The Truth About Love

twenty-two

In the month since your accident, Steve and you had been doing better at communicating and had gotten in a groove when it came to the living situation. You hadn't admitted that living with Steve, even if in separate bedrooms, was a dream. You enjoyed watching movies at night together, watching him cook for you, and being together in silence as the two of you worked on whatever you needed. You were doing better on crutches, so Steve was slightly less of a mother hen, but only slightly.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Steve asked for the second time.

"Steve," you reached over for his hand as you sat on the couch. "I'll be fine. Natasha will be home from work soon, so I'll have her come over. I won't be home alone for long."

"This won't take long. Ma just needs some help right now."

"Steve, stop. Don't make excuses. Your Ma is important and needs help; I get it." You pulled him down by the hand you were gripping. "Go be a good son." You gave his lips a peck. "I'll be here when you return."

Steve smiled. "I love you."

"I know," you smirked. "Now, go. I'll let you know if I need anything."

Steve gave you another kiss before leaving to do what his Ma had tasked him with. You decided that you were going to stay on the couch, turn on a show, and perhaps take a nap. Before you could do that, though, your phone began ringing. Looking at it, you were confused to see a number you didn't recognize.

"Hello?" You answered the phone.

"Hello, Y/N," Sarah replied. You could hear the smile in her voice. "How are you? How are you healing?"

"I am doing good. How are you?"

"I'm good as well. I am calling to see if you'd join me for lunch today."

"Oh, I would love to. Steve's not here right now, so I'm stuck at home but—"

"I have a car on their way, sweetie. They'll be there to help you soon."

Sarah hung up, leaving you confused on the couch. It shouldn't surprise you that she was sending a car, but you could never get used to the idea of throwing money around like that. Using your crutches, you went to the bathroom and tried to make yourself look more presentable. Sarah wanted to meet alone, and you couldn't help but be nervous about that.

~~~

You knew that Steve's family was rich, but you were unprepared for the neighborhood and house you were being taken to. Every home was a mansion, and each was separated by large lawns. The driver turned down a driveway lined with trees. Towards the end, there was a gate that automatically opened as the car came to it. Through the gate, revealed the large mansion that they deemed a house. It was the largest home in the neighborhood by far. It was white with black accents, very sleek and modern looking.

As the driver pulled up to the house, you noticed that Sarah was standing at the door, waiting for you. Sarah shooed the driver away as she came down to open your car door.

"Hello, sweetie," Sarah said excitedly. "How was the drive? I hope Happy treated you alright."

"It was great," you told her as you moved your legs to hang out of the car. You pulled the crutches out of the car.

"Do you need any help?"

"I'm good." You stood up on the crutches. "Your house is beautiful, Sarah."

She pressed out a smile, looking up at the house. "Thank you. My husband, Howard, loved grand things." She took a silent moment, remembering him, before looking back at you. "Let's get you off that leg."