Just then, my father walks in. He stops short when he sees what’s going on. “Are you ok son?” he asks me. I nod, “Yeah Dad, we’re fine. Demi is the one who needs your help.”
My father smiles at Huntley and gives her a quick hug before walking over to where Brody and Demi are standing. “Officer Parks, I am this young lady’s legal representation,” he says. His stance is rigid, and you can almost feel the authority roll off his body. The officer scurries behind the desk while my father talks to Demi and Brody in hushed tones.
I wrap my arm over Huntley’s shoulders and pull her into my side. Her rigid body relaxes and leans into mine.
“I’m ok.” She doesn’t make eye contact with me, which is a sure way of knowing she’s lying. But I don’t blame her. In some way she’s trying to be strong for her friend. I get it.
Another hour later, we are finally ready to leave. My father was able to secure a restraining order against Tommy and even called Demi’s parents. Apparently they weren’t too concerned about what happened. They decided to finish their vacation regardless. Assholes. I never understood their blatant disregard for their daughter. At least Demi has my parents and Brody’s parents who pretty much adore her.
We park outside Huntley and Demi’s apartment building and before we catch up with them, I lean over and give Huntley a kiss on the forehead. I so badly want to tell her I love her, but after the last few hours, I can tell it’s just not the right time.
Not yet.
Chapter 17
Huntley
It is impossible to describe what it's like to walk into a room and find your closest friend beaten black and blue, covered in a mixture of her own blood and the blood of the bastard who beat her. Finding Demi in that state sucked the air out of my lungs, not only because it was difficult to see her that way, but also because I had been there.
What most people don't know is that it only takes an incident like this to happen to you once, in order for you to understand what it's like for another woman to endure it. It was like a punch to the stomach and enough to break something in me. The look in Demi's eyes when she saw me, told me that she knew I understood. My past wasn't something I openly discussed with her, but something passed between us earlier, something that connected us in an unimaginable way. Her fear became my fear and it stripped away the Band-Aids I'd used to cover up what I so desperately wanted to hide from everyone else.
"Hey, you ok?"
My head snaps up and I find Grayson watching me. We've been back at my apartment for a while now, given the ungodly hour, and I haven't moved from my spot on the couch. The atmosphere in the apartment was melancholic. I’ve been in my own haze ever since we left the police station I offer him a weak smile but don't respond. He'll know I'm lying if I told him I'm fine, my reaction to what happened to Demi was anything but fine, and if I told him how I really feel right now he'll most likely push for answers. The thought of sharing this part of my past with Grayson terrifies me and has coaxed me into believing that once he knows, he'll leave me. The thought of him walking out on me makes me curl up to his side and get lost in his protective warmth. He kisses me on the top my head and rubs lazy circles on my back. It only soothes my fear-ridden thoughts temporarily but for now, it is enough.
"Where's Brody?" I ask, nuzzling into his strong, safe chest. I'm afraid that if I look into those crystal Jade eyes of his, that he will somehow know I'm hiding something shameful.
"He's with Demi," he replies softly. The sadness in his voice is evident and I know he's worried about the mess Demi and Brody have landed themselves in.
As if hearing us, Brody walks into the living room and sits down, breathing a heavy sigh as he flops onto the couch. He looks exhausted and so very lost. I feel for him. He is a really good guy and I find that our friendship has grown throughout the last few weeks. He's the big brother I wish I had.
"You ok man?" Grayson asks, looking at Brody. His chest vibrates against my skin and the sound is strangely reassuring. Calming.
Brody brushes his hands over his tired face and rests his elbows on his knees. "Yeah," he replies, his voice soft and gruff. "Demi wants to talk to you though Huntley."
I thought she might.
"Ok, I'll go see her.” I uncurl myself from Grayson's side and he kisses my temple. I love it when he does that. "Why don't you boys order some Chinese?" I suggest. "I'm starving and I'm sure that Demi would like to eat something before she goes to sleep."
"Ok baby, whatever you girls want."