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  “There was a situation at the bar last night, but Griffin handled it. Then he carried Sam out and we all went home.” It was the truth, in its most rudimentary form.

  “Is Sam okay? Was she hurt?”

  “Sam is fine, he didn’t touch her. She lost her temper, so Griffin had to carry her out back to ensure she didn’t hurt herself.”

  “Wait, you lost me. Where was Robbie?” Hunter was perplexed, “What set Sam off?”

  “Robbie was there, but he couldn’t calm or restrain her, so Griffin just scooped her up while Robbie trailed behind. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s quite funny. Griff has a huge crush on Sam, so I think he enjoyed the duty.”

  “Yeah, I know Griffin has a thing for Sam. He has as long as I’ve known him.”

  “Wait you knew? Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “A man is entitled to his secret desires, especially when the object of said desire is unavailable. Besides, it’s nearly impossible to miss; he looks at her as if she’s the last glass of water in the Sahara desert.”

  “Well, Sam’s not clueless anymore. She definitely noticed Griff last night, and he essentially declared his interest.”

  “Good for Griffin,” Hunter mused, “he’s a respectable guy, better suited for Sam than Robbie is in many ways. You never told me what set Sam off.”

  I hoped I had distracted him, but there was no getting out of it. Hunter was a dog with a bone.

  “It was nothing, some guy grabbed me, and Griff stopped him.”

  “What?” Hunter shouted causing me to pull the phone further from my ear, “and you thought to gloss over that fact? No wonder Sam went off the deep end. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Griffin jumped over the bar and pulled him off me before it escalated. I’m not hurt.” Except for the bruise on my rib cage, which it didn’t seem wise to mention.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” aggravation colored his tone. Relenting, I described what had ensued, except who my assailant was and his commentary.

  “Are you fucking kidding me? You made it sound like some guy grabbed your arm. He assaulted you and intended to choke you. Why the hell did Griffin not call the cops? I’m taking you down to the station.”

  “No,” I said firmly, “Griff wanted to call the cops but I wouldn’t let him. It was a ‘he said/she said’ situation and nothing would have come of it, I didn’t want to spend my night at a police station. It’s over.”

  “Who was it, Everleigh? Was it Linc? I told you he wanted you. He seemed harmless, but after he showed up at Higher Yearning that night, I’m not so sure.”

  I cut Hunter off immediately, pissed he was once again disparaging Lincoln, casting him as a villain. “It was not Linc. I told you Lincoln is my friend and a decent guy. It was Heath, you moron.”

  Silence.

  “What did you just say?” Hunter asked in an ominous whisper.

  “It was Heath,” I answered quietly, defeated.

  “And you didn’t think that was important to mention? This is the second time that bastard laid his hands on you. Fucking-son-of-a-bitch-motherfucker!” I could not help but think that was a lot of inbreeding. “I should have killed him the first time. I knew there was something wrong with him. Fuck!”

  Following Sam’s example, Hunter proceeded to lose his flippin’ mind. He rarely cursed, but they were flying from his lips like bullets from a machine gun. I was beyond appreciative he was not at The Stop to witness what happened, otherwise Heath would most likely be in the morgue. Hunter’s ironclad control had shattered.

  “You didn’t call the cops? This is the second time, Everleigh. He grabbed you and threatened you in public. This is serious. You may have sufficient grounds for a restraining order.” Hunter was regaining control, planning a course of action.

  “I can’t imagine why I thought you would overreact,” I said heavy with sarcasm.

  “I’m not overreacting. I wish I had known this last night, I would have found a way to come to you. I wish I had been there to protect you, but I’m glad Griffin took care of the situation, and it sounds like he did a good job of it.” Hunter sighed, “I wish I could hold you right now. I need to feel you in my arms and know you’re safe.”

  “I’m safe, Hunter. It was a little scary, but I kept my cool and everything turned out alright.”

  Hunter grunted his disapproval of my assessment, but said nothing more.

  “I have to go make some phone calls for work. Please reconsider filing a report. You have Griffin as a witness.”

  “I’ll think about it,” I lied.

  “Thank you for finally telling me. I don’t want you to keep secrets from me. There is nothing you can’t tell me, Everleigh.”

  “I know, thank you for your concern. I know you worry. I promise I will be on high-alert, and if I see Heath I will head the opposite direction.”

  “Thank you. I’ll check in with you later.”

  I ended the call and shook off my disquiet. I had to finish my shift, and then help Sam sort herself out.

  Chapter Twelve

  * * *

  "Men, we don't need you to be a knight in shining armor. We just need you to be a little bit brave, just a little bit.” -Virginia Madsen

  As I drove home from Higher Yearning, I brainstormed what advice I should give Sam. I knew we would discuss the events of last night, including Robbie’s situation, but I didn’t know what to tell her. I liked Robbie, he and Sam were good together, complimentary. Yes, he was passive, but not everyone could be Mr. Alpha Male like Hunter and Griffin. Sam was happy, with the exception of Robbie’s association with Kappa Sigma Tau, which would be ending shortly. Sam deserved to be loved and cherished, and Robbie gave her that, but so could many others. Griffin was certainly willing. Was Robbie the right partner for Sam? They shared common interests, knew the same circle of people, experienced similar upbringings, and understood the effects of obscene wealth. All the puzzle pieces were in place—so what was my hesitation?

  I wouldn’t even be questioning my judgment if both Griffin and Hunter had not opened their big mouths, letting their doubts pervade my mind. I trusted them both and they concurred Robbie was not the right guy for her long-term. So what do I tell Sam? I didn’t know the right answer and it was a decision only she could make. I resolved to help her think through all angles and support her decision.

  When I walked into the apartment, an aromatic feast for the senses greeted me. Sam had been playing chef, which meant she had also been pondering the Robbie situation.

  “I’m home!” I called into the kitchen.

  “Perfect timing, dinner is ready. Drop your stuff and sit down.”

  “I smell you’ve been thinking things over,” I joked as I settled into my usual seat.

  “Yes, I’ve been considering options while preparing a veritable feast: orange fennel salad; lobster risotto with asparagus and roasted tomatoes; chicken breasts stuffed with mushrooms, mozzarella, spinach and onions; and broccoli rabe in garlic. I also made Tiramisu for dessert.”

  “Wow. You should be conflicted more often if I’m going to benefit with this type of dinner.”

  Sam returned with our salads accompanied by fresh semolina bread from the bakery.

  “Did everyone and their mother check on you today?” Sam asked laughing.

  “Right? It was nuts. People I haven’t heard from in months were suddenly ‘touching base.’ Most were concerned, but I suspect some were fishing for details as if the cops are consulting me.” I shook my head at people’s need for gruesome details. “I spoke with Hunter and told him what happened last night.”

  “How did he take it?”

  “About as well as you did. I don’t think he threw a shoe, but I may have heard glass crashing against a wall.”

  “What did you expect? That boy loves you,” Sam stated as if her comment was no more remarkable than an observation about the weather.

  “As his best friend, yes, but that’s not what you meant, is it?�
� I exhaled, “You know what he said. Don’t raise my hopes for something that can never be.”

  “He said he didn’t want a committed relationship at this point in his life, that’s not unusual for a man under thirty. He never said he wasn’t in love with you. I will admit those two statements are usually mutually exclusive, but in this case, I have no doubts he’s in love with you.”

  “Stop, just stop. It’s hard enough knowing that he wants me but doesn’t want a relationship with me. I couldn’t deal with knowing he is in love with me and still doesn’t want me. When I’m with him it feels right, like coming home. We fit together. Sam, my heart is already breaking, please, don’t sow false-hope—it will only increase my pain later. My heart can’t take the devastation.” I was close to tears, but I fought them back, “You know what they say—when someone tells you something about themselves you don’t want to hear—believe them.”

  Sam gave me a sad look. I shook off my despair and redirected the conversation.

  “Enough of my whining. What is going on with you?”

  “I’ve decided to give Robbie another chance. I abhor Heath but Robbie was right, he will be out of our lives in a month and we will never have to think about him again. I wish Robbie could break from the Kappas, but I understand the pressure to pacify parents and the connections the frat provides will be helpful. He isn’t choosing them over me, he’s just invested so much effort already it would be wasteful to walk away now with nothing to show.”

  “Except his pride.” I hastily continued, “I’m sorry Sam, you know I like Robbie and I will stand beside you no matter what you choose. My only fear is how easily he sacrifices conscience for his benefit. I know you love him and he loves you, I just want you to be sure.”

  “I understand your point, but I don’t think he’s forgoing his conscience. In my heart, I believe he is just scared. He would never let someone hurt me or anyone else if he could stop it. After the fact, choices become more complex. Right and wrong becomes less defined,” Sam’s defense of Robbie reaffirmed her decision. “I love him.”

  “Okay. If you have made your choice, then I’m on board.”

  We finished Sam’s delicious dinner and my doubts about Robbie lingered, but Sam was discerning and I had to trust her instincts.

  We spent the rest of the night watching chick flicks and painting our nails, trying to forget all the drama.

  I arrived at school Monday morning and walked straight into Hunter’s waiting arms. He held me close, rubbing my back with one hand and cupping the back of my head with his other. My arms wrapped around his waist in a vice grip as he rocked me gently, occasionally kissing my head while breathing me in. I burrowed into his chest and never wanted to come out, this was where I belonged. I soaked in the feel of Hunter for as long as possible.

  “I missed you,” I whispered

  “I missed you too,” Hunter replied with his cheek resting on the top of my head. “I almost came over last night to reassure myself you were okay.”

  “Why didn’t you? You’ve never actually been inside our apartment.”

  “I knew you and Sam were rehashing; did she decide what she is going to do about Robbie?”

  “She’s standing by her man, giving him another chance.” I shrugged. “I think she is making justifications for some of his character flaws, but no one is perfect. She loves him.”

  “He’s not a bad guy. I just think she needs more than he can give her. She is so strong and protective. Robbie’s…not.”

  “Maybe they complement each other that way. Balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

  “Maybe,” he didn’t sound convinced but dropped it and released me.

  As I stepped back and looked at him, I saw how weary and ramshackled he appeared.

  “Rough night?”

  “Rough couple of nights. I was worried about you, and I have a lot going on at work. I haven’t slept much in the last few days. I’ll catch up soon, I hope.”

  “Anything I can do?”

  “Just take care of yourself and avoid Heath, along with your other admirers. That will help alleviate my worry.”

  “I will, but that’s for my benefit, to keep me safe. Anything I can to help you?”

  “Just be you, Everleigh. That’s all I need.”

  He handed me the coffee and took my free hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing the top before leading us to class. Another first.

  During class, Sam texted to cancel our standing lunch so she and Robbie could have time to talk. Hunter had a commitment too, so I texted Linc to see if he was free and we decided to meet. I was glad to fulfill my promised lunch date and we would be in a public place, which would appease Hunter, if I intended to tell him—which I didn’t. Linc greeted me with a hug and a kiss on my cheek.

  “Hey girlie! We finally do lunch.”

  “Better late than never, it’s good to see you. How are you?”

  “I’m well. Enduring the final weeks of my last semester of undergrad, like everyone. How about you?”

  “I’m hanging in there. Feeling the stress of the murder along with every other woman on campus. I’m not sure if you men can appreciate how draining it’s to be constantly on guard—feeling like you’re perpetually in danger. To some extent women have to live with the worry in our consciousness at all times, but with the attacks, we have to be incessantly vigilant. It’s grueling.”

  “I never really thought about it before, but you’re right. I guess men take for granted that we don’t have the same level of vulnerability.”

  I nodded my agreement with a mouthful of salad and, noticing my predicament, Linc carried the conversation.

  “Did you find another dancing partner after I ditched you on Friday?” He laughed.

  “You don’t even want to know.”

  “Uh-oh. What happened?”

  I gave him the rundown of Saturday night’s events after his departure.

  “Are you serious? I feel awful for leaving now.”

  I will never understand why men take responsibility for events they could have never predicted.

  “Wait, isn’t Heath that muscle head from Kappa?”

  “One and the same.”

  “What a prick. I can’t believe he grabbed you like that. What is wrong with people? At least Griffin took him to task. I saw him beat the shit out of a guy once during sophomore year. Some drunk tried to hit another bartender with an empty beer bottle after he was cut off. Griffin was escorting him out when the guy got belligerent and took a swing at Griff. For a big guy he sure can move fast.”

  “You’re telling me! You should have seen him fly over the bar to save me. It was Superman-esque, or maybe more Batman-esque. Superman was an alien, and I’m fairly certain Griffin is human. One complex human.” It felt good to laugh about it.

  “What else is new? Seeing anyone?”

  “You’re just asking all the wrong questions today.” I was only partially joking and Linc laughed. “It’s complicated. I just started dating a guy from my martial arts class. It’s casual. He is extremely nice and would be good for me.”

  “But?”

  “But I made the monumental mistake of falling in love with my best friend.”

  “Sam?” Linc asked, appearing simultaneously confused and aroused.

  I slapped his arm.

  “No, you perv. I’m talking about my other best friend, Hunter.”

  “Right, the guy from The Stop, I remember now. He was giving me the ‘cut you’ eyes.”

  “The what?”

  “You know the look. The one that says—if you look at her again I’m gonna cut you and bury the body where no one will ever find it. Maybe you have to be a guy to understand.”

  “Exaggerate much?” I asked while laughing at his theatrical translation of a look.

  “Definitely not exaggerating. The guy had castrated me in his mind, and that’s painful even if only imagined. He definitely sent the message that you were his and I best back off. Le
t me tell you, message received—loud and clear.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “So where is the problem? You’re into him, he is into you. Seems pretty cut and dry to me.”

  I wish it were so simple.

  “That’s the complication. We are both insanely attracted to each other. We have chemistry that is off the charts. We are best friends, we understand and trust each other, and we are both single.”

  “I’m going to have to stop you there. I’m not hearing any impediment.”

  “He doesn’t want a relationship at this ‘stage of his life.’”

  “Ev, forgive my brutal honesty, but that is bullshit. That’s guy code for one of two things: I don’t want a relationship with you—ever. Or I can’t have a relationship with you because I’m with someone else and I don’t intend to leave, and I’m too noble to cheat.”

  “Geeze, Linc, don’t sugarcoat it for me,” I answered sarcastically to hide my pain. He was not telling me anything I had not already thought myself, but it was more credible when someone else spoke your thoughts. “I don’t think he is seeing anyone else. He’s with me a lot.”

  “If married men who live with their wives can pull it off, then Hunter can. I’m not saying he is, but it’s possible.”

  “I just can’t see it. Hunter is trustworthy, honest to a fault. I don’t think he would lie or cheat.”

  “How do you define cheating? You haven’t slept together, have you? Have you even kissed?”

  “No, nothing.” I didn’t like that Linc was making sense.

  “Maybe he married some girl he knocked up in high school but didn’t love. Now he found you, but isn’t free to give you his heart, so he resists.”

  “You should write romance novels,” I insulated myself in sarcasm. “I think you’re off base with this theory. Sometimes the simple answer is the right one. He just doesn’t want me, not forever. He loves me as his friend, would love to practice the horizontal tango, but he is not in love with me.”