The week dragged on, and Luke was there for most of it. Every day, he'd come over to check on my wound and every day, he'd stay and hang out with me. I think he felt obligated even though I told him numerous times I didn't need a babysitter. It aggravated me, but I appreciated it at the same time. The week had been hard. I was plagued by memories of Sophia and all the evil things I'd done in my past. I couldn't let them go. I tried to bury them and think of other things, but they always seemed to find their way to the forefront of my mind.
When Luke was over, I acted as normal as possible, but I knew he could sense that I wasn't all there. He could tell I was off in my own little world, but he kept it to himself, which I was thankful for. I knew he was waiting for me to make the decision to call someone, but I was waiting.
On Wednesday, I received a phone call from Victor telling me he was going to have someone look in on all the finances at Slone & Cline, and he would let me know if they came up with any discrepancies. I was glad he'd called me to let me know, even though Donicko had already told me as much. Part of me wanted to tell Victor to watch what he discussed in his own office due to the bugs I was told were planted, but I left it alone. Hopefully, Donicko would be put away soon enough, and no one would have to worry about it.
After taking a brief shower, I headed down the stairs, hobbling as I went, and made my way to the kitchen. My staff was back, so my fridge was again stored with ready-made foods, a luxury I'd missed while Lexi was away. I grabbed a container of chicken salad and a bottle of water and slowly walked to a bar stool at the island.
I took a few bites and thought about my classes. I'd missed a whole week, something I'd never done before. The substitute was good, but nowhere near as good as me. I knew that was one of the reasons Emma had texted me on Monday. I'd wanted to reply to her, but I didn't know what to say. All the beautiful things that had happened Friday night were washed away by the darkness of my past. It was a hole I didn't know how to dig myself out of. Every time she'd call or text, it was like a reminder of why she shouldn't be with me. I was no good for her, no matter how much I wanted her. Once my plan was set into motion, she wouldn't want anything to do with me, anyway. It was better I ended things before I let it get too far.
Leaning forward, I reached across the island, grabbed my cell and pulled up the last text she'd sent me the day before.
Emma: Mason, please respond to me.
I'd wanted to, but I didn't know what to say. I had so many other things occupying my mind.
I set my phone down and continued to eat. After a few minutes, I heard the front door open and footsteps heading my way.
"How's it going?" Luke asked as he stepped into the kitchen.
I placed my fork down and pushed the container away.
"You know, you should just move in. It'd save you on gas."
"Aww, Mase." He smiled. "Are you grouchy today?"
"Don't patronize me."
"I'm not." He chuckled. "Just pointing out the facts."
I turned on the bar stool and slowly stood up. "You know, I can take care of the bandage on my own. You don't need to keep coming over to check on it."
He shrugged. "Yeah, I know that, but no matter what you say, I'm still going to keep checking on you."
I sighed and let it go. There was nothing more I could say. He was still waiting for me to make a move to get help.
"Drop your pants," he ordered as he came to stand next to me.
I did as he asked and pulled my sweats down. The stitches weren't the best, but they looked to be doing their job. I stood and waited as he leaned down to look over them.
"They look good."
"I know. I could have just told you that. Unless you wanted to see me with my pants down." I smirked as I pulled my sweats back up.
Luke scoffed. "Don't be a dick."
I laughed and was about to ask him if he wanted something to eat when the doorbell rang.
I turned my head in the direction of the door then looked at Luke.
"You expecting anyone?"
I shook my head, not knowing who it could possibly be. It wouldn't be Rachel. I'd received a voicemail from John the other day letting me know she had moved out and the wedding was off.
"You want me to see who it is?"
"Yeah, if you don't mind."
Luke walked off, and I stayed in my seat and waited. After a few moments, I heard muffled talking. I could tell it was a feminine voice, and I hoped like hell it wasn't Rachel. I knew if it were, I'd lose my shit. That was the last thing I needed.
I grabbed my water bottle and took a drink just as Luke walked back into the kitchen with a smile.
I raised a brow at his expression.
“Someone by the name of Emma is here to see you.”