What is she saying? I sit up in bed and reach for her. “No, I won’t. I love you, Prudence. It was love at first sight.” Was it? “Okay. Second sight. That day you wiped out in front of my shop and you yelled at me, I knew. You were the one for me.”
The two of them, Prudence and the other one, both say “Oh boy” at the exact same time. Why do they keep saying that?
“What?”
“Thank you for telling me all of that, Nate.”
I’ve got to think about it, but my brain is foggy. I’m not sure which part she’s thanking me for, and to be honest, the fact I’m now feeling very sleepy makes it difficult to remember things I said. As I close my eyes, I see Prudence take the seat in the chair next to my bed. Holding my hand out, I really hope she takes the hint. When I feel her fingers intertwine with mine, I sigh and whisper, “Love you, Prudence.” And I’m out.
* * *
My mouth isas dry as the Sahara Desert. God, I fucking hate the desert.
“Oh, good. You’re waking up,” says some other nurse or doctor or some shit. How many people work in this place anyway?
I blink a few times until my eyes adjust to the light. “Where am I?”
“Urgent care. You’ve been asleep for over an hour.” I look around the room. It’s coming back to me. I look down and notice I’ve still got hives, but they aren’t near as red and angry as they were. Plus, I don’t feel the urge to itch.
It brings to mind something else. Another memory. And then it hits me. “Where’s Prudence?”
“She stepped out. She’ll be back soon to take you home.”
“Oh.” Good. I’m ready to go. I want to sleep in my own bed. This gurney or whatever I’m lying on right now is rock-hard.
I don’t have long to wait. Prudence appears at the door. “You’re awake?”
“Yeah,” I grump. “Where were you?”
She smirks as she steps close to the rock bed. “I ran home to pack up some things.”
“You packed?”
“Sure. You told me you loved me and that it was love at second sight. So, I went ahead and assumed that meant you wanted me to move in with you.”
I blink. Fast.
She frowns like my reaction is hurting her. “That’s what you meant, isn’t it, Nate?”
Did I say all that? And what does love at second sight even mean? Like something to do with ghosts? “Um. Sure. Move in. Whatever.”
Oh, Fuck.
“Great. You like cats, right? I’ve got one, but I’m thinking I’d like to get several more. You know, rescue cats. Otto needs some friends. I’ve been meaning to do that but haven’t had the time, but since I’ll be living with you. I can quit my job and spend all my time caring for the kittens.” She smiles, and it’s breathtaking.
“If that’s what you want, that’s okay with me.” But is it?
Holy shit. What the fuck have I gotten myself into?
And that’s when the laughter begins. She’s bent in half she’s laughing so hard. I can’t say I like it much. “You’re fucking with me.” Not a question. “I’m ill, and you’re fucking with me?” My feelings are hurt. A tad.
She’s still smiling as she leans in close. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” Then, she does something nice. She kisses my cheek, and I forget the whole thing.
“Can you take me home now?”
“Yep. You’re all set. I’ve got your paperwork in my purse. Let’s go.”
ChapterTwenty-One
