Page 131 of Timelessly Ours
I knew it was more of a mind thing. But it’s been ten years and I still keep it close.
I slip into Rory’s room and set it on her nightstand with a little note, hoping it does the same for her.
I lean in to kiss her cheek softly. “I love you.” Smiling, I brush her hair back. “And you don’t have to say it back.”
I’m sitting in my car in the driveway of Nick’s house, waiting for the sun to come up. My phone has rung twice with Royce on the screen and I haven’t looked at the texts. I don’t need to.
When the text I've been waiting for finally comes through, I swipe to read.
Angel: Hey hun, got your message. No worries, I’ll take Rory to school today. Hope you feel better soon. Xoxo
I knock on his door, somehow knowing that this is what I needed to do from the start. Instead of hiding behind a man I thought would change my world.
My brother answers almost instantly. “Nicky. You alright? What’s going on?” His panic voice is in full force but I don’t back down.
“Can I come in?”
“Get in here.” He pulls me in from out of the cold. “What happened? Is it Coach? Rory?”
Cora comes down the stairs, wearing sleep shorts and one of my brother’s t-shirt’s. One look at my face and her smile fades. She presses her lips together and turns to her boyfriend.
Unfortunately, Cora’s poker face needs work, so when Nick turns back, he shuts the door and addresses us both. “Someone start talking.”
I start from the beginning. Right there in his foyer, I spill my guts about where I ended up the night I left Bridges two months ago. How his coach found me, the lies I’ve been telling ever since, and then finally…about yesterday.
My tears are spilling out of me. “Look, it’s true. I don’t remember what happened before I passed out, but I didn’t drink. I couldn’t have. I care too much about them to risk it all.”
“I believe you,” Nick says abruptly.
I blink up at him. “You do?” It comes out more of a statement than a question.
“I’ll go make you some tea,” Cora offers, leaving us alone.
“Of course, I believe you,” he breathes softly and that tone is so, so needed right now. I throw my arms around him. “Oh, Nicky. I’m so sorry.”
I sob. “I knew you would blame yourself.”
He nods, like he totally gets me, and pushes hair away from my face. “You were protecting me.”
I roll my eyes. “And…a little scared.”
His green eyes flash with regret. “What can I do? Please tell me. I don’t want to control your life. It’s done nothing but upset you. I just want to help.”
“Can I… borrow your girlfriend this morning?”
“Yes.” But the response comes from the petite brunette across the hall as she saunters over to me with tea and sets it on the table. “What do you need?”
“Can you take me to the hospital? I want a blood test. I need proof. For myself,” I add, so there’s no mistake on who I’m doing this for.
I know I’m on my own now.
She exchanges glances with my brother. “Of course.”
Nick takes my hand, grabbing my attention. “If they do find it in your system, it doesn’t change anything. We’ll figure out a way that works best for you—not me.”
With a kiss on the top of my head and a sweet kiss on Cora’s lips, he walks us to the door. “Call me and let me know.”
“I will,” she assures.