So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

56. Go

Reed

I woke up a little disoriented. I sat up, registering where I was and that the house was silent. I jumped up, nearly tripping over my phone, trying to figure out where everyone was. Marie was gone, her blankets put away. I picked up my phone, tons of messages, and a few missed calls. Groaning, I went into the kitchen, again finding no one. I double-checked the phone again and realized the time; it was nearly two in the afternoon! They must have been out to Lizzie's chemo appointment.

I felt awful I had slept in, and they hadn't woken me to go with them. I sunk down at the kitchen table, tackling the messages popping up. Bennett had texted, and the PR for the team had called, as well as Tate, Brynn, and Coach. I sighed, leaning back and trying to gather my thoughts. After having a full night of sleep, my mind was clearer now.

I hit Bennett's contact and went to the refrigerator to find some grub.

"About fucking time." He growled. "Have you talked with Eden?"

"What? No. Not yet."

"First, you're stupid. Second, if I'm telling you that you're stupid, then you know it's bad."

"What are you talking about?"

"This article is bullshit; you need to talk to Eden. I talked to Tate this morning, and fuck man, it's so bad."

I took a step back, leaning against the counter. I needed to process everything about the article when I first heard about it. I knew it wasn't true; I knew Eden would never do something like that. On the other hand, I knew she was doing injections and appointments, so I wanted to wait to call her today to talk about everything. I'd royally fucked up, though; if Bennett was telling me I fucked up, then he was right; it was bad, so fucking bad.

"I just had to think everything through, it sounds stupid, but I was exhausted and just mentally a mess. As you said, I didn't need to call her. I literally just woke up and, for some dumbass reason, called you." I ran my hand down my face.

"Yeah. . well, listen, I've got the article stuff taken care of, it going to be pulled down from just about everywhere, and once I get the name of the person who gave them any information, they'll be publishing a retraction and apology."

"You sound awfully confident about that," I questioned how he could do so much in less than twenty-four hours.

"Helps to know people. Now, I'm hanging up. I have things to do, and you, you have someone to call."

Before I could respond, he'd already ended the call. I glanced over the messages as I went upstairs to my room. I replied to my work obligations, PR, and Coach then texted Tate and let him know I would make this right. After a shower, packing up my things, and eating a quick bite, the family finally returned from Lizzie's treatment. Amy was off at school, and Marie had gone to work.

Dad came through the door first, a slight smile on his face. I could hear Lizzie talking up a storm as she came through with Mom. She looked better than she had been, which made me feel better about my choice.

"He's awake!" Mom teased, patting me on the back.

"Hey, sorry I missed out on the appointment." I pulled Lizzie in for a hug, kissing the top of her head. She giggled as usual, and it was a nice sound to hear.

"You don't have to be by my side every minute, sheesh." She rolled her eyes. "Have you talked to Eden? I texted her last night, and I haven't heard back; she usually responds right away." I felt absolutely gutted and disgusted with myself.

"Erm, no. I haven't. I do need to talk to you about that; I only have until Monday to be back with the team. I.." I stumbled over my words, rubbing the back of my neck with nerves. How do you choose between your sister and your love?

"Lizzie has us, Marie and Amy. Eden, who does she have?" Dad spoke up as if he was reading my mind. "Get your shit, and let's get to the airport."

"Are you..."

"Go!" Lizzie cried out. "I don't want to see you again until you have her with you, and I can be your flower girl." She grinned.

Mom walked over, holding her arms out. "Reed Allen, I love you but stop being an idiot and go." I nodded my head with a laugh. She was right; I was an idiot. But, if Eden didn't already hate me, I promised myself I'd never leave her alone again.

*

"Took you long enough," Tate smirked as I hopped into the rental car.

"I'm a moron."

"I'm not going to disagree with you." He laughed, punching my arm.

"How is she?" I hesitantly asked.

"She's been pretty sick. They moved up the stem cell retrieval to the morning; she's already produced enough to do it. This is great for her because the Doctor said once the procedure is complete, she should start to feel better. There's more to it, but I'm sure she or Brynn can explain it all better."

I leaned my head back, feeling like an even bigger piece of shit than I already had. Hearing all the details of things she was going through, all this time, I was worried about Lizzie, who had this huge support system, Eden being one of them. But, instead, my sweet Eden had done this all alone for an undeserving woman.

"Her Parents haven't been around?"

"Nope. The girls were talking about some letter Eden was writing to have given to her Mother once the procedures were complete; she has no interest in talking to them from what I picked up on."

"Fuckers."

"Again, I agree with you. Any word on that article?" Tate asked as we exited the highway.

"Bennett, of all people, is handling it. I don't know how and honestly don't even care how." I ran my hand over my messy hair, feeling the nervousness creeping in as we got closer to the hotel.

"Who knew Bennett was the wise one out of you two." Tate laughed. "Never pegged him for it, but I think he's smarter than the both of us."

"I don't deserve her." I blurted as he put the car in park.

"What?"

"Everything with Eden, I've just messed it up repeatedly. This whole thing is the worst. Maybe I shouldn't be here; she deserves better."

"You're right; she does deserve better. But that just means you step it up, own your shit and quit fucking up. This whole situation hasn't been easy for anyone, and I know she gives you grace, and you give her the same. Quit being so hard on yourself. You can't be everywhere at the same time. You took a little longer than you should have to get here now, but you're here, and she's right up there." He pointed up to a random hotel window. "Can we go now? I'm pretty obsessed with my fiance, and I would like to see her, and I'd like to see Eden smile today."

I didn't even answer him; I gave a firm nod and stepped out of the car, grabbing my things from the back. I wasn't leaving her side until we were both on a flight back home together.