Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2) by Belle Winters

the
end of the day the people you love are the people you can depend on. Each one
of you brings something different and special to our family and not one of
those should ever be taken for granted. Appreciate each other and what you
have.” He said. I’m sure he’s addressing all of the tension he’s noticed
between us. Between the calls and us not knowing how each other were or how
we’ve been avoiding each other and not talking. It’s hard not to notice when
the normal dynamic in the house is us all loud and bantering with each other.
Dean is an observant guy. He watches and learns and says something only when
necessary.
    I was next. “I’m thankful for James finding
me and bringing Sam with him. I’m thankful that he looked at my family as his
own without question. I’m thankful to Dean every day for choosing to take me in
even though there wasn’t a reason for him to do it. I’m thankful for actually
being able to look forward to having a real thanksgiving.” I didn’t meet anyone’s
eyes. I kept my head down. Erica went next but I tuned out until I saw Max lift
his fork and I began eating. I spent the entire dinner silent keeping my eyes
on my food. Once in a while I would look up at Max when he was speaking to me
but I avoided everyone else. When Dinner was done I took out the deserts I made
and went up to my room. Dean mentioned one of the clients he was trying to get
finally had an opening in their schedule to meet tomorrow. He was taking off
now and getting a room at a hotel close by the place so he could make it with
the storm. It was already raining cats and dogs outside.
    It might’ve been an hour later when
someone opened my door without knocking. I looked up to see Nick. He came inside
and looked at me warily. I sat up and held his eyes. “Lucy?” was all he said in
question like he was asking if it was ok to be in here with me.
    I nodded and some of the tension left
his body. He walked over to my bed and started to sit but hesitated and stood
back up. I sighed and moved over then patted the empty spot next to me. He took
the invitation and sat next to me leaning against the headboard. He just sat
there for a while and didn’t say anything. All you could hear was the angry
rain against the house and the howling of the wind, so I focused my attention
back to the TV.
    After about thirty minutes I heard
Nick say, “why are you both so damn stubborn?” under his breath.
    I turned to him startled. “What?” I
asked.
    He sighed, “You and Landon. Why can’t
you two just put on your big boy pants and work this out. I can’t stand seeing
you both so damn miserable.” He told me.
    I raised an eyebrow, “hey you weren’t
talking to me either.” I pointed out.
    He glared at me. “Lucy yes I was mad
at you. But what did you do? You fucking ran away from me. You didn’t come talk
to me or anything. You know I’m here for you but you shut me the fuck out. How
am I supposed to feel about that? That shit hurt me. I thought we were more
than that Lu. We’re supposed to be family and family doesn’t do that shit. You
work it out. You didn’t even come seek me out when enough time has passed to
cool off. I was fucking hurting but watching you two like this hurts more. So
I’m man enough to put my pride away and reach out.”
    I sighed and grabbed his hand. “You’re
right Nick but I couldn’t stand you being angry at me like that. I didn’t think
you would ever forgive me, either of you and I couldn’t face it so I didn’t. I
did what I could to avoid it. Nick, you know I love you no matter what but
sometimes I don’t know. I’m not good with confrontation. I know you see me and
Landon going to war but that’s because I’m angry and I can’t control it. I get
you guys were mad at me for what I did but you didn’t think I was hurting too
from the decision I made. That shit gutted me I didn’t want to do it. I
did what was necessary.” I explained.
    “So why didn’t you just say