“Celeste, woman to woman, it may take time for your memory to restore, but know you are welcome to stay as long as you need. You’re safe here with us.”
I cannot help but feel like there was far more packed into her statement than what was on the surface. I simply nod and continue to eat. Maybe I’ll come clean tomorrow.
Beau
I haven’t heardfrom Celeste in five weeks. Technically, it has been four weeks and six days. I hate it either way. Every day I obsessively refresh the news feeds while praying like hell she isn’t on any of them. My parents have noticed my somber mood. They think I’m still reeling from the anniversary of Sara’s death. Of course, I’m still sad about that, but my brain is raging from being caged. My hands are tied. I don’t know how to find her and therefore cannot help her. I caught a glimpse of Wes since the mall run in. He still looks like a smug sonofabitch. I don’t know if it’s good or bad. It’s driving me crazy.
Instead of reviewing the briefs of one of the junior lawyers, I’m staring out onto the street watching people pass. I’ve wished to see light-brown and blonde curls bounce as they pass my window so many times that I fear hallucinating. I miss her so much. Someone knocks on my door, and I know it’s futile to hope it is Celeste.
I yell an uninterested, “Enter” as I wait for the intruder to reveal itself. My heart sinks past my toes when Emma pops inside and closes my door. Oh Lord, here we go. I know where this is going before she speaks. Emma is pin-up sharp, and it is late Friday afternoon. Even if she was going out, she’s too dressed up for the time. I instantly realize that this is another attempt to get me.
“What?” I challenge without preamble. She looks cute at best. Still not for me.
“I was giving you time to break up with that woman and come to your senses.”
It is a small community. She knows damn well no one has ever seen me with Celeste which means it’s impossible for us to be in a relationship. I would love to be in one with her, but I know it’s not in the cards right now. I still turn down women in hopes that Celeste will come back.
Weeks later with plenty of time to think, I still want to explore what we could be to each other.
Emma taps her too-high heels on my wood floor. She doesn’t look too pleased that I zoned out thinking about another woman while she’s put so much effort into her appearance.
I catalog the changes. New shoes—obviously, bare legs, a black mid-thigh body contouring dress, push up bra, hooker red lips, and a smokey eye. New haircut with golden highlights. I almost snort with laughter. I wonder what inspired the color I think sarcastically.
“Do you have a date?”
Emma smiles saucily and parks her probably thong-wearing ass on my desk, facing me. She crosses her legs to reveal more of her thighs.
“I could if you cooperate. Tell me the truth. Did you hire her?”
“No.”
“It’s okay if you did. I won’t judge. Just know, I’m willing to do all of that and more.”
She adds more gloss to her already overly done lips to bring attention to her mouth. I fail to suppress an eye roll this time.
“First, get off my desk. Second, I appreciate the effort, but the answer is still ‘no.’”
Emma’s gasp is scandalized. “She left like a thief in the night. You still want her?”
I nod. There is no point in denying the truth. “Very much. Oh, the things I’d do to her right now…”
I let the statement linger not because I like being an asshole but because my emotions are raw and Emma’s persistence is irking me. I don’t know what to do or say to get her to understand it’s not happening.
Emma narrows her eyes at me. She’s still on my desk. With the speed of a desperate woman, she pushes the straps of her bra and dress down, baring her breasts to me, before I can stop her. I’m a guy so it only takes a second to recognize that she actually has nice tits—they’re firm, high, and tipped with dusty pink. I feel nothing. I move away from her and my desk.
“Put your clothes on. I’m aware you’re a woman. You didn’t have to flash me to prove it. This doesn’t change anything.”
I stuff my hands into my pockets and stare out the window, giving her privacy to restore her dignity. I’m sad it’s come to this. I hate that this is the demise of our friendship.
“It might if you weren’t bewitched by that bitch.”
I flinch at the insult. Celeste has been through a lot; she doesn’t deserve this unprovoked hatred.
“I turned you down before I knew she existed,” I turn to Emma with cold eyes. I’m relieved that she’s dressed again. “Or did you forget? What is it going to take for it to sink in for you? I don’t want you like that! I respect you. You were one of my best friends. It hurts every time I have to turn you down. Yet, you keep putting me in the position and making me the bad guy.”
“So tell me ‘yes.’”
My eye is twitching again. She’s dumb as hell to be such a brilliant doctor. I hope she puts this much effort into saving lives.
