He didn’t glance down at Leah; all he did was keep his eyes on the kitchen door. “I’m going to check on Ava. I’ll be right back.”
Leah opened her mouth to protest. She meant to grab his arm and hold him down, but she didn’t. She had been struggling with her feelings for weeks but had kept them to herself. She wasn’t stupid. She knew the difference between infatuation and grief. She grabbed Luke’s full beer and began to chug it down quickly.
Luke crept into the kitchen, quietly, careful not disturb anyone. He watched her as she tilted her head back and forced whatever she had put in her mouth down. She ran the faucet and dipped her head, using it as a water fountain. Once whatever she had swallowed was completely down, she grabbed the orange prescription bottle from the counter top and quickly tried to shove it into her back pocket.
“What are you doing?” Luke voice boomed as he advanced towards her. He couldn’t describe it, but something in his gut had told him to follow her in here.
Cara turned around, startled and the bottle slipped out of her trembling hands. She glared at Luke and they both went to grab the bottle. Unfortunately, she wasn’t quick enough and Luke snatched the bottle before she could. He looked at her for a moment before glancing down at the bottle that was prescribed to Jake and not her.
“These are Jake’s pain meds.” He glanced up from the bottle and waited for her to deny it.
She didn’t. She reached for the bottle and he quickly pulled his arm back. He watched as her eyes stared daggers at him the green flecks becoming more prominent.
“Give the pills back to me.” She held out her palm as she spoke through gritted teeth.
“Are you out of your mind?” Luke asked, outraged, the blood in his veins boiling. “Is this what you’ve been doing? Numbing yourself with your dead boyfriend’s pain medicine?”
She didn’t hesitate when she drew her hand back and slapped him across his face. She felt the sting in her palm and hoped he felt it twice as much.
Luke bit the inside of his cheek, refusing to give her any satisfaction. “You’re so fucked.” He said and shook his head. “No wonder you can’t remember a goddamn thing.” He spat.
Tears stung her eyes as she stared at him. She had never felt such anger in her life. She had never wanted to wrap her fingers around someone’s throat as much as she did right then and there, and not release them until he begged her for mercy.
“Keep the fucking pills. I hope you choke on them.” She ground out and pushed passed him.
“Cara!” He turned around and went to reach for her, but she was out of arm's reach. “If you have a problem and you need help…”
She turned around, holding the kitchen door open with one hand. “If I had a problem and needed help I’d drop dead before I came to you.” She stormed outside, knowing very well he would follow. He would probably out her as a drug addict in front of everyone else while he was at it. She needed to get away from there, and she needed to get away now.
“Nick I’m taking you up on your promise. I have to get out of here.” She said and quickly looked over at Sam.
“I’m sorry.”
Sam looked at her, clearly confused. “What’s wrong, Cara?”
“I just need to go home, please.” She looked at Nick, pleading with him desperately.
Leah rolled her eyes. “Three… two… one…” She looked towards the door and like clockwork Luke emerged.
Nick looked at Luke as he rushed towards them and he stood up. He looked at Cara. “Okay, let’s go.”
“Wait a minute! Would someone please tell me what the hell is going on?” Sam said to no one in particular, anyone would do. She looked at Nick, figuring he was her best option.
Leah placed the empty beer bottle on the table, slamming it as she stood up. “I’ll tell you what is going on.”
Cara looked towards her putting up her hand, she said firmly. “No offense Leah, but you have no idea what’s going on.”
Leah crossed her arms against her chest and looked at Cara crossly. “I have a pretty good idea. You fell apart again, or maybe you didn’t, but Luke thought that you were and needed to be the one to come riding to your rescue.” She looked over at Luke and shook her head. “How long are you going to chase after her for, huh?”
Nick wrapped his arm around Cara’s. “Okay, so we are going to leave right now.” He looked at Sam. “I’ll talk to you later.” He eyed Luke and then he grabbed his keys from his pocket. “Let’s go.”
Cara didn’t bother with another glance towards any of them; she could give two shits what Leah was talking about. She just needed to get away from Luke before she throttled him. She followed Nick out of the yard, thankful to be free.
Luke kept a steady eye on Leah but spoke to Sam. “Sam, can you give us a minute?”
Sam looked at her brother incredulously. Did he really expect her to leave after what just happened?
“Sam.” He repeated her name, still not gracing her with a glance.