The Alpha in her Dreams

A Call From Lucy

“So, I heard Shepherd stayed pretty late last night,” Susu teased, sipping her coffee the next morning.

Laurel blushed in spite of herself, remembering the night before. The walls in the apartment were paper thin. “Umm hmm.”

“Umm hmm? That’s all? Spill!”

“Yes, he stayed a little late,” Laurel replied coyly.

Susu just stared at her with wide eyes, obviously waiting for more details. “And?”

“And we had a really nice time.”

“A really nice time?” Susu repeated sarcastically before her face became serious. “You’re in love. Like I’ve never seen you before. What are you going to do?”

Laurel didn’t even try to deny it. “I don’t know. He wants me to move with him back to his hometown... Silver Moon, I think he called it.”

“And you’re going to?”

“I don’t know. It seems like a big leap.”

“Well sometimes love takes risk. Seriously, Laurel. You’re always so composed. I’ve seen you with guys from college and Henry. But I’ve never seen you the way you are when Shepherd is in the room. I think this may be the real deal. You lucky bitch.” Susu paused. “I like him, Laurel, I really do. He feels right for you.”

“And what if I did move? What about you? Would you come?”

Susu winced, “We’ll always be best friends. You can’t get rid of me. But I don’t know about moving to a small town.”

Laurel took a bite of her pastry. She really didn’t need Susu to tell her this time was different. She could feel it in her bones. But that didn’t make it less scary.

“So, what happened last night with Henry? Was it terrible?”

Laurel sighed. She didn’t even want to think about it. “It wasn’t great. He was really hurt. But once I said that I thought we should end it, he just wanted to leave. I think he knew it was coming. And then when he dropped me off, Shepherd was here. Henry lost it.”

“Lost it like how?” Susu’s eyes gleamed, waiting for the juicy part.

Laurel couldn’t help but laugh. “He punched Shepherd in the jaw.”

“What?! Why do I miss all the good stuff?!”

“It wasn’t good, Susu! Stop it!”

“I mean, I have no doubt that Shepherd could take him. Did they fight for your love?”

Laurel rolled her eyes. “NO! I thought Shepherd was going to kill him, but he didn’t do anything. It really didn’t seem to bother him at all.” She paused, thinking back over the night. “I really hate that Henry was hurt. But I have no doubt that I did the right thing…for both of us, really. Maybe things won’t be too awkward around the office if we run into each other.”

It was Susu’s turn to roll her eyes. “There’s no getting around the awkwardness, but I bet Henry will hook up with someone else before you can say overwhelming bravado.” She paused before asking “So, what’s next?”

“I don’t know. Shepherd is supposed to call me later. I don’t know how long he’s staying. He says he doesn’t want to leave without me.”

“And what do you think? What’s holding you back? I mean you’re not happy at your job, and you never wanted to spend your whole life in New York City. So, why not take a risk? He seems worth it, Laurel.”

“I don’t know. He doesn’t even feel like a risk. Between me and you Susu, he’s it. I know he’s it. But that’s a big change. I don’t want to be irresponsible.”

Susu groaned. “Listen, you know I’m the last one to trust a guy. But falling in love doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being irresponsible. Especially with a gorgeous, rich, charming, totally head over heels in love with you guy like Shepherd. I know you always plan everything out, Laurel, and if I’m being selfish, I really don’t want you to leave me. Can you imagine me living with anyone else? Seriously?! But come on, he really is your dream guy. Don’t overthink it. You should dive in headfirst on this one.”

Laurel sighed, “I think I already have.”

A couple of hours later, Laurel was getting out of the shower when her phone rang. She broke into a grin when she saw the caller ID.

“Hey, Aunt Lucy! How are you?”

“Oh, I’m doing good, Laurel. Just thinking about you. How are things in the Big Apple?”

Laurel could tell something was wrong from her voice. “Things here are…interesting. Why do you sound strange? What’s going on?”

“Well, that’s what I’m calling about. It’s time you knew. I had hoped to work things out on my own, but I don’t think I’ll be able to.”

“What do you mean?” Laurel felt her chest tighten. Aunt Lucy was always solid as a rock. It made her nervous that something had her upset.

“I haven’t been able to pay the taxes on the land and the cabin for a while, Laurel. I hate to admit that, but it’s gotten to the point where I may have to sell. I know you love this place almost as much as I do. It’s only fair you know. It may all be gone by the end of the month.”

Laurel didn’t know what to say. She didn’t have much in savings and doubted that it would be enough if her aunt was in trouble enough to lose the land. She couldn’t imagine her home being gone. And what would Lucy do? Where would she go? She’d been there almost her whole life. That land was her life.

“I’m going to come. We’re going to figure this out. Don’t do anything until I get there.”

“Laurel, you have your own life there in New York. You can’t drop everything and come here to save the day. I’m a big girl. I’ll make it through this. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Laurel knew her aunt was putting a brave front on, but there was no way she was okay with this. She had to be falling apart on the inside at the prospect of losing her home.

“Promise me you won’t sign anything. I’m coming. You can’t talk me out of it. Maybe there’s nothing that can be done. But I’ll be there tomorrow or the day after and we’ll figure this out.”

There was silence on the other end of the line for a long time. Finally, she heard a sigh.

“Okay, Laurel. It really would be good to see you and give you a hug. And you may want to come see the old place before she belongs to someone else.”

“I love you, Aunt Lucy. We’ll figure this out somehow. I’ll let you know when I’m arriving as soon as I know.”

“Okay, dear. I’ll see you soon.”

The call ended and Laurel fell back on her bed, tears releasing themselves onto her pillow. She couldn’t imagine not having the Oregon homeplace anymore. Even though she lived in New York, the cabin was always her happy place. And she couldn’t imagine Aunt Lucy anywhere else. Where would she go?

She hated that Shepherd had stayed in town to spend time with her and she was leaving, but there was no way around it. She had to go home. He answered on the second ring.