“Hey, sweetheart.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek and looks at the bottle of wine.
“Hey.” I hold it up and shrug my shoulders. “I hope your mom likes wine.”
“She does. Ready?” he asks excitedly.
We walk to his car where he opens my door and closes it behind me after I sit. My nerves are strung high as my legs bounce at a rapid pace, shaking my whole body. Travis sets his hand on my knee and gives a little squeeze.
“Relax, Char. Nothing to be nervous about.”
“Logically, I know that, but I can’t help it.”
“It’s my parents and my brother. You’ve met Brandon before, right?” He turns the volume down on the radio and places his hand back on my thigh.
“Yeah, a long time ago. I think he was at a barbecue or something.”
“Seriously, it’ll be fine.”
I alternate from chewing my nails to bouncing my legs to twirling my hair. Travis gets off the interstate, and I watch as we zoom past houses and buildings. He pulls into a parking lot and puts the car in park but doesn't take the keys out of the ignition. Confused as to why we’re at a store, he gets out of his seat and walks over to my side. Opening the door, he squats down in front of me and grabs my hands.
“Jesus. You’re shaking. We really don't have to do this if you're not ready.” He rubs small circles on my hands, soothing the tremors.
“No, it’s fine. I’m sure once I get there, I’ll be okay. I’m sorry; I really don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“You sure?” he asks with concern.
“Yeah. Now, let’s go, so we’re not late.” I lean down and give him a soft kiss, assuring both him and myself that I’m okay. I’ve stopped shaking and feel calmer already.
For the few more minutes we have to drive, I’m touched by his thoughtfulness. The way he’s able to read me and take care of me is a welcome relief. I’ve felt for so long that I only had myself to rely on. I take a huge breath when we pull into the driveway of a typical suburban house. White siding and a wood fence surrounding the backyard on a cul-de-sac.
“Brandon and I loved growing up here. It’s a really quiet street so we were able to play in it with all the neighbor kids.”
“I bet,” I agree.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
He leans over his seat and wraps his hand around my hair, gently pulling me toward him. His runs his nose along my cheek and his lips brush mine.
“If it ever gets to be too much, let me know, okay? No questions asked.”
“Okay. But I think I’ll be fine.”
He opens his door and pins me with a look when I reach for my handle. Once he opens my door, I grab his hand in one of mine and the wine in the other. We walk up the steps, and I notice the ramp going up to the house. He opens the door and squeezes my hand before shouting, “We’re here!”
“Hey, Trav,” a deep voice calls, and he tugs me in the direction of it. I’m greeted by his brother, who looks so much like Travis it’s scary. Same black hair, same piercing blue eyes. He’s a few inches taller than Travis, but not as bulky.
I smile and wave, and he winks at me. When I turn my head to see his dad sitting in a chair, I can’t help the giggle that escapes me. It’s no wonder where they get their looks. Holy cow! If I want to know what he’s going to look like in twenty-five years, he’s staring at me right now with an amused expression.
“Hi. I’m Steve, Travis’s dad.”
“Yeah, I see that. The resemblance is insane.” I walk over to his outstretched hand and let out a little yelp when he pulls me down to give me a hug. “Thanks for making my boy smile again,” he whispers in my ear, and I fight back tears at his admission.
“He’s a good man,” I tell him.
I pull back and smile at Travis, immediately feeling more relaxed. He’s leaning on the doorframe with his arms crossed but turns when a familiar voice calls his name.
“Hey, Mom.”
He leans down to hug his mother, and then turns with her under his arm.
“Mom, this is Charlotte.”
I look into a pair of eyes that have been staring back at me for at least an hour per week for the past six months. When recognition sets in, she sucks in a breath. I cover my mouth and drop the wine, glass and fruity liquid spilling all over the floor. Everything goes dark, and I feel myself falling.
Chapter 16
Travis
“MOM, THIS IS CHARLOTTE.” I look at my girl with such pride, so happy I can finally introduce the two women I love to each other. My mom sucks in a breath and Charlotte’s eyes go wide as her skin pales, and she drops the bottle of wine. Her beautiful eyes roll back in her head, and she starts to fall. Instincts kick in, and I reach her right before her head hits the floor.
“What the hell?” I ask out loud. More to myself than anyone. Why in the hell would she faint like that?
“Oh, my. This is not good.” Mom returns from the kitchen with a wet rag. I quickly check Char’s pulse and cradle her limp body in my arms before walking to the couch.
“What the hell, man?” Brandon repeats.
“I don't know. Fuck. Charlotte, sweetheart, wake up.” I rest the cloth on her forehead and rub her face, trying to stir a reaction.
“She’s a patient of mine,” Mom says. I freeze and hang my head. Dammit.
“Why?”
“You know I can’t tell you. I shouldn’t have even admitted I see her.”
I grunt my disagreement and hold her a little tighter in my arms, afraid she’s going to run as soon as she wakes up.
My dad and brother are next to us with their eyebrows scrunched. “Anything we can do?” Dad asks.
“Nah, maybe leave us alone. You’ll probably freak her out staring at her like that.”
“’Kay, man. Holler if you need anything.” Brandon pats my shoulder as he walks by and Dad pulls Mom down to whisper something to her. When she shakes her head, I see him freeze except for his hands that are gripping the armrest. Fuck. He knows something, too. She kisses him on the cheek as he leaves the room, and she walks over to me as Char stirs.
“You’re going to need to give her some space.” She’s in full therapist mode now, her voice soft, yet assuring.
“I know, Mom. What do you think I’ve been doing?”
“Travis?” Charlotte’s soft voice calls.
“Yeah, sweetheart. I’m right here.” I rub my hands up and down her arms, reassuring her I’m not going anywhere.
Her eyes flutter open, and the second they spot my mom, she pulls back and sits up off my lap, backing herself into the corner of the couch. Fuck that. She’s not doing this alone. I scoot next to her and wrap an arm around her shoulder. Her body is so stiff, and she’s shaking like crazy.
“Charlotte, it’s okay. You’re okay.” Mom starts to walk toward her.
“No, no. This can’t be happening.” Her breathing becomes shallow, and each respiration she takes seems to cause her pain.
I get on my knees in front of her and grab her hands. “Sweetheart, listen to me. Listen to my voice. You’re safe. I won’t let anyone hurt you again. I’m right here with you, but I need you to breathe for me, okay.”