XIII

Lemon saw the lights of the car getting larger in the rear view mirror. It was clearly slowing down but it wasn't obvious at first that it was Wade's Ford that was approaching. She sat there, in the darkness, wondering what she should do if it turned out to be some stranger returning late to Bluebell. She checked the door. It was still locked, then stared intently out of the back windscreen.

'Lemon?'

Tears of relief pricked at her eyes and she turned in her seat to see Wade's tall, lean silhouette emerge from the car behind her. He walked briskly to the driver's door and leaned down, tapping on the window.

'Lemon, are you okay?' His voice was muffled, but even so she could hear how concerned he was. She nodded, and fumbled to release the lock. The moment he opened the door, she tumbled out into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and sobbing.

'Lemon, what the hell happened?' He held her as she sobbed, feeling both anxious and extremely awkward. He'd never seen Lemon Breeland break down before, let alone clinging to his neck like a child.

'It was horrible, Wade. He was…' she tailed off into his chest.

'Lemon? What the hell?' he asked, alarmed, over her shoulder. He pulled back to assess her, staring down at her tear-stained face. 'Are you hurt?'

'No,' she managed, calming slightly. She stepped away and wiped her eyes, visibly pulling herself together. 'He just tried…well, let's just say there was a misunderstanding.' She gave a brave, but tremulous smile. 'I'm okay. Just a little jittery is all.'

Wade stared at her.

'Lemon, what the hell happened?' he asked for the third time. He realised he was gripping her shoulders and forced himself to let her go.

'Nothing, really.' She managed a tight smile. 'I think I just misunderstood the proposal.' She shook her head, and tears welled in her eyes again, but she carried on smiling through them. 'I think I've been a bit naïve, Wade,' she said, valiantly, lip trembling.

'Lemon, no…'

'Yes,' she replied, emphatically. 'We went to dinner, and then, when he suggested goin' on to a club to see one of his bands…I kinda knew there was somethin' strange about it, but I didn't want to miss an opportunity.' She shook her head. 'And he…' she stopped. 'Well, he got fresh and I panicked.' She smoothed down her dress.

Fresh? What was this, the 1950s? Just what the hell did that understatement encompass?

'I left the club, then I got lost. It was late, and I began to think he may have followed me…' she stopped again. 'I just want to go home,' she added quietly.

He stared at her for a moment, not knowing what to say, his head full of alarming, unresolved questions. But one look at her face told him that they would have to wait.

'We'll take your car,' he said, reaching for the door handle.

'No. I've run out of fuel.' Lemon looked down sheepishly. 'It sounds so silly now you're here.' She shook her head and wiped her cheeks. 'That's why I called, really. I kind of panicked and found myself driving around. Then I got lost and ran out of fuel.' She looked at him, somehow ashamed. 'I think it must have been shock. Or panic. Or something.'

He assessed her quietly. There was more to this than that, but clearly, she didn't want to talk about it. He nodded agreement and locked her car before settling her in his own.

'I'll come back for it in the morning. I'll just call Brick…' he said, reaching for his 'cell phone.

'My father is out of town.' Lemon said, hurriedly, stretching out a hand to stop him. 'And I don't want to worry him unnecessarily.'

Wade looked at her.

'Then I'll call Zoe, and ask us to meet us at your flat.'

'No, Wade.'

He turned to her, hand poised over the keypad, frown furrowing his forehead.

'I think you should see a doctor, Lemon.'

She shook her head and took a deep breath.

'I don't need a doctor, Wade. Nothin' happened.'

He gazed across at her, his hazel eyes meeting her blue ones. They were completely inscrutable.

'I don't…' he began.

I'm sorry, Wade. I'm not seeing Zoe Hart. I just want to go home,' she said, firmly.

Wade nodded and turned away, starting up and beginning to drive home through the woods and coastal scrub between Bluebell and Mobile. Wade cast Lemon a quick sidelong glance. She seemed composed now she was in the safety of his car, but she still sat very stiff, staring mutely out of the window. He suddenly realized she was shivering slightly. Whatever she said, he was damn sure she should see a doctor.

Finally, he drew up in front of her apartment and cut the engine.

'Let's get you inside,' he said, getting out of the car and walking around to help her. She climbed out and stepped away hurriedly.

'I'm fine really,' she said, straightening. He shook his head.

'Oh, no you're not.' He reached out, but she flinched away from him.

'No!' She stopped, then shook her head, exhaling carefully. 'I'm sorry, I'm just a bit jittery.' She forced another bright smile. 'I'll be fine, if you just walk me to the door.' He nodded, accompanying her in silence. Then, at the threshold, Lemon hesitated.

'I know it's silly, but would you mind checking inside for me?'

Wade met her eyes. They were full of real fear. He nodded, his anxiety mounting. Then he took her key from her hand and let himself inside, turning on all the lights and opening doors in an ostentatious examination of the apartment. It was exactly as he might have thought Lemon's apartment would have looked: neat, pretty, floral and empty.

He returned to her.

'All clear.'

'Thanks.' She went inside. He closed the door and followed her.

'Sit down and I'll make some tea,' he said, heading for the kitchen, returning moments later to find her sitting on the sofa, staring into space, hands folded on her lap, clutching her handbag.

'I still think you should see a doctor,' he said, pulling up a table and setting down the cups.

'I'm not seein' Zoe Hart, Wade,' Lemon said, emphatically.

'Ethan Hart is here. Will you see him?' he asked, quietly.

She looked up sharply.

'Zoe's father is here?'

He nodded.

'Why didn't you say?'

'I just did.'

'I mean, before? When I was pestering you to come with me?'

He looked at her for a minute, unsure what she meant.

'I didn't know then,' he said, slightly perplexed by the apparently random direction of her conversation.

'You didn't know? You mean she just arrived with him?' she asked.

He frowned at her.

'Yeah. But that's not the point.' He gazed intently at her. 'Will you see him? Or do I have to call Zoe?' he asked, reaching for his 'phone.

'But I don't need anyone, Wade. You're over-reacting,'

'I don't care,' he said flatly, He stood up and walked to the window to make the call. His only concern now was whether Ethan Hart would deign to see her.

'Hello, Wade? Is everything ok?' It was Zoe, her voice full of the concern he felt. He stared out at the lights of Bluebell, wondering at the direction this night had taken.

'Yeah. At least, I've found her. We're back at Lemon's flat.' He moved into the kitchen, so Lemon wouldn't overhear.

'What happened?'

'I'm not quite sure. But she's pretty shaken up. I reckon she needs to see a doctor.'

'I'll come over, Brick's away,' Zoe said, her voice crisp and professional.

'No, Zoe.' He responded, quietly but firmly. He knew she wasn't going to like this. 'I'm sorry, but she won't see you, Zoe.'

'She what?'

'I know, Zo', but I'm not goin' to make her.' He sat on the edge of a stool, frustrated that the fallout from the George-Zoe fun-ride was still making life difficult. 'Look, do you think your father would mind comin'?' he added, wearily.

'My father's a surgeon, Wade. He's not a G.P.'

'Does that matter? What's the difference?'

'But I…'

He stared at the tiled floor, trying to make her understand.

'I know, Zo'. But she's pretty shaken up. I don't want to upset her any more this evenin'.'

There was a brief pause, though Wade could almost hear her irritation.

'Okay, I'll ask him.' Zoe agreed eventually. She muffled the receiver and talked to her father, then returned, saying, 'I'll drive him over now. We'll be five minutes.'

Wade put down the 'phone and flicked the kettle on again. He felt pretty shaken up himself, if he were honest. It was a big relief when Zoe's silver car finally pulled up and Ethan Hart emerged, walking purposefully into the apartment, his daughter three steps behind like some kind of assistant.

'Where is she?' Ethan Hart said, addressing Wade.

'The sitting room,' Wade said, stepping out of the way, and following the senior Dr Hart through the doorway. Lemon was resting, eyes closed, against the sofa back, but her eyes flicked open as they came in. She smiled brightly.

'Dr Hart. I'm so sorry about this. Wade is makin' a fuss.'

Ethan Hart shook his head, eyeing her shrewdly.

'Not at all.' He smiled. 'It's nice to see you again.' He walked up to her, 'I seem to remember you hosted a dinner for me. How are things? How is…' he frowned, recalling. 'Mr Tucker?'

'George?' she asked, then comprehension dawned. 'Oh, Harold! I think he's fine. Made a full recovery.' Ethan sat down next to her, talking easily about their last meeting, whilst taking her pulse and checking her vitals. Lemon gazed up at Wade, he eyes filling with tears of gratitude. Ethan Hart glanced between them, then nodded to him to leave. Wade withdrew, closing the door behind him.

'Is she okay?' Zoe had been standing in the middle of the kitchen floor, lost in thought, but she turned around and looked up as he entered.

He nodded and ran a hand around the nape of his neck.

'What happened?'

'I don't know. She wouldn't tell me exactly.' He leant against the worktop and looked down at the floor. It wasn't exactly true, but he wasn't sure Lemon would want him to discuss it. 'I think some guy might have tried it on…' he trailed off, shrugging helplessly.

'Oh my God, Wade!' she exclaimed softly, brown eyes full of concern.

'Yeah.' Wade scuffed at the tile. He felt impotent and angry. 'All I can think is that if I'd have gone…' he admitted eventually.

'It's not your fault, Wade,' Zoe said, walking over and putting a hand on his arm. He looked down at it and sighed. He couldn't help recall how he'd wanted to spend this evening.

'I know.' He shifted, folding his arms so she took her hand away. His mind was preoccupied by a series of horrible 'what if's' and he didn't want to think about Zoe. 'She was terrified,' he said finally, shaking his head. 'An' she'd been so excited about it. I really should have been there for her.' He stared bleakly at the floor. Zoe just looked at him, aware of a sudden undercurrent in the kitchen. She shifted uncomfortably, allowing a difficult silence to descend until Dr Ethan Hart mercifully interrupted them.

Wade looked up and immediately levered himself upright.

'How..?' he stepped forward urgently.

'She's fine.' Ethan smiled, professional but completely reassuring. Wade closed his eyes in sheer relief. 'She's shaken up, but nothing too serious seems to have happened.' He put his bag on the table and went automatically to wash his hands. 'I've given her a sedative. Nothing too strong.' he said, turning back to Wade. 'I suggested she go to lie down in the bedroom.'

'Right.'

'Is there someone who can stay with her?' he asked, looking at Zoe. 'A close female friend, or relative?'

'Her father's away and her sister is too young.' Zoe said. 'But maybe Annabeth?'

She looked at Wade. He shook his head.

'Annabeth is with Lavon. They're havin' a romantic weekend.'

'Cricket?' Zoe tried again. Wade raised his eyebrows.

'Do you honestly think Cricket would be any use here?' he responded flatly.

'George?' Zoe tried, looking somewhat hesitantly at Wade. He frowned, but shook his head. Ethan glanced between them.

'Well, look, she called you.' He met Wade's surprised glance with a curt nod. 'And if there's no one else, I think you should stay, at least until she's sleeping.'

'Me?' Wade asked doubtfully.

'Yes.' Ethan Hart's face was inscrutable.

'Why you?' Zoe asked, frowning at him. He shifted uncomfortably, suddenly anxious again.

'I dunno. I guess we've become friends?' He looked back cautiously at Ethan. 'How long will it be? Before the sedative works?'

'It shouldn't be long. Ten, fifteen minutes. It wasn't a strong one.' He gazed at Wade for a moment, but said nothing more, then he took his daughter's arm.

'Come on, Zoe. I think we should leave them to it.'

Wade knocked softly on the bedroom door, entering at the scarcely audible 'Come in'. It was dark in the room - the main light was off and the only light was from a bedside lamp, which cast a soft, rosy glow over Lemon's face, smiling softly at him. She was lying on her side, her hands under the pillows, looking more relaxed than he'd seen her in hours.

'How y' feelin'?' he asked, walking over to the bed and standing awkwardly. He'd never felt so uncomfortable in a woman's bedroom.

'Better.' She smiled up at him, her blue eyes slightly hooded with sleep. 'Dr Hart has a very good bedside manner.'

'I guess,' he said doubtfully, still hovering over the bed. 'I didn't notice much comin' my way this evenin'.'

She laughed. It was a relief to hear after the night she'd had.

'He said he'd given you a hard time.' She shifted slightly, making room for him to perch beside her. 'I think he was tryin' to make me feel better for callin'.'

'No. He was pretty much tellin' the truth.' Wade pulled a rueful face and sat down on the bed, careful not to touch her.

'Not flavor of the month with the Hart family?' she asked gently, watching him in the dark.

'You could say that.'

'It's only because they don't know you, Wade,' she added, softly.

'Is it?' He met her eyes doubtfully then looked away. 'I think it's more like that I cheated on their daughter. Not that they'd probably have liked me much anyway.' He leant forward on his elbows, looking at his hands.

'Dr Hart said you should have someone with you until you sleep,' he said. 'Is there someone you'd like me to call?'

'I'm fine.'

'So you keep saying'.' He looked up at her face. 'But should I call Cricket or Delia Ann or…' She laughed again, and he ran a hand through his hair, smiling ruefully.

'Can you imagine Cricket?' she said, shaking her head. He smiled, remembering how he'd replied to Zoe. 'I'm fine. Dr Hart has given me something to help me sleep. And I'm sure I'll feel much better after resting.' She gave him a long look. 'You really don't have to stay,' she began.

'Well, it's either Cricket or me, so it seems I'm here for the duration.' He gave a slight shrug. 'Dr Ethan Hart's orders. And I don't think I dare ignore 'em.'

Lemon eyed him with a wry smile.

'I bet Zoe isn't altogether happy,' she commented, shrewdly. He met her look and shrugged then stared at his hands again. A long moment passed.

'I'm sorry I wasn't there, Lemon,' he began, quietly.

'No.'

He looked up at her. She was smiling, sympathetically this time, shaking her head. She reached out to squeeze his hand briefly.

'This is definitely not your fault.'

He looked at her hand then back up at her, 'if that's what's botherin' you, forget it,' she said directly.

'But you were right, it is our business…' he began.

'And you had important personal things to do. Remember, you're dealin' with a Breeland. As I'm on drugs, and arguably not in my right mind, I don't mind admitting we do know how to be manipulative.' She grinned, a little drowsily. 'This was just one of those things. I should have realized when it became obvious he didn't know Gloriana.' Her gaze drifted off and she shook herself awake. 'The fact is, I was naive. I assumed he was who he claimed to be. Instead, he was some small time a hanger on, and I was too stupid to see it.'

'Not stupid, Lemon...'

'Well, not exactly the brightest spark.'

'At least we know now.'

'Better late than never, eh?' She smiled. 'I'm sorry it wasn't our big break, Wade.'

'I don't care about that.'

'I know. But I do. And I'm sorry.'

'It'll just take a bit longer.' He smiled reassuringly, squeezing her hand. 'We'll get there. The important thing is that nothin' happened.'

'Yes. But I hoped…'

'I know.'

There was a brief silence.

'The bar, you…' she paused, then, with some effort, carried on. 'It feels like it's all I have left.' She met his gaze briefly, but couldn't hold it. 'When I got lost, I didn't know who else to call.' She hesitated. 'I'm sorry.'

'For what?'

'For calling. For…' she stopped and they looked at one another in the lamplight.

'It's all right, Lemon. I understand,' Wade said, eventually, with infinite gentleness. 'You know I...?' he began

Yes, I know, Wade,' Lemon agreed softly.

Zoe stared out of the windscreen and into the darkness. She felt unaccountably irritable. She crunched the gears, as if emphasizing her frustrated thoughts: Firstly, it was ridiculous that Lemon wouldn't see her. She was a doctor. What was Lemon's problem? Secondly, why had Lemon called Wade, of all people? Couldn't she have called Annabeth, or, since she wasn't there, any one of the Belle's, for that matter? Wouldn't George Tucker have been a more likely candidate for bedside ministrations than Wade, who claimed to be decidedly uncomfortable with all that wet-flannel-and-chicken-soup sympathy? And thirdly, well, thirdly…Zoe stared furiously out of the window. Thirdly, somehow Wade still hadn't responded to her declaration of over a week ago. And now, now he was sitting, at three o'clock in the morning, at the bedside of another woman. And not just any other woman, but Lemon Breeland. A woman who hated her; the same woman he spent most of every day with; the woman who probably saw more of him than she did. The same woman in fact, he'd pretended to be engaged to not so long ago, in an effort to protect the dreadful Joelle Sugarbaker from her ex-boyfriend. And the same woman who would gladly take any opportunity to…

'Penny for your thoughts?'

Zoe turned around and stared at her father.

'I was wondering what happened,' she lied.

'Yes.' Ethan agreed, non-committally. They were silent for a second, as Zoe pulled in to the plantation.

'I guess the sedative will be taking effect by now,' she said, too casually by half. Ethan glanced at his watch, nodding.

'I expect so,' he said. 'Wade will be back in no time. Unless...' he trailed off ominously, staring out of the windscreen.

Zoe turned around.

'What?'

He turned to her, his grey eyes full of quick intelligence.

'You do know that woman is in love with your boyfriend?'

To be continued...