Worth Saving(77)

I thought you needed me to swoop in and save the day; to be your hero, your knight in shining armor that would ride in and rescue you from the torment. And something inside drove me to a place I’d never been before. A place where it didn’t matter how stacked the odds were, because nothing would stand between us. Nothing would stand in the way of me being the savior you needed me to be, and I’d go to hell and back to protect you. I thought you needed me, but I was wrong.

It’s me who needs you. I need your heart next to mine in order to get over what I’ve been through, and to push through the obstacles that are in our way now. It won’t be easy. It’ll be the hardest thing either of us has ever had to endure, but as long as we make it through together, it’ll all be worth it, because you’re worth every bit of the struggle. It’s because of you that I can stare death in the face and not feel the slightest hint of fear. You make it all okay. You’re worth it. You’re worth saving.



-Captain Austin Sloan, USAF-



When I finish reading the letter, I place it back on the pillow and turn to walk away. When I take my first step, I realize I have tears in my eyes and I have to wipe one away as it falls down my cheek. I’m obviously not upset, it’s just that I’ve never known anyone who cared about me in the way Austin does. Reading those words was a whole new sensation, a whole new realm for me, a completely different level of surreal. I find it strange that someone could genuinely care for me in that way.

As I get dressed, there’s something in my heart that has never been there before. I never wanted to label it before, but I know what it is. I know I love him, and even though I’m still a little afraid of it, it also feel phenomenal. I spend the next hour getting ready in a euphoric bliss, even catching myself smiling in the mirror as I apply my makeup. I toss on a light white sweater and some jeans for the day, and throw on some white heels to top it off. After I make some coffee for myself, I get a text from Austin, telling me he’s done with therapy and hoping to spend time with me. Of course, I tell him I’d love to, but I need to go by Red Pony one last time to pick up my last check.

Austin: Would you mind if I went with you?

Me: Of course not. I’d prefer it, actually.

Austin: Great. I’m on my way.

About fifteen minutes later, I hear Austin knocking on my door. I grab my purse off the counter and find him already smiling at me when I open the door. He must’ve gone back to his house to change, because he’s wearing different clothes—a thick, red shirt and black pants—and he’s completely clean shaven, but just as handsome as ever.

“Good morning,” he says, still beaming.

“Morning,” I reply. “How did it go at the VA?”

“It was okay. Better than I thought it was gonna be.”

I close the door behind me and we head down to the car. “I got your note. It was so sweet, Austin. Thanks so much.”

He smiles at me and places his hand on the small of my back. “No need to thank me. It was all the truth. I’m a pretty crappy writer, but that was easy to write because I meant it.”

I stop walking, and he stops with me.

“You okay?” he asks. “Forget something?”

I place my hand on his chest, and lean in to kiss him. Our lips touch and it has more of an effect on my body than the coffee did. I feel alive by the touch of him, and his sweet, masculine scent is the icing on the cake.

“No,” I say when we pull away. “I just really wanted to do that. Okay, we can go now.”

Austin smiles at me and leads me down the car. We get inside and start to make our way to Red Pony. It feels awkward going there with Austin next to me. I’m sure it feels strange to him, too. I also feel a little afraid. This little visit should only a take a second, just long enough for me to grab a piece of paper and walk away, but Red Pony is anything but normal. I didn’t call to see if Damien or David was there, hopefully it’s just David, but I wouldn’t bet on having that much luck.

I’m nervous about going, but I’m excited this is the last time. I get to use this moment as my last memory of Red Pony and all the crap I had to do while I worked there. It’s a chapter in my life I get to close, and then I get to open up a much less crappy new chapter. A chapter where I’m doing things I actually want to do, with a person that makes me happy and cares about me just as much as I care about him. It’ll suck not working with Marlene anymore, but we’re best friends anyway, and that won’t change, no matter what.

When we pull into the parking lot, I automatically start looking for Damien’s car. It’s kind of a habit at this point. I remember always hoping he wouldn’t be there when I showed up for my shift, and I can still feel the bitter disappointment of seeing his car as I parked. This time, however, there’s no such disappointment. Austin parks and Damien’s car is nowhere to be found.

“Okay, I’ll be right back,” I turn and say to Austin, but he looks concerned.

“You sure you don’t want me to go with you?” he asks as he places his hand on the lever to open the door.

“Nah, I’ll be fine. I’m only going in to grab the check, so it’ll only be a second. Plus, Damien’s car isn’t even here, only David’s. So, I’ll be right back, okay?”

My words don’t seem to appease him much, but he lets out a sigh and tries to relax. I smile at him and open the door.