If Only...

Chapter 3

Hannah dropped her bag and coat on the couch. "Sonny?" She called up the stairs when she saw his coat on the back of his chair. She noticed the tray with tea sitting on the table and frowned. Sonny never drank tea.

She moved to the stairs when Sonny appeared at the top. "It's late, Hannah."

"Well, since when do I need an appointment?" Hannah teased, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

Sonny descended the stairs, grabbing a hold of her arm and guiding her back down. "Hannah, it's not a good time, right now."

"Why?" She moved to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I think it's the perfect time." She brought her lips to her but Sonny moved away.

"Because it's not. There's been a problem and I need to take care of it." He moved to the couch picking up her coat and bag. He handed them to her absently, shuffling her toward the door. "I'll come by in the morning."

Hannah dug in her heels, noticing the red jacket lying under Sonny's. She tugged her arms out of his grip and ran to it. Turning to him, she held the jacket in her hand. "Who's is this?"

Sonny face remained motionless. Hannah looked at him, then the coat and the tea that sat on the table. She knew she'd seem this jacket before but… Hannah's eyes widened in shock. "What the hell is Carly doing here?" She dropped the leather on the floor, making her way to the stairs. "Carly! Come on out, I know you're here."

"Hannah…"

"What?"

"Calm down. Lower your voice. Carly doesn't need this right now."

Hannah stared at Sonny, judging how serious he was. "You've got to be kidding me? Since when do you care what happens to Carly?" Hannah watched as Sonny walked around her. "What's going on?"

"Nothing that concerns you."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. Really." Sonny was becoming angry. He just wanted to get rid of Hannah and make sure Carly was comfortable. "Hannah, please, trust me."

"Oh, I do trust you. I don't trust her. What kind of scam is she pulling? Carly! Get down her and face me you little bitch!"

"Enough!" Sonny roared from behind Hannah. She turned to look at him in shock. Hannah saw the contained rage in Sonny's eyes. He moved to his bar, pouring a generous amount of scotch. Taking a long sip, Sonny faced Hannah. "Get out, Hannah."

"What? You're tossing me out because of that little slut?"

"Stop with the names, Hannah. Carly's been through hell tonight."

Hannah laughed cruelly, her eyes shining with a strange light. "What story did she give you?"

"Hannah, stop."

"My god, she's got you now, too. This is amazing. You know she lies. Anything she says is complete bull. What story did she give you? What did she say to produce this kind of protectiveness from you? Or is it something else? What? Are you trying to get in her pants?"

Slamming the glass on the bar, Sonny walked over to Hannah. "I said enough. You don't know all the details. Leave it alone. Go home and I'll see you tomorrow."

"That it?"

"Since when do I offer explanations to you?"

"Since you've got other women in your apartment!" Hannah's eyes narrowed. "How long have you been fucking her?"

Sonny flinched at her crudeness. He 'd never seen Hannah like this. "Get the hell out. Now!" He swung the front door open and watched as Hannah stormed out, slamming it shut after her. Sonny stood with his hands on the door, trying to control his temper. It wouldn't help Carly to see him upset.

"I'm sorry."

Sonny turned to the stairs when he heard her. She was wearing his black robe, the huge garment engulfing her small frame. She seemed so fragile at that moment. Sonny walked over to the foot of the stairs, holding his hand out to her. "What are you sorry for?"

Carly glanced at his hand before hesitantly giving him hers. Sonny guided her to the couch, sitting at her side. Carly avoided his eyes, afraid of what she would see there. "I'm sorry about Hannah." She glanced at his face before looking away.

Sonny shook his head, reaching for her chin and forcing her to meet his eyes. "That wasn't your fault, Carly. Hannah was completely wrong."

"I didn't make it up, Sonny. I'd never do that to you. I swear."

Sonny looked at her, shocked that she would think that. "I know that." Carly searched his eyes and satisfied she moved to stand up. Sonny's jaw tightened when she winced. "Do you mind seeing a doctor, Carly?" Carly shook her head weakly. "Tomorrow."

"Okay. Let me help you." Holding her arm, Sonny guiding her to up the stairs. She winced at every step. "Hold it." Stopping her, he reached down and brought her into his arms. Carly tensed at the move but relaxed after a second. She laid her head on his shoulder, breathing in his warmth and scent.

Sonny ignored the sudden rush of desire and pushed the door open with his foot. He laid her down on the bed, covering her with the comforter. Her hand shot out and grabbed his when he turned to leave. "Can you… would you stay with me… until I fall asleep, please?"

Sonny couldn't think of a way to say no. He realized he didn't want to. "Okay." He removed his shoes and socks. After a moment he unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, dropping it on the floor. Carly avoided looking at him, closing her eyes tightly. She felt the dip of the bed as he got under the sheet. Sonny lay on his side staring at the back of her blond head. On instinct he moved closer, bringing her back against his chest and wrapping one arm around her waist while the other hand smoothed back her hair. He almost smiled when she snuggled into his chest and let out a long sigh. "Sonny." She mumbled as exhaustion took over.

"Hmm?"

"Why'd you come?"

"Same reason you stayed with me that night. Jason."

Carly frowned, falling deeper into unconsciousness. "That's not why I stayed."

Sonny froze at her confession. He started to ask why she had stayed but realized she's fallen asleep. He watched her sleep for a minute, glad that she could have some peace. He pulled her more tightly to him. Tomorrow. Tomorrow was soon enough to ask her what she's meant.