“We’ll see if I have time for you.”
I throw my head back, laughing at her. Slowly, I put my arms around her waist, pulling her in close. “Make time for me?”
She tips her head up, smirking. “I’ll always make time for you.”
Chapter 25
Shelby
The alarm on my phone goes off, letting me know it’s time to end this work day.
SULLY: Are we gonna hang out tonight?
COUNSELOR: Definitely, but I haven’t left yet. I’m fixing to, though. Keep in mind I need to go by the hospital to see Montana. I’ll be home right after. Do you want to come to my place, or me to yours?”
SULLY: You make the decision.
COUNSELOR: I’ll see ya in a little while.
SULLY: Be safe, Counselor.
The way he always tries to make sure I’m okay goes straight to my heart. There’s been no one in my life that’s ever cared about my safety the way he does. If I had someone like that in Houston, I probably wouldn’t be in Laurel Springs right now. Just goes to show, things happen how they’re supposed to.
It takes a few minutes for me to make sure the lights are turned off and I’ve packed my laptop. I do one more cursory glance around the office before I go to the alarm, setting it quickly and exiting the building. At one point I’d thought I wouldn’t need the alarm, but now with Montana and Frank, I’m glad I sprung for it.
The days are getting longer, evidenced by the sun still in the sky as I leave. It wasn’t but a few weeks ago it was dark when I left the office. Like everyone else, I enjoy the vitamin D.
Getting into my car, I open the sunroof and put down the back windows. Sunglasses pop over my eyes and I inhale deeply. Summer is close; the smell washes over me, giving me hope that everything is gonna be okay. Backing out of my spot, I slowly pass The Café, where I see Frank eyeing me from inside.
I look back at him, not cowering, like I’m sure he would want me to. If he wants a fight. I can bring one, and he won’t be able to run over me as easily as he did Montana.
“Hey, girl, what are you doin’ here?” I hear as I walk into the Laurel Springs Medical Center. “You’re okay, aren’t you?”
“Hey, Alissa,” I greet one of the newest members of our group. “I’m here to see a patient, actually.”
“Do you know where they are? I can help you.”
Last night, I left Montana before she’d been admitted. “I’m not sure what floor she’s on. I’d appreciate any help I can get.”
“Follow me.”
“It was good hanging out with you the other night.” I tag along behind her, securing my purse on my shoulder.
She turns around, giving me a huge smile. “Agreed, I haven’t met a ton of people since I moved here, so it was nice. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the group.”
“Girl, I’m new too,” I laugh. “Not as new as you, but it’s been a little over a year. The way people accept you in this community is something I’ve never been used to before.”
“Yeah, I’m from Florida and I don’t even think I had a group of friends like this, there.”
“I know exactly what you mean. I’m from Houston, and I probably had one or two really good friends, but in the end they weren’t who I thought they were.”
“Isn’t that always the way it goes?”
We come to an admit desk. “Who is your friend you’re coming to find?”
“Montana Gentry. I’m her attorney.”
“Can you show me your ID, she has a list of people allowed to see her.”
The extra security makes me feel good. Reaching into my purse, I grab my wallet, opening it and flashing my identification. “You’re on the list.”
“I’ll take you to where she is.” Alissa waves me to follow her.
“How do you like working here?” I ask her as we get on the elevator and go up to the fourth floor.
“It took some getting used to. It isn’t nearly as busy here as it was there. Every shift I would go home exhausted. After these shifts I most of the time go for a workout.”
“It’s definitely a much slower pace than I was used to, too. I’m starting to like it though.”
“Me too.” Alissa smiles as the elevator comes to a stop.
I follow her down the hallway, halting in front of a closed door.
“I’m going to be straight with you,” she says as she turns around to face me. “I took care of her when she was assigned a room last night. She looks rough.”
“I know, I rode with her in the back of the ambulance.”
“They typically look worse in the days that follow.”
“I understand,” I say but my heart is already breaking for what I know I’m going to see when she opens the door.
“Hey, Montana.” Alissa’s voice is happy and upbeat. “You’ve got someone here to see you. Is there anything I can get you while I’m here?”
“Maybe some more ice chips.”
“That’s easy. Let me go get those for you.”
She leaves and we’re alone for the first time since the back of the ambulance. “How are you doing?” I ask her as I have a seat across from her.
“Hurting some this afternoon.” She adjusts in the bed.
I allow myself to look at her. Really look at her. Her face is purple and red, bruised to hell and back. Her lips are split and doubled in size. The left cheek is stitched up over the bone.
“I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
She shrugs. “I’ve learned you have to change your own future. For so long, I’ve just let my life continue on with status quo. For the last few weeks I’ve been thinking about it. What I should be doing, and it’s definitely not this. If I want respect from a man, I have to learn to respect myself. I can’t keep making excuses for why I put up with being treated this way. It’s time for me to get what I deserve.”
“I totally agree with you. Do you have a safe place where you can go when you get out of here? If you don’t, I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
She nods, licking her dry lips as Alissa comes back in.
“Here’s your ice chips, is there anything else I can get you? It’s another hour until your next pain medication dose.”
“No, I’m good.”
Alissa gives a smile before leaving.
“Do I need to make arrangements for you to go somewhere safe when you get out of here?”
She looks down at her hands clasped in her lap. “I don’t have any of my own money. It’s all his.”
I want badly to tell her what Mrs. Haley has put into her will, but I’m bound by confidentiality. “I’ll make sure you have a place to go, Montana, you have nothing to worry about.”
There’s a drop to her shoulders, tears pooling in her eyes. “I’ve done nothing but worry for the last few years. What’s going to happen with the case against him?”
“He’s tried to push it off on you, but there were multiple eye-witnesses. We’re waiting for a warrant to be issued, but it will be. Trust me.”