
Was he crazy?
***
Benny had done it on purpose. Of course, that was difficult to prove, but right now he was locked up, and had a court date to answer for, which meant the guy was not going to have a fun weekend.
“Is he stupid?” Gabriella asked. When everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at her, she rolled her eyes. “It was a rhetorical question. All I'm saying is, there are easier ways to take someone out. Only an idiot would try and run someone off the road.”
“We don't know that's what happened,” Ryan said.
“Are you kidding?” Harper asked. “Because it doesn't take half a brain to put two and two together here. Both of them came to the hospital, and only one of them walked out looking like a smug bastard.”
“Harper is swearing,” Brandi announced. “That means the shit has hit the fan.”
“Everyone will be fine,” Ryan said, “just let the deputies do their job, okay? Knowing the truth and proving it are two completely different things. So, we’re just going to have to hope it all works out.” With a sigh, he left the group to go talk to Heath. Involved in the investigation or not, he wanted to know what his friend was dealing with.
Everley was sitting in a chair, one hand holding Heath's, and the other, combing through his hair. They were talking quietly, and Ryan really didn't want to interrupt, but he knew he had to talk to his friend.
“I’m sorry,” he said. Both of them looked towards the door. “Everley, I need to borrow Heath for a few minutes.”
“Okay,” she nodded, kissing Heath's forehead before getting up and leaving. She went back out to the waiting room, and her friends practically ran to her.
“How is he?” Harper asked.
“He’s pretty beat up,” she said, “but he’s okay.”
“Thank God,” Brandi sighed, “can we talk about justifiable homicide now?”
“That's not how it works,” Gabriella informed her.
“No one would miss him,” Brandi stated.
“What did he think would happen?” Harper asked. “That you'd go running to him?”
“Who knows,” Everley shrugged, “all that matters is that he's stuck behind bars for the weekend at the very least, and Heath's okay.” She sat down, and the women gave her space, while still sitting near her. The conversation lulled for a bit, and then Everley spoke again. “He wants me to move in with him.”
“You practically have,” Brandi said.
“It’s temporary.”
“Sounds like he doesn't want it to be,” Gabriella pointed out the obvious.
“Gabriella’s got a point,” Harper added, “Brandi too. You've been there a little over a week, and I could tell from the beginning that he didn't want to let you go.”
“I told him I'd think about it,” she said, “I mean, I just got out of a marriage... shouldn't I give living on my own a try first?”
“You did that when you were in New York,” Harper reminded her, “it was only a few months, but you've kind of been there, done that.”
“And you're happy there...” Brandi said in an almost singsong voice, “I see you two just about every morning, coming in for coffee and bagels, all cute with your smiles and stuff.”
“But what if it doesn't last?” Everley asked. A couple good weeks didn't equal a lifetime of happiness.
“But what if it does?” Harper asked.
***
Sunday morning, Heath went home, and Everley stayed right by his side. Neither mentioned Benny nor his involvement in the accident once Ryan had finished his questioning.
Monday morning, Ryan called Everley and told her to stay home. Even though Benny had been transferred to the county jail, he seemed to want her to take some time off.
Everley figured it was so she could process everything.
She spent a good portion of her day watching television with Heath, who slept through most of it. Taking care of him was difficult, stubborn as he was, he refused to tell her what he needed.
“I don't want to be a bother,” he insisted.
“It's no bother,” she rolled her eyes, “I'm here, so just enjoy it.”
“Why are you still here?” he asked.
“What?” His question caught her off guard. Did he want her to go?
“Don't take it the wrong way, sweetheart,” he said. “I'm enjoying your company and love having you here. What I don't understand is why you're staying when Benny's locked up. I mean… the other day, it seemed like you were ready to go, and I guess I'm just a little confused.”
“I'm not leaving you here to fend for yourself,” she stated, “even if that's exactly what you've been trying to do all day.”
“I meant it when I asked you to stay,” he said, “and I know I sprung it on you. I don't want you to think I'll be mad or offended if you'd rather go back to Ryan's. It's an open offer. Just think about it, and when you're ready, let me know.”
She had thought about it. A lot. In fact, she'd gone over it a million times with Harper while Heath was in the hospital. She loved him, and even though things seemed to be moving at breakneck speed, they had a good thing going.
But was she really ready to take that leap, or was she just comfortable with the routine they'd built together?
He smiled at her and then flipped through some channels on the television.
That was it? No trying to convince her? Begging? Yelling?
She just wasn't used to that.
If she wanted to be technical, they'd been together since grade school, only to have a few years break before finding each other again. Were things ever really that simple? What if things changed? What if they went downhill? What if he decided he really didn't want her anymore?
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“About what?”
“Me.”
“Yes.” He said it without hesitation, and while it shouldn't have surprised her, it did. Even with Benny causing problems, and now
trying to physically harm them, Heath was sure.
“Even with all the drama being with me brings?” she asked. “He could have killed you, and we both know he's only gone this far because of me.”
“He'll leave eventually,” Heath said, “whether he just gets bored or if he gets locked up, he'll leave. It would be stupid to give up on us simply because he's making a nuisance of himself.”
She already felt terrible that he'd gotten hurt because of her, if anything else happened, she'd never be able to live with herself. “I can't do this to you, Heath. I can't let him keep hurting you.”
“Everley-”
“Do you really think it'll stop?” she asked. “Even if he leaves, his father is involved, and he hates both of us-”
“Stop,” he said, “don't talk like that. Don't let this asshole run your life. If you give him what he wants, he'll just keep making more demands. Is that any way to live?”
“No,” she frowned, “but I could have lost you, and that scares the hell out of me.”
“You won't lose me,” he assured her, “not to him. But if you insist on running-”
“I'll definitely lose you.” Tears started falling as she realized how ridiculous she sounded. “I don't want you to get hurt though. Not on my account.”
“Come here.” With a little wince, he brought up his good arm, wrapping it around her as she settled next to him.
“I want to be here,” she said, “I don't want to give up...” She had to stop running every time things got difficult, she knew that, but running was always so much easier. Loving him could kill him, but leaving him would destroy both of them. If the last few years weren't proof of that, she didn't know what was.
“Let me worry about him,” he said. “Right now, he can't hurt us. Just remember that.”
Chapter 19
“Of all the people you could talk to, you pick Benny?” Brandi glared at him as he walked away.
“He was just being nice,” Everley rolled her eyes.
“You know he's always had a huge crush on you,” Brandi warned, “so we all know that he's trying to get to you-”
“Since Heath and I broke up?” Everley snapped.
“Everley-”
“Don't 'Everley' me!” she shouted. “Yes, we broke up. I'm sure everyone in the world is aware of it, because no one can stop talking about it. He's gone, okay? He made his choice, and good for him.”
“More like you made it for him,” Brandi sighed. “He would have stayed for you-”
“And thrown away his entire future. I did him a favor. Now, can we drop it? I already have to see Doctor Cooper on a weekly basis, and one shrink is enough.”
She'd spent the remainder of the last school year fighting with Heath, going to therapy, and hiding from the world. Her summer hadn't been much different. Therapy wasn't working, Heath was trying not to lose patience, and she was just making everything worse. In the end, she convinced him they'd just grown apart, and let him go.
It was one of the hardest things she ever had to do, but she could see how her problems were destroying him, and she just couldn't do that anymore. He deserved better, and she'd only hold him back.
Two days after he left, she wound up in the hospital. Ryan had found her, unconscious, after a night of drinking.
The rest of the summer was spent in a hospital, where doctors were constantly keeping an eye on her, asking her how she felt, and insisting her stay would help her in the long run.
All it helped her do was figure out how to say the right things, so she could go home.
Her parents wouldn't have her. Despite it all, the Mitchell's offered their home once again, but they reminded her so much of all that she'd lost that she couldn't bring herself to stay with them. Ryan had saved her, letting her have a couch in the apartment he shared with Owen. It was crowded, and almost never empty, giving Ryan peace of mind, and Everley, some semblance of family.
She didn't venture out, and didn't talk to anyone other than Ryan, and occasionally Owen. Her sessions with Doctor Cooper now consisted of him trying to get her to talk, and her, barely even listening to him. She knew it was a waste of time, but one of the conditions of her release was that she continue her sessions, and she didn't want to get locked up again.
So now she was at school and actually interacting with people. Why it mattered who she said hello to, she couldn't understand. Heath had moved on. Doctor Cooper insisted she try, as did her friends. So why did they lecture her when that was exactly what she was doing?
***
“I'm moving,” Everley told Harper just three days later. “He took a chance on me, so it's my turn to take a leap of faith.”
“Really?” Harper was grinning from ear to ear.
“I love him,” Everley said, “and...I know a huge part of me was just scared because of everything that's happened. But I'm sick of running and hiding when the going gets tough. I want to be with Heath and I've gotta stop holding back.”
When Heath told her to just let him know, he hadn't expected the quick turnaround time. Neither had Everley. But, she had mulled it over for those three days, and he had left her to it. Just an open offer with no strings attached, no ultimatums and no pressure.
“What changed your mind?” Harper asked.
“He left it up to me,” Everley answered. Unlike Benny, Heath was content to move at her pace. All he asked was that she didn't give up on them. That made all the difference in the world to her.
“How very Heath,” Harper giggled.
“Guess we’ve only got Benny to worry about,” Everley shrugged. “He’s locked up, and we’ve got a restraining order in place should he ever get out.”
“He's already crossed the line,” Harper said, “and he might walk right through that order, but it'll be worse for him now that you have it. I’m hoping his father doesn’t change his mind and bail him out. That’ll give you a little bit of peace for now.”
“There’s no peace at all with my stubborn patient,” she groaned, “and on that note, I've got this guy who I'm sure has woken from his little nap and is now waiting very patiently for lunch.”
“How is he?” Harper laughed.
“A pain in the ass,” Everley rolled her eyes and smiled, “so it's a good thing he's cute.”
The two exchanged goodbyes and Everley made her way to Brandi’s. Brandi greeted her cheerfully when she walked up to the counter, but was cut off by someone sitting in one of the booths.
“Where's your boyfriend, Miss Romero?” Masters asked. His tone was dripping with sarcasm, and the smirk on his face had her on edge.
“Why do you care?” She tried her best to sound annoyed, rather than scared, but her voice shook.
“I do hope his recovery is going well,” Masters snickered.
“That's enough from the peanut gallery!” Brandi shouted.
Everley sighed, grateful for Brandi's interruption. Turning towards her friend, she smiled, “Lunch ready?”
“Just what you ordered!” Brandi grinned.
“Pops! thought I'd find you here!”
Everleys stomach dropped as she and Brandi both looked at the new customer. When the hell had he gotten out, and why the hell hadn't Ryan told her?
***
“Unacceptable!” Ryan shouted into the phone, “I specifically requested notification when you released him!”
Everley had never seen him so pissed. Even Heath was looking a little worried for his friend. After a heated conversation, Ryan slammed the phone down. “I'm sorry guys,” Ryan apologized, “if I'd known, I would have told you.”
“They served him in jail,” Everley stated, “he saw me in the diner, and he stayed, like he didn't even care that it could get him in trouble. He even tried to start something, but I just left.”
“I've got eyes on him,” Ryan promised.
“Thanks,” Heath said. “This isn't your fault, and we hate to drag you into this-”
“It's my job,” Ryan reminded him, “and I don
't care if he's looking at you funny. Call me and I'll put him away for violating a court order.”
“Thank you,” Everley smiled, but the knot in her stomach was only growing. Benny really didn't care about a piece of paper, just as she'd predicted. How long would it be before he did something crazy again?
***
Heath had learned how to numb the pain with booze, and then, he learned how to function while numb. Still, school reminded him so much of Everley, that he dropped out and started playing ball in the minors. How he played so well when he was drunk almost seven days a week was a mystery to him, but he hid it well.
It wasn't until about mid season, that someone took notice. He'd played a particularly bad game after a night of heavy drinking, and the manager, of all people, figured it all out.
Instead of receiving a reprimand and an ultimatum though, Heath got what he needed most; help. The guy took him under his wing, helped him sober up and work through everything. In almost no time at all, Heath was back on top.
No one was surprised when people really started paying attention to him.
Still, he missed Everley more than anything, and at the end of the season, despite their best efforts to keep him, Heath returned home.
Come to find out, Everley had left town. With Benny.
***
They had spent countless hours talking about everything. Everley was the one who suggested it, surprising him once again. He knew it would be difficult, talking about painful memories they had long since buried, but if they truly wanted to move on, letting go of all the past heartaches was the best way to do it.
His heart almost stopped when she told him about her near death. Ryan had told him she wasn't doing well, but he never mentioned how bad it had gotten.
“I should have been there,” he said, “not playing around in the Minors.”
“Don't do that,” she said, “we're not doing this to feel guilty.” Even though she'd be lying if she said she wasn't feeling guilty about destroying his baseball dreams.
“I know,” he said softly. “I just hate that I left you like that-”
She kissed him so he would stop talking, not wanting him to continue to bring himself down. They had both made mistakes, and they were working on fixing them, and building a life together. If they couldn't let go, everything they bottled up would boil over, causing another blowout. After she pulled away, she sighed, “I feel awful too,” she confessed, “you could have been some star baseball player, but instead, you came back to find me. And that only hurt you more.”
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