Perfect Valentine Chapter 5

SPOV

My hands were shaking and my knees threatened to buckle when I saw Bill standing at my front door. How'd he found out where I lived? Jason! I'd kill that brother of mine yet!

"Sookie," he said with his smooth-as-silk manipulative tone. "It's been too long."

Not for me, it hadn't. Not near long enough. "What do you want, Bill? How'd you find out where I live now?" I didn't let any of my shakiness into my voice.

"Sookie, come on, anyone can find out anything on the internet these days, and if you'll recall, my day job is working with computers. So, when Jason told me you were about to marry some rich fuck, I looked you up."

"Okay, you found me, good night," I said sarcastically as I started closing the door. He put his foot against it and took a step inside.

"Not so fast, Sook. I'm not through talking to you. You know, I never stopped loving you. I just quit pursuing you because you didn't seem to know what you wanted. I always figured you'd come to your senses and call me. We were meant for each other. You know that, baby." I swear honey was dripping out of his lying mouth.

I took a deep breath. I could do this. "First of all, I don't think you ever loved me, except in your own twisted definition of love. Second, you quit pursuing me because I did everything short of a TRO to stop you, and believe me, that was the next step. Third, I did come to my senses, that's why I left. And last, but not least, I was not meant for you, you were not meant for me, and we are never getting back together. Now, go."

"Well, that's quite a speech. What's that old saw, 'Methinks the lady doth protest too much' something like that? How about you let me in, and we have a good chat, or…whatever?" he gave me the half-closed eye look that meant he wanted sex.

"No, Bill, you aren't coming in. Not tonight, not ever. Get off my doorstep, or I'll call the police. I won't hesitate this time. After what you put me through when we broke up, I have trouble remembering any of the good times we had in the beginning. I know there were some, but they ended long before the relationship did. We've been over all this before. Now, please." I started closing the door again, trying to force him out of the house.

"Listen, here, bitch!" he growled between clenched teeth, "I'm the best thing that ever happened to you. You'll be sorry for throwing me over for some spoiled pretty boy. He may have you thinking he loves you now, but, mark my words, he'll get tired of you and your pathetic ways soon enough. Just don't plan to come running back to me, because I'm through waiting for you."

"Fine, Bill, good luck to you. I'll work it out on my own if it comes to that." I pushed the door further, and he backed out. When the door latched, I immediately locked it and threw the deadbolt. There was a loud bang, like a fist on the outside, but then I heard Bill's footsteps leaving the porch. In a minute the squeal of tires told me had given up and driven away. Thank God. I collapsed on the floor leaning against the door until I stopped shaking. Running to the bedroom, I put my clothes back on, grabbed my purse and headed to the car. No way I was staying here!

I knocked on Eric's door about 30 minutes later. I hoped he wasn't already asleep. I hadn't called because when I left the house I wasn't sure this is where I was headed. My first thought was Tara, but she'd put up with enough of this. Amelia, no way she'd be alone this early in the evening. Then I knew Eric should have been my first thought anyway. For one, he's my fiancé now, my future husband, the one I would bare my soul to for the rest of my life. Besides, it was time he knew the whole truth, about Bill, about what Jason said the other night, everything. I just couldn't hold all this from him any more. Once I'd stopped shivering after Bill left, I'd been strong, no tears, no more weak knees, no dark clouds of doubt. All that changed as soon as Eric opened the door.

"Sookie? What…" he got out before I melted into his chest. His arms immediately circled my trembling body, his shirt absorbing my tears. "What happened?"

He led me into the apartment, to the couch. He sat down and pulled me into his lap. I furiously tried to wipe away my tears, taking deep breaths, and willing myself to regain control. "Um, after you left, um, I thought you were coming back when there was a knock at the door. But it was Bill, my old boyfriend, remember? I didn't think he knew where I lived any more. I was just…"

"Shhh, Sookie, breath, just relax," he spoke with a soft soothing voice. "Just take it slow and easy. Did he put his hands on you?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that. It was just…There's a lot I need to tell you. It's complicated. Can I stay here tonight?" I nuzzled into his neck, knowing he'd never refuse me, but I felt a little guilty, "Did you finish your work?"

"Almost, just a few more minutes worth to go. Of course, you can stay. Let me get you something. You want a drink?"

"Just water, thanks, Eric. I love you so much, but I don't want to burden you or keep you from work." I was gaining some measure of control now, just being with Eric was good for me.

"You are never a burden to me, Sookie, and I told you I'm almost finished with the work. How about I finish up while you continue to calm down?" he asked as he handed me a glass of water. I just nodded in reply, and he returned to the computer. About 15 minutes later, he closed up his laptop, placed it in his briefcase, and rejoined me on the couch. "Better?" he asked.

EPOV

I was deep into the notes for tomorrow's meeting when there was a knock on my door. Who the fuck would that be this time of night? Feeling annoyed, I got up and answered it. Sookie! Something must be wrong. She dissolved into tears immediately when I spoke to her. Well, now maybe we could have that talk I'd intended to have tonight. It was just with my having to do more work, and Sookie seeming better, and both of us ready to hop into bed when I arrived, I'd decided to let it wait. When she could talk again, she'd explained that her old flame, Bill, had shown up after I left. Damn, I should have stayed. He hadn't hit her or anything physical, but apparently she's having some emo breakdown or something. Okay, I'll crank out this work right fast, and see what the deal is.

I sat down beside her on the couch, pulled her to me, and asked, "Better?" She just answered with a weak smile and a nod. God, she was so beautiful. She wore no makeup, the rumpled clothes she'd had on earlier in the evening, eyes swollen from the tears, and still, I couldn't take my eyes off her. "You wanted to tell me something."

She took the kind of breath you might take before jumping off the high board and began, "There was a lot of stuff about Bill, about our relationship that I never told you. I think I need to now." I just tightened my arm around her and nodded. She proceeded to tell me how she'd come to know Bill, meeting him in a club where his band was playing. They'd started dating, and he was her first sexual partner (that I already knew). She'd stayed with him for years, because she thought no one else would want her, and she thought she loved him, even though he treated her with some indifference. I wasn't sure if she remembered our conversation on the first night we met, she'd had a few beers, but I didn't interrupt, I just let her talk, even though I knew some of this basic information. Then she started talking about sex. She'd never had an orgasm with Bill. Didn't know it, though, until she'd been with me. Wow, I didn't know that! Then, after assuring me that she hadn't broken it off with Bill because of meeting me, she told me about the break up and how difficult he had made that period for her.

We'd met one Saturday night, and I'd given her my number, hoping she'd call if she did ditch Bill, but after two weeks, I'd just about given up hope when she finally did. Now she told me about those two weeks. He'd put her through a bunch of shit. He parked outside her apartment all hours, came to her work, called constantly. A real tool, this one. She finally moved and changed her phone number so he couldn't find her. Then she called me, because she'd liked me when we'd met. She didn't figure it would come to this, but just thought I would be someone to keep her mind off the troubles Bill'd put her through. Thanks.

"And the rest, as they say, is history?" I interjected finally, trying to bring a little humor to my voice.

"Yeah, I guess so," she answered looking up and smiling back at me. She gave me a peck on the chin. "I'm sorry, I hope I haven't scared you off, or bored you to death. I didn't mean to be such a wimp."

"You're not getting rid of me that easily, besides, I've told you before, I'm never bored to hear about you. I just wish you hadn't had such a hard time, and I wish you'd told me about it months ago. I can't stand the thought of you carrying this around all this time. And you're not a wimp, Sookie. A wimp wouldn't have stood up to Bill in the first place." I nuzzled the top of her head. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure," she said looking up with curiosity.

"The other night, at your parents' house. Your mood changed before supper, maybe while I was out in the garage with your dad. What was that all about?"

"Oh, I'm glad you reminded me. I was going to tell you that too. Jason and Bill became big buds while we were dating, and Jason doesn't know all this shit I told you tonight. He doesn't understand why I left Bill, and kinda resents my being with you now. I've just avoided him for the most part these last several months, but Sunday night, well, he said some hateful things to me. I hope he didn't say anything to you?" She had a frightened look on her face now.

"No, not really. He did come off as a bit of a jerk, but, lots of guys are, I guess," I tried to sound supportive of her without being too judgmental of her only brother.

"He can be that. He and Bill are alike in a lot of ways, none of them good, by the way," her face took on a thoughtful look now. "I'd hoped he would be happy for me, but I don't really give a damn. I'm happy, and I'll live without his blessing if I have to."

"Don't you think you should talk to him? I mean, tell him all the stuff you just told me?"

"Oh, I will, it's just, I didn't want to come between them, you know. I'll get around to it." She was starting to yawn now, so I suggested we retire for the night. I pulled out a t-shirt for her to sleep in. If I'd given her that satin number, we'd not have gotten the sleep we needed, I'm sure. I pulled her close to me in bed, and we were both out in minutes. The alarm was going to come on in three hours, so it was a good thing.

Much too soon, Carrie Underwood came floating out of the radio, signaling six o'clock. Sookie tried to snuggle in to me, but I knew I had to get up. I hit snooze, covered her back up, and went for the shower. I started a pot of coffee, and went in to wake Sookie. She slept so peacefully, that I toyed with the idea of just leaving her there. She could miss a day of work. Not that she wasn't important at the office, but no one is indispensable. Before I could turn away, she roused and spotted me. "What time is it?" she asked drowsily.

"Six thirty. Why don't you call in sick?" I said, sitting down on the bed and rubbing her back.

"Nah, I'd better go. Any coffee?" she turned over, letting me move my hands to stroke her breasts through my t-shirt.

"Almost. Do you want to shower while it finishes?" I would be happy for her to just stay here, or hell, to join her.

"Mmhmm," she muttered, stretching her arms and legs, and rolling away from me to get out of bed. She turned back to look at me and giggled, "You thought you were going to get me to stay, didn't you?"

After her shower, she joined me in the kitchen for coffee and oatmeal, then we went back to the bedroom to get dressed. She pulled out the skirt and blouse she kept here for just such occasions, and looked none the worse for wear in no time. While she put the finishing touches on her makeup and hair, I pulled out my suit and tie. I perused the clothes hanging in my closet, and started shifting some of them around. Grouping them into categories, based on how often I wore them.

When Sookie pronounced herself ready to go, I pulled her to me, "Would Sophie Anne allow you to work through lunch and get off about two today?"

"Uh, maybe, I guess. Why? What's up?" she looked up at me with big eyes of anticipation.

"I was just thinking about leaving the office myself about that time. My meeting will be over, and I'm pretty much caught up otherwise. I think it's time for me to move into your house. Maybe we could meet back here and start packing my stuff. What do you think?"

I traced her face and neck with my fingers as I talked. It never hurts to have a little extra persuasive technique in play when you're trying to sell an idea, right?

I just thought her eyes were big before! "Oh, Eric, really, you'd move in with me?" Suddenly she backed away from me, "Wait, is this because of last night? You think I'm scared to be alone?"

"No, Sookie, I always figured we'd move in together soon, but I thought we'd look for a place of our own. I know you love your house, though, and this apartment holds no particular fascination for me, so if you want to, I say, let's go ahead and do it now," I explained my plan to her. "Besides, I do like waking up next to you!" I let my eyebrows punctuate that sentence.

"I like that too. Okay, I'll check on the getting off early thing. I'll text you when I know. This is going to be fun!" She came up on tiptoes to kiss me, and we grabbed our stuff to leave. Climbing into our separate cars, we gave each other a smile and a wave, and backed out of the parking lot.

Driving into work, I made a mental agenda. This was going to be a busy day. My meeting would be over by 11:30 at the latest, that would leave time to call him and set up a dinner tonight. I was ready to get some of this bullshit behind us, so we could start our life together in earnest. Breezing into the office, running just a little late, I stopped by Ginger's desk and told her to find me a phone number for Jason Stackhouse. She could call the home number for Sookie's parents to get it if needed. I closed the office door behind me, opened up my desktop, and heard the ping of my phone. That would be Sookie.

OK SEE U AT 2 LUV U

SPOV

Eric wants to move in! Today! I didn't want him to leave last night, never wanted him to, really, but I never thought he'd move in this soon. I was so glad. After Bill showed up last night, it would feel a lot better having Eric around, not to mention the extra sack time. It took a good thirty minutes to get to his house from mine, longer if there was traffic, so we'd have that or more time that wasn't wasted on the drive. I giggled to myself, that's silly, no way the extra thirty minutes is the important part. We were going to be together every night! That was the important part!

I talked to Sophie Anne right away, and, of course, she was more than willing to let me leave early as long as I didn't get behind. I assured her I wouldn't and went right to work. I worked through my morning coffee break, although Octavia did bring me a cup, staying just long enough to get the news that Eric was moving in today. Then while the other girls gathered in the breakroom for lunch, I was still hard at work. I could hear them laughing and talking, but wasn't jealous, because I was working with a cause today!

When two o'clock finally came, I was out the door in a flash. I stopped and got sandwiches, and drove to Eric's apartment. He had just pulled in himself, and climbed out of the Corvette with a bag of take-out. We really were a match, weren't we? We looked at each other and started laughing hysterically. Finally we went to his apartment, ate the contents of both our bags, and got to work packing his clothes for the move. About five-thirty, we had my car loaded, and he told me to drive home, leave the unloading for him, and get cleaned up. We were going to dinner.

"Dinner, Eric, really? Why don't I just whip up something?" I protested.

"No, we're going out. Nothing fancy. Olive Garden, okay? But I want to take you out. Go on, now. I'll be there in about an hour." He playfully shooed me with waggling fingers at the end of outstretched arms, so I rolled my eyes at him and left.

I grabbed a couple of suitcases to carry in, just to save him some trouble, and then jumped in the shower. It wasn't until the warm water hit me, that I realized I was exhausted. We'd gotten all of three hours sleep last night, and had been working all day. Now, he wants to go out? What kind of man have I got myself hooked up with this time?

When Eric came in, he was already dressed to go to dinner. We brought a few boxes in from the Corvette, and then left.

"I still don't understand why you were so insistent on going out," I said, "I could have cooked. Aren't you tired?"

"Exhausted," he replied, "but there's something we need to take care of. Then we'll go home and go straight to bed. To sleep." He looked at me with the look a parent gives a willful child on those last two words. Like it was my fault we missed sleep when we were in bed together! Well, okay, sometimes it was my fault.

When we pulled in to the Olive Garden parking lot, I saw it immediately. Jason's truck. There was no mistaking it. Black with swirls of pink and turquoise. "What have you done?" I asked him accusingly.

"What you wouldn't. I called and told Jason the three of us had to talk," he answered seriously, taking my hand.

"I hate you, Eric Northman," I said staring him full in the face.

"No, you don't. You love me, and this is just going to make things easier for all of us. Now put on your big girl panties, and let's go set your jerk of a brother straight on a few things!"