Against The Odds: Guarded

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GUYS OMG OMG. THE FIRST BOOK FINALLY HIT 10K WTF WTF OMG OMG. HAPPY ASF.

MAYA POV

We were let go early by Dr. Koch today, and I found myself wishing that he would have kept me today for an eighteen hour shift. Peyton walks past me and holds the door open so that we can leave the office together and when we stand outside to wait for a taxi, I text Lucas despite the fact that I think I shouldn't have to.

To: Lucas Pleassssse?!
I'm on my way to the hotel with Peyton.

He texts me back quickly, sending me a reply almost as soon as I sent mine out and I'm glad for the distraction as we both get into the cab. Peyton and I haven't spoken to each other all day, he hasn't forced me to speak to him that is and that somehow has made the whole thing more awkward than it already is. Peyton gives the address and I turn myself in the car on an angle making sure that he can't see my texts over my shoulder.

From: Lucas Pleassssse?!
Can I come?

I smile to myself even though I'm still annoyed with Lucas at the moment. He still has this control over me that's so strong. I love him so much and I can't really stay angry with him for too long even though right now I really should be. We've argued enough I figure more times than anyone in a regular relationship. I know that I'm not going to leave him and if we were to ever break up, he would have to be the one to end things first.

To: Lucas Pleassssse?!
No. This is for work and you're out with Robin. It's not a good idea...I'm still mad at you anyway.

When we pull up to the hotel, Peyton pays the taxi fare and opens the door for me. Even though I can't stand him, he still remains the gentlemen that I met over the summer. He walks ahead of me to the dining area and I freeze momentarily. This reminds me too much of the day that I slept with him. What I can remember of that day that is.

"You can choose a spot. I'll be right back, I'm going to order myself a drink. Would you like one?"

"Water is fine thanks."

Peyton leaves and I sit at a table by the window, watching as numerous people walk by braving the London fall winds when my phone starts to vibrate uncontrollably in my hand. When I look down Lucas beautiful face is on the screen, a picture that I snuck of him when he was sleeping. It makes me smile and I'm excited to answer it. I want to hear his voice despite how hurt I am by what he did. I didn't want him to leave the night that he told me about it. I still wanted him there with me, to hold me and reassure me that I am the only one for him. I wanted to go back to his house, but I can't come off weak, especially when Lucas personality is so overpowering and the fact that he has rapid cycling bipoar disorder doesn't help. I always falter and find myself giving in to him. I have to show him that I can put up a strong front...even though I've never put up one before.

I take a deep breath as I answer the phone, trying to not sound as eager and excited to hear his voice as I really am. I'm so proud of him for trying to get better with Robin, regardless to if he sees it as a forced action or not.

"Hello?" I answered the phone begging my voice to sound neutral, but I'm not so sure that it worked. When I looked around the dining area, Peyton was still at the bar, but his eyes were on me. I turned again to face the window before Lucas replied.

"Maya, I want to come."

"No."

"Yes. I don't like that you're there alone with him. It doesn't feel right."

"It doesn't feel right because you don't trust me." There was a pause on the phone and I know Lucas is taking a deep breath to calm his nerves like Dr. Baker taught him. Lucas can get so high strung, and even though I understand it in this situation, I can take care of myself.