“And she’s stubborn. So stubborn.” I quirk a brow in warning as Talia opens her mouth to respond. “But she’s also good,” I continue. “Kind. Smart.”
“And hot.”
I shoot her a look.
Talia holds up a hand. “What? I have eyes. And a brain. I don’t need a fancy medical degree to see what she’s doing to you.”
Normally I’d make a snide remark and walk away, but for some reason, I find myself speaking honestly. “Lucy’s young. Too young really. Not just in age, but life hasn’t killed off that spark in her. That fire. Being with her makes me feel alive again.”
“And that scares you.”
“What happens when she leaves?” The words are quiet, but spoken from the deepest part of me, and I regret them immediately, but that doesn’t stop me from continuing. “I don’t want to want her.”
“Then don’t.”
“It’s not that simple.”
Talia shrugs with the energy of a woman quickly running out of patience. “Then do.”
I shake my head. “It’s not that simple either.”
“Sure it is.” She scoffs, taking me to task in a way no one else but Bennett would dare. “Set a boundary. Stick to it. Or don’t. Go all in. Enjoy the moment. Get naked together if that’s what you both want. Care less. Live more.”
I open my mouth. Close it again. There’s no comeback for that kind of honesty and I deeply regret havingthis conversation. I make a mental note to never open up again.
Talia shrugs. “I’m full of wisdom today. Do with it what you will.”
I finish the sandwich and go back to my rounds, but the edge I’ve been carrying all morning has dulled. The rest of the shift drags. A broken collarbone. A toddler with a bead up his nose. A woman in her sixties who’s sure her neighbor is poisoning her cereal and demands a tox screen.
Through it all, Lucy’s text lives in my back pocket like a beacon.
I check my phone again on a bathroom break.
Lucy
Just double, triple checking you’re good with this before my roommate ships my stuff to your address
Still good. When you moving in?
I think Stella’s ready for her living room back as soon as you’re ready for company
Come on by tonight then
Say 7-ish?
I’ll clear the dresser and get you a key
You’re officially in the top five nicest people Iknow
Only five?
And here I thought kindness bombs had more impact
LOL
Okay. Top three
But don’t let it go to your head
