“Sorry.” She laughs. “I have a habit of putting my nose in where it doesn’t belong. I just love seeing people happy. And from what Wes tells me, that man’s been through a lot. I think you have too.”
“I have. And you’re right about Zane. But it’s not that simple. Our hurt is connected and…” I trail off, not wanting to bring down the mood.
“A relationship doesn’t necessarily help with the healing,” Lucy finishes for me, summarizing my fears in one little statement.
“Exactly. But we’re working on it.” The truth passes through my lips without thought, and an overwhelming strength takes over me. I want to work on it. Even if we have to hide it again, I want a relationship.
My heart races at the internal revelation, and I have to fight not to outwardly react.
I loved Nathan, but it turns out, I never stopped loving Zane. And like he said, it’s inevitable. We’re inevitable. It’s time I stopped denying us the joy we could be living.
“Something just happened?” Lucy squints, her expression puzzled.
“I think I just had one of those aha moments.”
“Ooh, I love those.”
Anxiety swirls inside me but this time it’s a good tension, a healthier dose, if that’s even a thing. And when Zane walks out of the locker room, his penetrating gaze instantly finding mine, it sets me on fire, confirming I’m making the right choice.
His lips pull into a smile as his long stride brings him closer, and I can’t wait to have him in my arms.
“Your ride has arrived, so I’m going to head off.” Lucy’s voice gets my attention and I break the spell Zane has me under, glancing her way. “I’ll still see you tomorrow though, right?”
“I’ll be there,” I say confidently, a resolute feeling settling into my chest. “I can’t wait.”
“Us either. See you then.”
Zane stops a few feet in front of us and Lucy gives him a nod. “Zane,” she says, making him frown before he hides his confusion.
“Hi.” He waves and Lucy laughs before walking away.
“Who was that?”
“I’m surprised you don’t know, since her husband knows all about me.” His confusion doesn’t waver until I tell him her name.
“Oh, shit. I had no idea she was going to be here.” He panics and I drop the teasing act, putting his mind at ease.
“I know. Wes told her I was coming, and she couldn’t stay away.”
“How did that go?” Zane scratches the back of his head, doing nothing to hide his concern.
“It was good. No, it was great. She’s lovely and while we didn’t talk much about the role, I still feel positive about it.”
“Oh, yeah?” His expression brightens.
“Yeah. I’m glad she surprised me.” A warmth fills me as I stare into Zane’s piercing eyes, my hesitation washing away. Lucy’s presence helped me more than she knows.
“Good.” Zane smiles, unaware of my change of heart. “Are you ready to get out of here? I was thinking we could go somewhere fancy tonight.”
“Fancy?” My eyes widen.
“Yes. I can be fancy, despite this rough exterior.” He rubs a hand over his stubble and I laugh.
“I never said you couldn’t. But I was hoping we’d stay in.”
Zane jokingly raises an eyebrow, and this time our thoughts are on par.
I think I’m ready for more, and I can’t wait to tell him.
