Chapter 996 He Came Back on His Own

"I understand," I said, knowing Emily had my best interests at heart. She let out a sigh and switched gears. "So, I heard from Liam that Iddy's back in Lake City, and he's not doing so great. Did you guys fight again in Lake City?" I paused, searching for the right words. "No, it's probably my fault. I might've said something harsh and ticked him off." "Yvette, is it really over between you and Iddy? The thing with the kid isn't impossible to fix. Just tell him the truth. If he doesn't care and still wants you, then maybe you two..." I cut her off, "Emily, I'll leave the casino issue in your hands, thanks." Emily picked up on my reluctance to continue the topic and did not push. "Okay, if you don't want to talk about it, I won't bring it up. "Oh, and Madam Young's birthday is coming. She sent an invite to the Scotts and made a point of asking me to call you. She's hoping you'll come. Will you be back in Lake City by then?" "Yeah, I should be," I replied. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call. … Lucas was not found until three days later. Actually, he showed up on his own at Astoria's place. Astoria was on the line with me while I was dealing with some paperwork at the real estate agent's office. When I heard her voice, all I could muster was a composed, "Got it." Astoria's voice came through the phone, soft and tentative. "Ms. Scott, when are you heading my way?" "I'll be there soon." My response seemed to lift a weight off her shoulders, and her voice brightened. "Great, I'll let him know." After wrapping up a few loose ends 30 minutes later, I surveyed the new yard. The setup was complete with nothing more to add. It was move-in ready. With that, I made my way to Astoria's place. She was waiting for me, and with anticipation too. Her smile widened as I approached. "Ms. Scott, is everything set with the new house?" I nodded. "It is. Pack up your things and talk to the landlord about the house here. We'll move you in the next couple of days." Her eyes sparkled at the news. "I can't wait to live in the big yard. It's going to be wonderful." I managed a grin. "If you're thinking of making Tully City your home, you can stay there for as long as you like. I'm hardly around, so I'm counting on you to look after the place." "Of course," she assured me, her arm slipping through mine. Her smile reached her eyes. I glanced around the room, hesitating before asking the question in my mind, "Has he mentioned anything since he got back?" She knew I meant Lucas. Astoria gave a cautious look inside the house and said in a hushed tone, "Not a word. He just asked about you and then sat there in silence. He seems to be doing alright with no sign of injury." With a nod, I entered the house. The moment I walked in, our eyes locked. He had a deep, dark gaze. He was still clad in the same clothes he had picked up from Astoria before he left. Winter had set in, so the fabric of his clothes was thick. However, the garments hung loosely on his slender frame. Seated and with his missing leg out of sight, he almost resembled the handsome man he once was. We stared at each other, my face a blank slate. I did not bother to ask him anything. He opened his mouth, a trace of guilt crossing his features. His voice was a raspy whisper, "Yvette, I..." I had not heard him call my name in ages, and it stirred a fleeting whirlwind of bewilderment and surprise within me. However, it passed quickly. "I'm going to make some pasta," I said abruptly, cutting him off before he could say more. I then headed for the kitchen. Dinner time was nearing, and with no groceries from Astoria, a simple pasta dish would suffice. Astoria trailed behind me into the kitchen. She tried to speak up a few times, but I deftly steered the conversation away. I prepared three bowls of pasta and had Astoria bring them to the table. She set the table. Then, just like before, she helped Lucas into his wheelchair and wheeled him over. He placed a fork in his hand. I sat and ate quietly, letting silence fill the space between us.