Hey Jude (Lennox Valley Chronicles #1)

41

OLENA

Settling onto the couch at home with my laptop, I open my email and attempt to get caught up. The window above me is open, letting in a cool breeze. It’s been warm again and the fresh air feels nice. Not much else feels nice right now. I take a breath and try to be present, noticing how the air feels on my neck.

When welcoming Charles and Carol home from Seattle earlier today, I told them I had some administrative things to do and would be heading home early so I could focus here. The truth is, I couldn’t stomach staying any longer than necessary with Jude nearby, even with both of us dodging each other; the change in his body language around me was too painful. As I got into my car, I couldn’t help but feel his eyes on me. But, when I turned to meet his gaze, he looked away.

I start to sort through invoices from the nursery when the sounds of angry shouting suddenly drift in from outside. My fingers freeze over the keyboard, hovering in midair as I listen. I hastily set down my laptop when I hear more shouts and I recognize Wyatt’s voice. Scrambling up on the couch to see if I can get a better look, I crane my neck to see the front entrance of our building. I can just make out Wyatt standing in his work clothes, gesturing angrily at…

Oh, shit. A wave of nausea churns in my stomach. He actually showed up. How did Sean find out where we lived? I pause another moment, feeling a mixture of panic and anger before realizing I need to go down there. This is my life and my mess; I can’t leave Wyatt—or Jude or anyone else—to fight this battle alone for me. My heart races as I jam my feet into my shoes and snatch up my coat. I run down the two flights of stairs to the main floor, pushing out the door that leads to the lobby. Sean spots me as I shove open the glass door at the main entrance.

“Olena, baby…” Sean says, looking relieved to see me.

I’m anything but relieved to see him.

“Olena, don’t come out here. I’m handling this,” Wyatt says, holding a hand out in front of me. “You should stay inside.”

“No, Wyatt, you shouldn’t need to deal with him,” I say, though I’m grateful he’s here and willing to stand up for me.

“Deal with me?” Sean throws his arms out at his sides, his shoulders pulled up. “What the fuck, Olena? I’m just here to talk to you. Don’t be so dramatic.” He shoves his hands in his jacket pockets, looking away.

I monitor his movements carefully, looking for signs that he might be high.

Wyatt cuts in. “What’s fucking dramatic, Sean, is you showing up here after Olena specifically, and repeatedly, told you it was over.” His wide eyes are filled with resentment. He’s pissed.

“Wyatt, I’ve got this.” My voice is firm and I put my hand on his arm. “Go back inside.” I flick my eyes to the door.

“I’m not leaving you with this prick!” Wyatt says, frowning as he lifts his chin at Sean.

Sean pulls his head back, recoiling. “Who are you calling a prick, Wyatt? Jesus Christ…” He shakes his head.

“Wyatt.” I say again, my eyes wide. “I can handle this. I’m okay for now.” I tilt my head toward the door. “I’d tell you if I didn’t, I promise.”

“Okay, fine, but I’m waiting in the lobby for you.” Wyatt looks at me with wide eyes.

Then he narrows his eyes at Sean once more, shaking his head. He flicks his gaze to me, pointing at Sean. “You know this asshole actually went online to find out where I worked and then fucking followed me home to find you?”

I whirl to face Sean, wide-eyed, my arms out at my sides. “What the hell, Sean? What the fuck is wrong with you?” This violation reignites the anger that’s been smoldering in me since yesterday. I pin him with a look of disgust.

Wyatt shakes his head again and turns away. “You’re a fucking piece of shit, Sean.”

I glance over my shoulder as he opens the main entrance door and steps inside the lobby.

Sean steps toward me and I quickly take a step back. He lets out a breath, looking frustrated. “Baby, I had to find out where you were. You said you were gonna stay with Wyatt when you came back here, so… Listen, I had to find you!” He reaches out his hand, pleading with me.

I frown, repulsed.

He looks unwell. He has dark circles under his eyes. His hair is shaved in an unflattering buzz cut, shorter than how he used to wear it. The old brown leather jacket and jeans he’s wearing look a size too big for him and hang off his frame. He ‘s lost weight. While he doesn’t appear to be high currently, he must still be using regularly. I’d feel sad for him if I wasn’t so angry.

“No, you did not have to find me. I told you not to contact me,” I shout at Sean, swiping both hands across the space between us to emphasize the point. “I don’t want anything to do with you!”

He scoffs and rolls his eyes.

“You need to turn around and go home. Stay out of my fucking life.”

“I can’t, baby.” He shrugs. “I need you to see that I can get clean. I can be better.” He straightens. “Look, I’m not high right now. I can do it. Just take me back. I’ll be good. Fuck… I miss you so much.” He tries to approach me with his arms outstretched and I recoil, holding my palms out in front of me. He stops, looking hurt.

“I can’t believe you did this,” I say to him, seething. I hope he can see the hatred in my eyes. “Such a gross move. You know this makes me feel more unsafe about you, right?”