Bill POV

I get to Lorena's house in record time. Since I didn't understand a thing from her message, I'm anxious to find out what was going on earlier. I knock on the door and this time she answers. She's looking around frantically, running her fingers through her hair, shaking uncontrollably. I'm almost afraid to find out what happened tonight.

"Bill, thank God you're here. Come in, please."

"Lorena, why the fuck weren't you here earlier? You know I drove all the way from Shreveport to see you and you weren't here."

"I know and I'm sorry but I had to put an end to the charade. You said that you were breaking it off with Sookie yet…"

"Yet I haven't. I know. It's complicated like I told you. You said you had to put an end to the charade. What are you talking about?" She wouldn't look at me. "Lorena!"

"I went to your whore's house in Bon Temps. I figured she'd be at home since you were coming here." I hadn't told Lorena that Sookie lived in Shreveport for a reason.

"Lorena, you had no right to do that, none at all. Do you know how much trouble you could have caused? You would have ruined everything!"

"I was going to tell her to stay away from you! That you and I were together and she needed to keep her grubby paws off you. I didn't get to because I saw a woman speeding away from the rear of the house. I hadn't gotten out of my car yet and I wasn't sure if it was Sookie, so I walked up to the window to see if anyone else was in the house. I saw an older woman lying on the floor at the foot of the stairs. I didn't know what the hell happened but didn't stick around to find out either. I got back in my car and drove home. I called you on the way."

"You didn't do anything else?"

"No I didn't."

"And you're sure the woman in the car didn't see you?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. She drove by so fast, she couldn't have seen me."

"Did you get a good look at her?" She was still shaking.

"Not really. She was blonde I think, but like I said she drove by so fast I couldn't see much."

"But you're sure it was a blonde woman?"

"She had long blonde hair. I'm pretty sure it was a woman." I smiled to myself. I had found my leverage. This little game was going to get pretty interesting.

"You did good Lorena, really good. Now come here sweetheart, I've missed you."

Eric POV

I tip toe into the living room on high alert. I'm ready to pounce on this mystery guest as soon as I see them. I turn the corner to go into the kitchen, and I'm surprised by what I see. Jason Stackhouse raiding the fridge. That would be the first thing he does when he comes to his grandmother's house. Shaking my head, I call out to him.

"Jason!" He jumps almost high enough to touch the ceiling.

"Shit! Don't come creeping up on me like that man. Eric? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here with Sookie. Tara called and told us about Gran. Have you seen her?"

"Yeah, Tara got a hold of me too. She said Gran told her not to call me but she did anyway. I just came from the hospital. She seems good. She pissed she's in the hospital cause she can't sleep in her own bed tonight." That sounds like Gran all right. She doesn't like to be told what she can't do.

"Um, did you want me to let Sookie know that you're here?"

"No, if she's sleeping let her be. I'll talk to her in the morning. So, you two uh…?" He gestured at my lack of shirt and unbuttoned pants.

"Yeah. I love her man. Always have and always will."

"Well all right. Come here man." He pulled me into a hug--an awkward hug, but a hug nonetheless. "You know I have to tell you that if you hurt my sister I'll have to kill you. I like you and all, but she's my family and I own a shotgun." He was all business.

"I wouldn't have it any other way. I just hope you gave Bill the same speech."

"Oh that motherfucker won't come around if I'm here. I scared him shitless a while back. He better not have fucked with Sookie or he'll get an ass whooping he'll never forget." I couldn't help but laugh at Jason.

"What exactly did you say to him?"

"It's a long story and I drove straight here from Baton Rouge. If I wasn't so exhausted I'd tell you. Maybe tomorrow? I'm gonna turn in so I'll see you in the morning."

"Yeah, goodnight."

I head back to Sookie's bedroom where she has curled up on her side of the bed. I climb in behind her, pulling her into me, spooning her. I close my eyes, breathing her in and drift off to sleep in bliss.

I awake with a huge smile on my face hoping that Sookie will be up for a little morning nookie. The dream I had about her last night could not compare to what I wanted to do to her this morning. I reach over to pull her closer, finding that she's not there. I open my eyes, taking in my surroundings and getting my bearings. I am at the Stackhouse farm so it wasn't my imagination. Maybe she's in the bathroom?

I grab my jeans and tee shirt from my bag, throwing them on before heading out to the kitchen. The smell of coffee wafting through the house hits me like a ton of bricks. Sookie is sitting at the table with Jason sipping coffee. I must have walked into a private conversation, as they both get quiet when I approach.

She's wearing my shirt. If I thought she looked amazing in her dress last night, seeing her in my shirt this morning is mind blowing. The sight makes my dick twitch to life in my pants. "Not now," I tell him, but damned if he's listening.

"Morning Eric! Sookie I'll be upstairs when you're ready to go." Jason stands up from the table and retreats upstairs. This cannot be good.

"Okay Jase, thanks. Hey. Can I get you some coffee, breakfast? You must be hungry."

"I'm hungry but not for food." I smirk at her, but she doesn't laugh.

"I'm only serving breakfast this morning. You interested?"

"Uh, Sookie is something wrong? I mean last night was…"

"Amazing. Last night was really amazing, I just um, I think I need a little time Eric." Shit. Just what I thought.

"Time for what? Are you thinking about going back to Bill?"

"No, nothing like that. I left him a voicemail last night telling him we were done. I just wanted to talk to him to make sure he gets the message. He may not have gotten it last night."

"I still don't understand. Why do you need time? You're done with Bill and we're just getting started. Can you explain this to me, please?"

"I don't want you to be some type of rebound thing. I want to have closure with Bill. I need to do it this way, for my own well-being."

"Sookie, this doesn't…."

"What? Are you really going to argue with me about this? I'm telling you what I need. I thought you were all for giving me what I needed."

"I am but…"

"There's no but. I am telling you I need a little time. I can't think straight. One minute I'm pissed at Bill for ditching me, the next I'm kissing you, then I feel guilty again for being unfaithful to Bill--"

"You, unfaithful to Bill?! Sookie…you can't, you have to know that he isn't even in love with you. He doesn't give a shit about you. He only cares about possessing you. I've tried telling you before…"

"Yes, I remember, he's a cheater right? I never caught Bill with anyone."

"Sookie you walked into his apartment and he was there with another woman. You do remember that, don't you? Was that not catching him?"

"They weren't doing anything. I didn't walk in on a compromising situation, they were just talking. And she was one of his co-workers."

"So Bill says. You know, I have given you the benefit of the doubt but this is just ludicrous. If you can't see him for what he is then maybe…" I feel defeated.

She needs space from me, again. What more do I need to do to get this woman to see how much she means to me, how much I need her, how much I love her?

"Maybe what?"

"I don't know. I just don't know anymore." I pause to gather my thoughts. I'm so pissed right now and I don't want to say anything to make matters worse. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What I do know is that I love you and want to be with you but, you keep pushing me away. You have to make up your mind Sookie. I need to know how you feel. Do you want to be with me?"

"I do, Eric I do!"

"Then let's be together and forget all the other bullshit!"

"I just…" I pull her into my arms kissing her with all that I have. I hate arguing with her but sometimes it's necessary. I pull away from her taking a much needed breath.

"Sookie, look at me. I love you, you love me, that's all there is to it. There is nothing complicated about this situation. Fuck Bill. Either he got the message or not; you don't have to make him feel better because you want someone else in your life." A tear rolls down her cheek and I wipe it away.

"Let me do this Eric and I promise you, no more talking or worrying about Bill. I have to be sure he knows we're done. Once I'm sure of that and I work everything through, I'm all yours."

"I don't like the idea of you seeing him again. At least allow me be there with you."

"I don't need a babysitter Eric. He won't do anything to me. Besides, I'm not afraid of Bill."

"Maybe you should be. He's not right Sookie. I'm not saying he's completely nuts but he's a little off. He doesn't deserve your consideration."

"That may be true but he's going to get it nonetheless. You can head back to Shreveport without me. I'm going to stay here until Gran gets better. She'll need some help for a while and I want to be here for her."

"I understand that, but why don't I stay here with you. At least that way I won't worry about you."

"You don't have to worry about me. Go home, I'll be fine."

"I don't like this." She put her finger to my lips, silencing me.

"I'll be fine. I promise. I love you."

"I love you more." I pull her to me, kissing her tenderly. I know I'm going against my better judgment here but I'll do what she asks, just this once. "If you need anything you call me. I mean it Sookie; nothing is too small or insignificant. You call for anything."

"Okay, okay. I got it. I'll call if I need you. Now shoo!"

I reluctantly let her go after giving her one more hug. I go back to her bedroom to grab my bag and keys. Sookie is still in the kitchen when I return and I pull her to me once more, kissing her as if I'll never see her again. I leave her breathless. I want to make sure I'm the one thing that comes to mind whenever she touches or licks her lips.

"I'll see you soon. I can give you a ride home if you want. Just call--"

"I'll let you know. Bye, Eric."

"Bye, Sookie." I turn away from her and head out the door. I can't help but feel that I'm making a huge mistake leaving her here. If anything happens to her because of Bill, I will kill him. Then I'll call Jason to help me hide the body.

Sookie POV

I wake to the most amazing feeling in the world. Eric laying beside me, snuggling into my neck. His slow breaths against my skin, sending chills down my spine. Everything about him makes me weak with want. How can I sleep without him after last night? Mmm, last night.

I was so glad Eric decided to stay with me. I don't know how I would have handled being alone after seeing Gran in the hospital. I didn't want to come back to an empty house. Sure, I have good memories of living here but they were memories made with Gran and Jason. The quiet would have reminded me of the one thing that I dreaded thinking about most--Gran no longer being here.

Eric shifts behind me pulling me from my somber mood. I can feel what mood he is in; the evidence is hard and pressed against my thigh. I would love to feel Eric all over my body this morning but I need coffee, badly. I sit up and move quickly from the bed.

Wow, I'm a lot sorer than I thought. What a sweet reminder of the great night we had together. Eric shifts again, pulling the sheet covering him down a little, revealing his gorgeous ass. I'm about two seconds away from climbing back into bed with him when I hear a noise out in the living room.

I pull on Eric's shirt, buttoning it on my way out to the living room. It's empty. I hear something fall in the kitchen and reach to grab the baseball bat by the front door. I pull it back preparing to swing as I walk into the kitchen.

"Jason!"

"Hey Sook. I need coffee. Where does Gran keep it? And what are you doing with that bat?"

"Give me a hug first and I'll start a pot."

"Geez girl you got a grip on you. All right, all right let me go now. I missed you too." I did miss Jason. I hadn't seen him in quite a while now.

"The baseball bat was to hit you upside the head. I didn't know it was you."

"Sorry if I scared you."

"You didn't scare me, just can't be too careful nowadays. You've been gone for too long. What are you doing here?"

"Tara called and told me about Gran. Sook, maybe we should think about moving her into assisted living or something. I don't like the thought of her being here by herself."

"I'm not that far away and she's fine. Gran can take care of herself. This is probably the first accident she's had in all the years we've known her. Don't be so quick to put her away. You sound like Aunt Linda."

"Yeah, well she may have a point. You going to see Gran this morning?"

"Yeah, as soon as Eric gets up."

"So, you finally opened your eyes, huh? I don't know how you didn't see he was in love with you. Shit if I saw it and you didn't…" He shrugged.

"What does that mean? Are you calling me an idiot?"

"Exactly. Sook, he's always been there for you whenever you needed him. I can't say the same for Bill and I don't even live in the same city as you."

"You only know what Gran tells you."

"And it's enough. She worries about you, you know. She never did understand why you were with Bill. I mean he's okay but I don't know Sook. He just seemed kind of creepy to me."

"Well that's the first I've heard of it from you. Why didn't you say anything?"

"Would you have listened?"

"No."

"Okay then. Look, I know it's none of my business but Eric is a good guy. I talked to him last night. Sook he loves you, probably more than you deserve. Don't fuck it up by pushing him away like you do everyone else that loves you. I guess that explains why you were with Bill for so long." He laughed.

"Why are you laughing and stop being so cryptic? Are you saying that I was only with Bill because he didn't love me or I didn't love him?"

"Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. See, I knew you'd get it, you're a smart girl." I balled up a napkin and threw it at him.

"Shut it Jason Stackhouse. I'm not interested in your twisted theories, man-whore."

"I may be a man-whore but I know my shit. You on the other hand…"

"Whatever. So listen, are you coming with me to see Gran? I don't want to go by myself."

"Of course I will, but I thought that's why Eric was here."

"I know, but sitting here talking to you I realize that I need to talk to Bill. I want to have some time to get my thoughts together and I can't do that with Eric around. I'm not saying he's bad for me or anything, I just can't think straight when he's near me. My brain turns to mush." I think I may have blushed.

"That's because you love him. See, you're pushing him away already. I am telling you Sook, you'll regret it. If you've never listened to your big brother before, now is the time. You better take heed girl." I get up to pour our coffee and think over Jason's "relationship wisdom." He may be right but I won't admit it.

Not long after I am settled at the table, Eric walks into the room. Jason excuses himself to leave us alone and I tell Eric that I need some time to think. We argue but he finally relents. Once he's left, I take a shower and get myself dressed to bring Gran home. Jason is waiting for me in the living room with a "you're making a big mistake" look on his face. Like I need that this morning. We pile into his truck and make our way to Clarice.

I have no idea what I'm doing. I miss Eric already. Seeing him this morning in his tee shirt and jeans got my libido revving. Maybe this time apart will be good. I can figure out exactly what I want. I know that I want Eric, but in what capacity? I put aside my thoughts as we pull up to the hospital.

Gran looks good. Her cheeks are rosy, she's laughing and smiling. The doctor says she should be able to come home today, as she wasn't seriously hurt. She doesn't have a concussion, just some bruising on her arms and legs. I know she'll be excited to be in her own home and in her own bed.

A few hours later, we get the discharge papers and load Gran into Jason's truck. Jason spends most of the ride home gossiping with Gran about everyone we know. As we pull up back, I'm terrified by the look she gives me. She looks around a bit, whipping her head back and forth as if she's looking for something.

"Sookie I thought Eric brought you home last night? Where's his car?"

"I sent him home. I didn't want him to feel obligated to help me look after you."

"Look after me? Child I do not need you to look after me. I'm fine. I had a little tumble and it won't happen again. I don't really have a need to go upstairs so you won't have to worry about that. If I do need anything, I will call you. Now you go home to Shreveport and you find Eric."

"But Gran…"

"Don't you but Gran me. Sookie I know you are an adult and can make your own decisions, but right now, you are not making the right one. I thought I taught you better than that. I realize some of it might be my doing, what with me interfering with you two living together at school. I thought if you were apart, you would realize how much you missed him, and how much you needed him in your life. That didn't work out as planned and you missed all that time with him. Well, I won't be the cause of that again. You have a chance to be with a man that loves you and you will not use me or anything else as an excuse. Now Jason Stackhouse, as soon as I'm out of this car you drive your sister home. Do you hear me boy?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. Sookie, I love you. Don't you worry about me. I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for most of my life which is much longer than your and Jason's years combined."

I had nothing to say. Gran gave me a squeeze and I hugged her back. I could feel the tears I fought desperately to hold back spill over and down my face. I would go home but I needed to talk to Bill. I have to get things squared away with him first, and then I'll go see Eric. I had no idea Gran felt so passionate about my relationship with Eric. I didn't think…that's just it, I didn't think. Maybe there is something to what Jason said earlier. I guess my ride home will be all the time I have to think it over.

She scoots her way out of the truck, pushing me back in on her way to the front door. She turns to look at me and nods.

"Call me when you get there!" She waves us off as we pull out of the driveway.

"Jase, we need to take a little detour before heading to my place."

"Okay Sook. Just tell me where to go."

My problem is I don't know where to go.

A/N: I know I don't need to ask but I will anyway, where do you think she wants to go, should go, or is going? I'm taking suggestions. I just may choose yours so don't be shy and leave me a review. Thanks again to my lovie hearttorn. I love my second set of eyes. Wasn't who most of you thought was in the house. One person guessed right! Morrigan28 guessed it. Thanks for reading, reviewing, alerting and favoriting me. You guys keep me writing, seriously. If you didn't review and want more I'd spend most of my day reading. Yup. So, review, review, review. xoxo