One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

“At least let me drive you home, then,” Elaine says.

I shake my head. “Then my car would be over here, and you’ve got school—”

“I’ll spend the night.”

“Then I’d have to get up and drive you back in the morning before school.” Shaking my head, I lift my soft-drink-holding wine glass and sip. “I’ll be fine, and I want to sleep in tomorrow.”

Patrick stands and goes briefly into the kitchen before returning with his phone, which he sets on the table between him and Elaine. My bowl is now empty, and I’m just about to announce my departure when it buzzes. Elaine’s head turns, and she snatches it up, springing out of her chair.

“Toni Durango?” Her voice is too loud. “Who the HELL is Toni Durango? Patrick! What the FUCK? Is this a stripper?”

I’m fully awake now, and completely bewildered at both the volume of her voice and what she’s saying.

“Lainey—” Patrick stands, but she cuts him off.

“NO!” She shoves the phone hard into his chest. He tries to catch her but she pushes him again. Elaine is unusually strong, take it from me. “I’m not listening to your bullshit! Fuck you, Patrick!”

She storms to the bedroom, and I’m frozen in my spot. My mouth is open, and I’m sure I look like a guppy. Would a stripper call Patrick? How would she have his number? Did Patrick give his number to a stripper? Could it be part of a case?

He doesn’t wait for me to intervene. He’s headed to the bedroom after her, just as a heavy, black combat boot flies through the opening. I scream and he ducks, avoiding the headshot.

“Honey… Don’t throw things at my head.” Somehow his voice sounds scolding instead of pleading.

“Don’t touch me!” Elaine’s still yelling, and my heart’s beating too fast. I’ve never liked confrontations like this, but I hesitate before leaving.

“Lainey?” My voice is high and soft, and I stand, cautiously going toward the bedroom. I don’t want to be hit by any flying objects either, and my coordination isn’t as good as it was pre-pregnancy. “Are you okay?”

A flash of blonde hair, and she’s out of the bedroom, cheeks pink and a small suitcase in her hand. “I’m staying with you tonight. Let’s go.”

“Uhh…” I’m certain I could win the Most Helpless Award at that moment.

Patrick goes to the fireplace and rubs the back of his neck as he studies the orange flames. I watch as my best friend storms past me and out the door.

“Okay, then.” I shake my head and follow her, picking up my bag. Elaine’s already in my car, sitting with her arms crossed, when I open the driver’s side door.

“Honey?” I have no idea what to say right now. These guys are not having problems. It’s impossible.

“Just stop. Patrick was a player before we got together, so what makes me think he’d stop being a player now?”

“Because he loves you? Because he left everything in Princeton behind to be here with you? Is it possible you’re being a little hasty?”

I can’t tell if she’s about to cry or not. Somehow it doesn’t seem like she is. With a deep exhale, I get in and push the key into the ignition. I almost jump out of my skin when she shrieks again.

“Wait!”

“You’re going to send me into premature labor—”

“Forgot my glasses.” She’s out the car and running back inside as I sit in the idling vehicle.

My shoulders drop as she disappears through the door. This whole situation is weird. Elaine isn’t flighty, nor does she jump to conclusions. And from what I’ve observed, she has Patrick whipped pretty well.

I continue waiting, wondering what the hell’s taking so long, when a low throb like heartburn starts in the center of my chest.

What if she is right, and Patrick is cheating or whatever? He always seemed so sweet to me. The self-doubt creeping up the back of my neck is even worse than the déjà vu of being watched. I think Patrick is a great guy. I also thought Sloan was a great guy. Is my ability to judge character still so warped?

I think Derek’s a great guy…

Elaine’s back, jumping into my car before I can go any further on that crazy-train of mentally exhausted thought. In the brief, dome light, her lips appear pink and slightly swollen… like she’s been kissing someone. Then it’s dark again.