Page 18 of Always Be My Baby

Leah shifted in her seat and angled her body toward me. “Oh no. Maybe you’re getting what I got. If you caught it from me I’m so sorry.”

Leaning my head back, I placed my hand over my head. “It’s not your fault, Leah. It’s probably from lack of sleep. A part of me wants to dump Lucas’s ass and say fuck off, but we’ve been together for a year. I don’t know if I can let him go.”

“Obviously.” Leah reached for me, causing me to sit straighter and meet her gaze. “I know how you feel. And you shouldn’t have to make that kind of decision right now. It’s been like what, less than a week? Lucas better not be giving you a hard time. It was his fault. If he truly cares for you, he’ll wait. But if a part of you doubts this relationship, you might want to consider leaving him.”

“I know,” I sighed, grabbing a throw pillow to hug it. “I wish things were simple.”

Leah punched her fingers along the computer keyboard and then faced me. “Speaking of Lucas. The dude came by.”

“What did he want?” The room suddenly felt cooler.

“The usual. He wanted to know where you were and what time you would come home.”

I rubbed at my temple, a headache forming. “What did you say?”

Her lips twitched, radiating a satisfied smile. “I said you were out on a hot date and he should screw himself.”

Blood drained out of me. “Leah.”

“I’m just kidding.” She smirked. “I said you would be home later this evening, and I slammed the door on his face. I told him he should have kept his ugly lips to himself and he better have kept his dick inside his pants or I would cut it off.”

My lips parted in shock, but what was I shocked about? Leah spoke her mind, and she didn’t care what others thought of her. Sometimes I wished I could be like her. Stronger. Bolder.

“Do you still have the Nyquil I gave you?” I rested my head on the armrest, trembling. “I don’t feel so good, Leah.”

“Crap.” Leah placed her hand over my forehead. “You’re burning up. I’ll be right back.” Leah only took a few steps when the door chimed. “Who the hell is that?” she cursed under her breath. “Great timing.”

I couldn’t tell who it was from her voice.

“Lucas. Come in.” Leah peeked over her shoulder and locked her wicked, up to no good, eyes to mine.

What was Leah up to? She sounded too pleased for his company. Ugh. Didn’t she know I didn’t want to see him?

“Lucas, it’s not a good time.” My fever gripped me into shivers.

Lucas ignored my words as usual and sat across from me. His eyes flamed with anger and his fists tightened. “Cammy. What the fuck?”

I blinked. What the hell is wrong with him? I stared and stared, unable to part my lips to speak.

“What?” I finally spat. “I don’t feel well. I have a fever. Can we please talk when I’m better?”

“Are you fucking him?” He speared his eyes to mine.

“What? Who are you talking about?” Heat flushed through my neck and my face, mixed with rage and fever.

“Grayson. You told me you wanted space, but you’re parading around the campus with him like he’s your boyfriend.”

I inhaled a breath and seethed, “He’s my friend. I have friends, you know. You’re allowed to have friends but I’m not?”

“That’s not the point, Cammy.” He raked his hair back, clenching his jaw. “What do you want me to do? You want me to get down on my knees and beg? I’ll do whatever you want. Just give us another chance.”

The ache in my head and stomach took a turn for the worse. “I don’t feel good, Lucas.” My head spun and the walls closed in tighter.

Leah handed me Nyquil to drink. “Here, sweetie. Maybe this will help.” She whirled to Lucas. “She’s not feeling well. Either take care of her or get out. But don’t make it worse.”

As if something finally clicked, understanding registered on his face. “Do you need anything?” Lucas asked, his tone and expression finally softening.

“No.” I spread across the sofa and closed my eyes. I was tired, angry, and I didn’t want to talk to him.