For Keeps

38. Luke

All of the color drains from her face.
Husband. I replay in my head.
"Scar..." Karianne says sadly.
The security guard asks Scarlett if she wants him out but she shakes her head no.
"Well now that we have that out." Cooper says as he comes closer. I square my shoulders even though I feel completely defeated.
"Please, Lucas. I need to see my wife." He emphasizes wife but I shake my head.
"You shouldn't be here." Karianne says next to me.
"I should have been here sooner, Karianne. Congratulations on the baby, by the way." He says almost sincerely.
"Screw you. Get out of here." Brett says from my other side.
"Brett, I have only come to check on Scarlett. We all want the same thing."
"See, I don't think we do." I say.
"Oh Luke, I think we want exactly the same thing." He narrows his eyes at me.
"Enough." Scarlett says. "Cooper, you see that I'm alive and well, now please leave. You must have lots of things to do."
"You're my main priority, Scarlett."
"I shouldn't be." She says annoyed and I can't help but smile.
"Everyone-" she clears her throat, "please give me a few minutes with Cooper." She pulls my hand. "Except you." She smiles weakly at me. I nod.
"Are you sure?" Brett asks.
"Yes. It will be brief."
Everyone leaves the room except Scarlett, Cooper, some big muscle head, and myself.
"Lucas, Brady. Brady, Lucas." Scarlett says.
I sit next to her on the bed.
"I think it's time to stop the running." Cooper says as he sits in the chair next to the bed.
"I think you're right." Scarlett says squaring her shoulders.
"Even bruised and broken, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He says sadly.
"Don't. " she warns. "I am staying here."
"I think that's up for debate." Cooper sits back and looks at her.
"I love him." She whispers. "I am in love with Luke."
Cooper's face falls, and for a moment I feel bad for the guy. Then I remember the horrible things he did, and I don't pity him.
"I see." Is all he says.
"I'm sorry you came all this way." She says.
"I'm not. I have worried about you. I prayed you were safe."
"I appreciate that."
"I'm not the same guy you left."
"I believe that." She nods.
"I still love you." He almost whispers.
"I know, but sometimes that's not enough." She shakes her head.
He nods. "I see."
We all sit quietly until Cooper stands.
"I hope you don't screw up like I did." Cooper says to me and holds out his hand. I shake it and nod. "Can I have a moment alone with Scar?"
"No way." I say.
"Brady will be here." Cooper says.
"I don't know either of you."
"Luke, it's okay." Scarlett grabs my hand.
"Karianne." I call knowing she would be close. She walks into the room.
"Stay with Scarlett." I say before I leave the room. I look back and watch Scarlett's eyes fill with tears. Then I look at him and I picture them together.
They look like the perfect couple and it infuriates me.
I ride the elevator down to the first floor and step out into the rainy day. I bend over and try to catch my breath.
I can't help but feel like this is the beginning of the end. That I'm going to lose Scarlett. I move to the side of the building and cry.