The Neighbor

Chapter 9

Arden's POV

That was everything and more. Being able to finally feel and see all those parts to Elodie, words cannot describe how thrilling it was, and how much I wanted to do it again, and again. I laid on the bed next to her, as she sipped from the cup of water I had brought her. 

Do I tell her about Florence now? Or would that ruin the moment? 

I wanted her to know the truth. Lying wasn't my intention at all. 

"So, not to kill this amazing mood, but I do want to apologize about Wyatt. I was out of line."

Elodie set her cup down and let out a sigh.

"You weren't though. The previous night when that happened, mind you he was drunk again, I realized I needed to stop making excuses. We just moved in together and right off the bat we are having all these sorts of problems. He has no job, isn't really looking for one, which I understand on one hand because his dreams to play pro football were shattered."

I cocked my head looking at Elodie.

"He was going to the pros?"

She nodded as she fidgeted with her hands. 

"Yeah, he was across the country at a training camp. Tons of recruiters came to see him, and during one of the plays, he got tackled, as usual, but he fucked up his meniscus. They had to carry him off the field, I wasn't there but I have heard stories." 

"Ouch."

"He's lucky it fully healed, but according to the doctors he also had severe nerve damage, and was not able to return. He just hasn't been the same. I have seen the light leave his eyes. I couldn't imagine it. Being told throughout college that you would go pro, multiple recruiters telling you your freshman year to keep your grades up and being in constant contact with 10 different pro teams, only for it to vanish due to an injury. I have tried to talk to him about it but he doesn't want to."

Suddenly I felt like an asshole. I beat the shit out of him, having no idea what he went through... Then again he hurt Elodie, so my feelings of remorse passed quickly. 

"That is still no excuse for what he did to you." 

Elodie sighed shaking her head.

"I know. It's just"

She grew quiet as she stared off. My phone buzzed as I looked down. My mother. 

'Ardie you need to plan a trip home ASAP. She needs to see you. Things have gotten far worse and I fear you may be the only thing that can fix it. I can have you on a flight back here by 6:00pm tonight, just let me know.' 

FUCK. Just when things have gotten good with Elodie.

"You know what I think?" 

Her head perked up as she looked at me.

"You need a vacation! Away from all of this."

She let out a laugh. 

"Where would we go?"

A smirk spread across my face. Play this right, Arden.

"I mean, I personally have favoritism towards Washington. Have you ever been?"

Her face lit up.

"No, but after all you've told me,"

Fuck. She was going to say no. 

"I'd love to visit. I just don't have the travel money right now, and-"

"Nonsense! I'll cover every penny. You'd be my guest! It would be my honor."