“Trash liners in place, QR code in plain sight, Wi-Fi password posted but not screaming from the rooftops,” Lukas rattles off, ticking his list. He shoots me a grin. “Cancellation policy reads firm but kind. Basically, you in legal form.”
Liz studies me over the stack of consent forms. “You slept?”
“Some.”
“Translation: not at all.” She squeezes my arm. “Tomorrow, you’ll be brilliant.”
My phone chimes on the desk, Nate’s name lighting up the screen.
Nate
Missed you on the bench tonight. You’re my good luck charm, Trouble.
Wheels up after the horn. Late at Teterboro, then practice in the morning.
I’ll swing by tomorrow afternoon. Wouldn’t miss your big night.
Have the best first day. You earned it.
Warmth rushes through me so fast, I have to sit down. I type back:
Eden
Win your game, Magic Man. I’ll save you more than a dance.
Liz’s gasp slices through the quiet clinic. “Jesus. You must be Eden’s brother.”
Leo fills the doorway, bruised knuckles, split lip, a rib-shot stare. His attention flicks to her, one brow ticking up, equal parts challenge and curiosity.
Liz steps in before she can stop herself, hand lifting. “Did anyone even check this?”
His gaze tracks her fingers, locked on the slow rise toward his face. He doesn’t move when she hovers just shy of his skin and skims the purple bruise.
Then his hand closes around her wrist, steady and controlled. A crooked smile cuts across his split lip. “What’s your verdict, Doc?”
Liz meets his eyes, unflinching. “That it hurts more than you’ll admit. And that you’re rockingthe look.”
The smile deepens; heat sparks at the edges. “Smart girl.” He releases her slowly, thumb grazing once.
She leans closer, daring. “The photos do you justice.”
“They do?” His voice drops into a low rasp.
“Though you’re…” Her gaze skims his shoulders, his chest, the shadow of his jaw. A slow smile curves her mouth. “Bigger than I imagined.”
His eyes catch and hold. For a beat, the air tilts between them, thick and sparking. Only then does his attention shift, roughened but familiar. “Lukas.” They knock fists in a practiced bump. “Good to see you, man.”
And finally, his gaze cuts to me. “Place looks good, E.” He gives the room a slow once-over. “Didn’t think you’d pull it together this fast.”
I give him a quick tour, pointing down the hall. “Intake here, treatment rooms there. Gym here. Massage therapist starts tomorrow.”
Leo grunts, skeptical but impressed. “Looks…professional. Almost too professional for you.”
“I’ll keep the chaos alive,” I say. “Calendar’s already full. If you want a slot, I might give you the big-brother rate. Be nice.”
He laughs, muttering about little sisters who forget their place, affection threading through the bite. A beat later, he’s herding Lukas toward the door and throws Liz one last look. “Come on, I’ll drive you downtown before I head back to Brooklyn.”
Lukas waves, all mock sorrow. “Another night I go home unloved.”
