Hooked (TKO #2) Read online

  “It’s going to be okay, Lance. I should have never lied to you, but this could be a good thing for her to see you.”

  “It could be good?” I stare out the window, annoyed. “Could? I need this to be good, Raegan. I’ve been waiting for this.”

  “I know you have,” she says as she pulls out of my driveway. The crunch of the tires on the road is all I can hear. The sound reminds me of what I want to do to Travis, or what he may do to me if this goes south.

  We ride in complete awkward silence. I notice her out of the corner of my eye. She keeps looking as if she’s going to speak but she stops herself every time. When the truck stops at a small diner, I want to jump out and hide. This is a terrible mistake.

  “She’s inside and has a table already,” Raegan whispers.

  Fuck, this is definitely a mistake.

  “I don’t know about this, Raegan. I don’t want to go in.”

  “Suck it up and get inside. I’m going to be there, so it shouldn’t be that awkward.”

  “Yeah, okay, we’ll see. You owe me big time for this lie, by the way.”

  She heads toward the front door with me close on her heels. The cool air of the diner hits my skin and instantly I get goose bumps. I stare at the off-white tiles on the floor in an attempt to calm my nerves. So far, I have not noticed a speck of dirt on the floor. I bump into Raegan because I’m not looking where I’m going.

  “Shit, I’m sorry,” I mutter, slowly raising my head.

  My gaze lands immediately on Hilary, and her eyes widen at the sight of me. Her expression betrays her shock. She reaches for her glass of water, almost downing it in one sip. Raegan slides into the booth and clears her throat. I sit beside her, not saying a word. Hilary looks just as beautiful as the last time I saw her. Instant regret fills me as I recall letting her go. If I ever had that chance again, I’d never screw it up.

  “So, Hilary…I am sorry I didn’t tell you about Lance coming. Truth is, I lied to him and told him you knew he was coming.” When Hilary said nothing, Raegan added, “I am here for you, and if you ever need a girls’ night out, and want to stay in and watch movies or something, I’m around. But when it comes to Lance, you two need to figure this out together. You two have history, and he really wants to help you again. This is the only way I knew to get you two together to talk without World War Ten breaking out. I’m going to run up the road to my dad’s for a few minutes. You two need to talk.”

  I look at her like she just sprouted two heads. What a fucking set up. She’s a damn genius, but I’ll tell her that later. Right now, I kinda want to ask her what the hell she’s doing, lying to both of us like this.

  “Well played, Raegan.” I chuckle.

  Hilary looks at the two of us like we’re insane. The truth is, I feel like I should drive myself to the loony bin.

  She laughs as she dangles the keys in front of my face. “Move and let me out of this booth.”

  I groan as I get out of her way. Hilary looks like she might run for it, but as soon as I sit back down, she tenses for a moment before relaxing. I wasn’t prepared for this. One minute, I’m made to believe she wants me here, then I’m told she has no clue, and now we’ve been hit with having to sit here alone and talk. Nervously, Hilary brushes a strand of hair from her face. She reaches again for the cup of water and when she drinks it dry, she purses her lips together and then reaches for her phone.

  “Who are you calling?” I ask, breaking the silence.

  She looks up and glances back down to the phone, hurriedly typing something before shoving it back in her purse. “N-no one.”

  “Look, Hilary, I know how you must feel about me now. I wish like hell I could get you to understand just how sorry I am for everything. Not a moment goes by that I don’t regret how I acted that evening. We had the perfect first date, and I ruined it. I just, I don’t always understand a lot of things, but I’m not here to bring any of that up.”

  “Lance, I’m sure Raegan meant well setting this up, but I-I can’t be here. It was just supposed to be her. He could be watching and…” Tears well in her eyes, and my heart shatters. He’s completely broken her. She doesn’t have to say it, because it’s written all over her face.

  “Hey,” I say softly as I pull her hand into mine. “What happened to the Hilary who was so strong in high school? The girl who I stuck up for no matter what anyone else said? What happened to the free-spirited Hilary I met in the bar?”

  “She’s not here anymore,” she chokes out. Tears stream down her face, and I reach across the table, using my thumb to dry those tears. A waitress comes over and sets two glasses of water in front of us. I smile politely and wave her off. “I want to get away from him, Lance. I want my old self back, but I don’t know how to get it. I’ve been wondering what it would be like to see you again. I didn’t know what I would do if I saw you but here I am crying. What is wrong with me?”

  “Nothing is wrong with you, Hilary. What has he done to you?” I whisper. I didn’t mean to ask that out loud, but it slipped a little too easily from my lips.

  I move to the other side of the table to be closer to her, and wrap my arm instinctively around her shoulder to pull her to me. She whimpers in pain as her body slides closer. My eyes widen in bewilderment, then in anger as I realize what the hell is going on. Her upper arm is covered in bruises. She doesn’t have to show them to me. I don’t want to see them, but I know they’re there.

  “Let’s go talk outside. There’s a picnic area around the corner.” I place a twenty dollar bill on the table, and lead her out of the booth. When we get outside, I pull her into a tight hug. She doesn’t flinch or move away. I lead her to the secluded picnic area. I’ve never been more relieved to see it empty.

  “I don’t know what to do, Lance. I don’t know what I did to him. I stopped talking to you like he asked. I’ve done everything he’s asked me.” She weeps against me, her tears staining my shirt.

  Dammit, where is Raegan when I need her for all this mess? I don’t know how to handle this. Raegan knows a little more, even though it was her dad who abused her and not a boyfriend. The only way I know to handle this is to beat the living shit out of Travis.

  “You’re hiding this from your dad?”

  “Yes,” she whispers.

  “You have to tell him, Hil. You have to let him help you.”

  “He’ll never forgive me, Lance. If he knew, he’d kick me out of the house. I’d have nowhere to go.”

  “He’s your father. It’s just a bad relationship, you can’t help that it happened to you. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, but you’ve got a group of friends and family who would do anything to help you. I’m not just saying this because I like you, Hil, I’m saying this because it’s true.”

  “It’s not that easy. There’re things going on that you have no idea about. Travis doesn’t even know. I’m willing to get out now while I have the chance. That’s why I’ve been talking to Raegan. She’s been helping me cope with some of this, and know I deserve better. There’s just one little problem.”

  “You deserve so much better. What is the problem? Whatever it is, I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

  She closes her eyes and her breath quickens as she struggles to find the words. Why do I seem to ask the stupidest questions? Why can’t I just keep my mouth shut? She pulls her hand away from mine and covers her face as ugly sobs take over her body. I pull her closer and let her cry it out. My heart continues to break for her. This is turning to be more than I bargained for, but I’m up for a challenge. I’ve fought for her since the beginning, and even though times have changed and I haven’t seen her until recently, I won’t stop now.

  “Hilary. You can tell me anything, I want you to know that.”

  Slowly, her hands move from her face and I use my thumb to wipe away some of the mascara running down her porcelain cheeks.

  “Lance, I’m pregnant with his baby.”

  The world around me stops. The birds aren’t
chirping anymore, and the wind isn’t blowing in the trees. The worst thing I could have ever heard just continues to play over and over again in my head. Jealousy hits me like an evil monster, but I can’t let her see that. I told her she could tell me anything, so I opened myself up to this. But what the hell am I supposed to say? First he took her virginity, and now she’s pregnant and a piece of shit like him doesn’t even deserve to be a father.

  “Does he know?” I ask. “How far along are you?”

  “No, he doesn’t know. I just found out yesterday. I’m only four weeks along.”

  “You can find out that early?”

  “Apparently so. I don’t know what to do. How did I get myself into this?”

  I’m searching for any answers I could give her. What would Raegan say if she were here? Trying to think like a woman is hard. In my gut, I know what I have to do. I close my eyes and try to imagine talking to my mom. She raised me to be a good man, to make the right choices no matter what the situation. I’ve always strived to make my momma proud, and even though she’s no longer here, I still want her proud as she smiles from heaven.

  “Leave him and be with me. Say it’s my baby, Hilary. I’ll take care of it as if it were my own.”

  Her eyes widen. Even I can’t believe I just said those words, but to get her away from him, I’d do it. I don’t know the first thing about babies, but that’s where Raegan comes in.

  “You would do that for me?”

  “You know I would. I would do anything for you. I did it for you then and I’ll do it now. You’re early in the pregnancy, so no one would know. If he gets stupid with you, I’ll handle him. You won’t do this alone.”

  “I have been terrible to you, Lance. I don’t deserve you.”

  “I don’t deserve you either, but here we are.”

  My phone buzzes. I text Raegan to let her know where we are.

  “Raegan is on her way back. What do you want to do? I told you what I’ll do for you, but I need to know what you really want to do.”

  “I want to change my phone number first, so he’ll leave me alone. And I want out now. I won’t ask or expect you to take care of this baby, Lance. Let’s take this day by day, please.”

  I pull her close and kiss her forehead. “Anything you want. Does Raegan know about the baby?”

  “No, she doesn’t. You’re the first person I’ve told.”

  “I can text her back and tell her not to come here. I can take you to do whatever you need to do, and we can go talk to your dad.”

  Before she can answer, I’ve already begun texting Raegan. She immediately replies, wanting to know what’s going on, and I tell her to mind her business. I laugh at her bitchy response, and stick my phone back in my pocket.

  “Can you drive? I’m feeling shaky.” Hilary rises to her feet. She hands me her keys as we approach her car.

  I open the door for her and she slides in and buckles up. I walk over to the driver’s side and let out a sigh. I wasn’t lying to her a few minutes ago. I’ll do anything for her, and if it means taking on the role of father to this baby, then I will do it. Before I open the car door, the reality hits me that I’m supposed to be at Lou’s shortly. That’s not happening now. Fuck. I grab my phone and call Garrett. He’s bound to be more understanding than Howard.

  “You on your way, man? Tell me Raegan is out of your drama.”

  “Well, hello to you, too. Yes, Raegan is out of the drama. I heard things today that not even she knows.” It’s not my place to say, so before he can ask, I continue, “I’m calling to tell you I won’t be there today. I’ve got some personal things to attend to.”

  “By personal, do you mean Hilary? As long as Raegan isn’t involved, I’ll forgive you.”

  “Can you do me a favor and let Howard know? I’ve got to go.”

  “Yeah, sure thing,” Garrett assures me as he ends the call.

  I open the door and climb in. Hilary stares blankly out the window. I start the engine and the car comes to life. The speakers are blaring Taylor Swift. The song ‘Shake It Off’ is something I enjoy listening to, but I won’t admit that to just anyone. Garrett and Raegan know, and they won’t let me live it down.

  In an attempt to lighten the mood, I keep the volume high and begin to sing along as I pull the car away from the diner. Hilary glances at me, raising her eyebrow before bursting into a fit of laughter as I continue to belt the song out at the top of my lungs. As that song ends, “Hold On We’re Going Home” by Drake begins and it couldn’t be more fitting. I reach for her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. I know everything will be okay.

  Chapter 12

  I park the car, and sit patiently as Hilary goes inside the store to change her number. I just took the biggest leap of my life without even thinking twice. It’s not the baby’s fault that its sperm donor is a world class douchebag. Eventually, I’ll have to tell Raegan and my Dad. Both of them, especially Raegan, will figure out it’s not my baby, but I’ll worry about that later.

  The door opens, startling me. I wasn’t expecting her back so soon. She sits beside me and lets out a breath of relief as she shuts the door. “It’s done. I have a new number, and he’ll never be able to contact me again. I even changed his name to asshole so I know not to answer it if he attempts to call me.”

  “Good. Now, I’m not trying to pressure you, but when are you going to tell your parents? And what are you going to do about college? Are you going to keep going until the baby comes, and then go back after maternity leave?”

  She brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. “I dropped out of school a few weeks ago.”

  “Why?”

  “He was controlling every aspect of my life and I couldn’t even go to school without him monitoring everything I did. It was horrible, so I just quit.”

  “Damn, Hilary. Don’t let him ruin that for you. And you didn’t answer my other question.”

  “I don’t know when I’ll tell them, Lance. I don’t exactly know how they’re going to take this news. I don’t really want to go home tonight. If he shows up at the house, I can’t handle that.”

  Fuck. I run my hands through my hair as I search for a solution. I can’t bring her to my house. What would my dad say? I can’t ask Raegan if Hilary can stay there because Garrett would lose his shit. Raegan is supposed to be free of all this mess. There’s only one other option, and all I can do for Hilary’s sake is hope and pray that she is okay with it.

  “What if I get a hotel room for tonight? We can try to figure out a game plan for all of this and attempt to move on. What do you say?”

  She looks weary. I can only imagine what is going on in her head.

  “I guess that’s the only option I have. I’ll help you pay for it. I can’t let you do this by yourself.”

  “Stop. I told you I was all in with this. Let me do this for you.”

  I don’t give her a chance to answer, I turn up the radio and grab hold of her hand. I pull the car out of the parking lot and back onto the road. It’s time for her to relax and finally trust me. I need her to know I would never hurt her.

  I pass about five hotels before I finally stop. After I check in, I park the car in the back in case Travis is stupid enough to search for her. I don’t put anything past him, and I will not underestimate him. Hilary reaches in her backseat for a small overnight bag. She was obviously planning something by the looks of the bag. Was she thinking of running away?

  I decide not to pry and just let it go. I hand her the keys and walk around to open the door for her. With the hotel key in my hand, I lead her into our room for the night. I specifically asked for two beds, because I didn’t want her thinking I made this suggestion thinking we would have sex.

  She sets her bag on the first bed and gently lays down. She closes her eyes for a moment before reopening them.

  “Do you want anything to eat or drink? We didn’t get to eat earlier,” I ask, slumping onto the other mattress.

  “No, I’m good right now.
Maybe later.”

  “Just let me know, okay?”

  She nods, and closes her eyes again. She is so damn tired. I watch her as she peacefully drifts off to sleep. I grab my phone and shut it off. I don’t want anyone bothering me tonight.

  Chapter 13

  Hilary

  My eyes are weary and my heart is heavy. What the hell does Lance even see in me? I’ve led him astray a few times. But he seems to be drawn to me. It’s like he doesn’t care that I’ve thrown him through the ringer over and over again. He’s done more for me than he should. In high school, he stood up for me when no one else would. I was teased relentlessly for being a so-called good girl. I liked to read books, and I kept to myself. Apparently, that was a crime. Kids can be so damn cruel. He was there to dry my tears and help me survive the years that should have been some of the best of my life.

  I’m having a baby for someone who I can’t stand to be around. I don’t know why I thought things might work. When did I become so stupid and helpless? Why did I believe I could somehow be good enough for Travis when I’ve seen the countless messages and naked photos in his phone?

  I’ve seen the videos these women have sent him. Videos that make me want to barf in my mouth. I’ve seen them because Travis used to make me watch them to show me what I should be doing for him. I hate him for the person I’ve become. I hate myself for becoming so scared.

  I’ve been terrified he’ll kill me. I’m glad I’m out, though. I kick myself in the ass constantly for not truly giving Lance a chance. Somehow, he’s stuck around, waiting patiently over the past few weeks. The fact that he’s willing to step up and care for someone else’s child makes me realize just how much I don’t know about him. I want to know it all, though. I wish like hell we could start over at the beginning, but we can’t. All we have is now.