I hesitate, not quite ready to leave yet, but I know he needs to.“I’ll see you next week?Same time?”
“Sounds good.”
He slips into his car, and once I get to mine, I sink into the driver’s seat.The cool fabric is a welcome relief against my overheated skin.I grip the steering wheel for a moment before finally pulling away, heading back home with too many thoughts running through my head.
Chapter 13
Adrian
Aweeklater
I’m supposed to meet Amelia now, but I’m still stuck at the hospital after a night shift, finishing up paperwork after a new admission.I can’t just walk away mid-shift.My patients come first.That’s the reality of this job.
But the delay eats at me.We’re supposed to be a team on this.She’s counting on me.And worse, I don’t even have her number to let her know I’m running late.Stupid.Neither of us thought to exchange that one major piece of information.
My shift was meant to end at eight a.m., but by the time I finally get out, mid-morning light has settled over the town.I drive straight to Pulse Point Bridge, hoping she’s still there.But as I pull into the lot, my chest tightens.Her car is nowhere in sight.
I still check our meeting spot, clinging to the foolish hope that maybe she’s waiting.But the bench is empty, the space silent except for the distant rustle of trees and the occasional chatter of birds.
Fuck.I’ve let her down.
Guilt rolls in my stomach as I turn back toward my car.I can’t leave it like this.I need to make it right.Even if that means showing up at her home, I’m going to try.
As I pull up to her house, her car is in the driveway.
Thank God she’s home.
At least I can explain what happened instead of leaving her wondering if I just didn’t show up.
I take the steps two at a time and knock, my pulse kicking up as I hear the distant sound of kids laughing inside.The door swings open, and there she is… Amelia.
Her eyebrows lift in surprise, mouth parting slightly before she runs a hand down the front of her top.She’s in sweatpants and a white hoodie, her hair in a messy bun, minimal make-up, looking more relaxed than I’ve ever seen her.
“I’m really sorry.”I rub the back of my neck.“I got stuck at work.I couldn’t contact you.”
She crosses her arms.“I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I figured I owed you an apology in person.”I glance down at my suit, suddenly feeling overdressed.“I’m a bit out of place here.”
Amelia smiles.“At least one of us is comfortable.”
That small bit of humor eases the tension, and I let out a breath.
“Well, I’ve got a few things started for the fundraiser from donations already.”She steps back.“Do you want to come in and go over things?I probably can’t head out again.”
“If you don’t mind.I feel bad about standing you up earlier.”
“Come in, then.Ignore the mess.”
That’s it?No lecture?
I was prepared for pushback, and her forgiveness makes me feel both relieved and slightly unworthy of it.
She leads me inside.Felix darts through the hallway, his giggles filling the space.I spot her mom on the sofa, flipping through a magazine.
“Hi, Ms.Richards.”I wave.
She looks up and gives me a small smile.“Adrian, lovely to see you again.I heard all about the fundraiser.Sounds like a great thing you’re doing.”
