“What? What happened? Is he all right?”
Nic leans in. “What is it?”
“Yes, I’m here at Nic’s.” He takes the phone away from his ear and touches the speaker button. “You’re on speaker now, Xander. What were you saying?”
I hate the sound of his voice, but there’s an obvious difference right away. He doesn’t sound as full of himself now. “Quinton was attacked earlier today. He’s fine, for the most part.”
Q? Who would risk going after him?
“How was he attacked?” Nic asks.
“As with Aspen, he was pushed down the stairs from behind. Someone must have been waiting for him. He wasn’t as fortunate as Aspen, though. I suppose his reflexes aren’t quite as quick. Lauren diagnosed him with a concussion, a sprained ankle, and a strained rotator cuff. Plenty of bumps and bruises, as well, but that’s the worst of it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Lucas murmurs. “How is Aspen?” It breaks my heart to hear the strain in his voice when he says her name, almost like he’s afraid to.
“Badly shaken up, which I suppose is understandable.” He sighs loudly. “Which leads to the reason for this call. She wants you to come back.”
Lucas looks at me, his eyes lighting up. This is all he’s wanted. “She said that?”
“Very clearly. She wants you here.”
Some of the happiness drains from his face. “I no longer have a job there.”
“This has nothing to do with that. I suppose she wants her father here with her.”
His eyebrows draw together for a second, and I see the pain, relief, and hope wash over his face all at once. He doesn’t want to admit out loud how desperate he is to be with her and to know she doesn’t hate him. Now, he has proof there’s still a chance at building something real.
And because I love him, I’m happy for him. I want whatever he wants.
But does he really need to be part of that world again? I know he misses it, but how will he move on if he keeps getting pulled back into Corium?
And is it selfish to wonder where I fit into all of this?
“Will you come?” Xander prompts when Lucas doesn’t answer right away. I realize I’m holding my breath, waiting to see his decision. It doesn’t seem like there’s much to think about—of course, he’d want to be with Aspen at a time like this. So why is he hesitating? Is he still afraid he’s going to ruin her or something?
“I’ll come,” he decides in a firm voice. “And I’m bringing Delilah with me.” Now I wish we were alone because I want to kiss him. Hard.
Another sigh from Xander. “Is that necessary?”
“It is. Non-negotiable, too.”
“Very well. If that will get you here so you can comfort your daughter, so be it. You’ll find your apartment as you left it.”
“I didn’t say I planned to stay forever.”
“I didn’t plan to stay forever when I visited weeks ago, either, but it seems fate has stepped in and had its way. As long as someone within these walls attacks students with impunity, I’m not going anywhere.” Gee, he’s such a hero. Maybe he wouldn’t have to sound so frazzled and worn out right now if he hadn’t kicked Lucas out of there. They could’ve been handling this together all this time.
“I can get the jet ready,” Nic offers, already pulling out his phone.
Lucas nods. “We’ll be there as soon as we can. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.” He ends the call before sinking back in his chair and exhaling. I reach for his hand, and he accepts the gesture. So long as he knows I’m with him. That he doesn’t have to face this alone.
“Who would attack Quinton Rossi, of all people?” Celia muses. “Whoever this is, they’re ballsy.”
“Or flat-out stupid.” Lucas wipes his mouth with his napkin, which he drops to his plate before pushing his chair back from the table. “We’d better head home and grab a few things before driving to the hangar.”
“The jet will be ready when you arrive.” Nic’s frowning, though, as he and Celia follow us out of the room. Good thing we were pretty much finished eating. Nothing will stop Lucas from rushing back to Aspen now that he knows she wants him there.
“Thank you for everything,” I offer. Celia gives me a warm, if awkward, hug. “Hopefully, we’ll be back soon and can show you the apartment.”