She falls asleep curled against me, safe and claimed and learning. I stay awake longer, marveling at how this tiny hurricane of a woman has transformed my life in just six weeks.
My back barely hurts anymore. I'm not drinking to cope with pain or loneliness. I have purpose and focus and someone who needs me as much as I need her.
And for the first time since I got shot, since I came home broken and bitter and convinced I had nothing left to offer anyone, I feel like I might actually be okay.
No. Better than okay.
Whole.
six
Lilah
I'vebeenperfectallday, following every rule to the letter. Ate breakfast with Geoff - eggs and toast and fruit that he cooked while I watched. Had an actual lunch between classes - the sandwich and salad that he packed for me this morning with a note that said "Be good." Now we're heading to John and Bunny's for dinner, and if I can survive meeting all of Geoff's friends without dying of nervousness, I'm getting my reward after.
"Stop fidgeting," Geoff says, one hand on my thigh as he drives, his touch warm and grounding.
"I'm not fidgeting."
"You've adjusted your dress three times in two minutes." There's amusement in his voice, not criticism.
I smooth the soft pink sundress he picked out this morning, laid out on the bed with matching underwear and shoes like he's been doing for the past week. "What if they don't like me?"
"They'll love you. And if they don't, we leave immediately." He squeezes my thigh reassuringly. "But they will. Stop worrying."
John and Bunny's place is above her candy shop on Main Street, and the entire building smells like chocolate and sugar, sweet and overwhelming and perfect. Bunny answers the door in a pink apron covered in hearts, her blonde hair in space buns that somehow look adorable instead of ridiculous.
"You're here!" She immediately pulls me into a hug like we're old friends instead of strangers. "I'm Bunny! You're Lilah! Your studio is so cute! I've been meaning to try yoga but I'm terrible at it and—"
"Bunny, let her breathe," John says from behind her, his voice affectionate despite the command. He's huge and gruff and has the same protective energy as Geoff, the same way of taking up space. He nods at me. "Good to meet you properly, Lilah."
Inside, the apartment is exactly what I expected from Bunny - pink everywhere, fairy lights strung across the ceiling, stuffed animals on every surface. But it's also warm and lived-in and happy in a way that makes me instantly relax.
Marshall and Charlie arrive next, and Charlie is quiet and sweet, carrying a stack of books like she can't go anywhere without them. Marshall watches her with the same intense focus Geoff uses on me, that same protective hovering that somehow doesn't feel oppressive.
Rex and Daisy show up last, with Daisy carrying two foster kittens in a carrier that she starts apologizing profusely for bringing until Rex cuts her off with a single look.
"No apologizing," he says firmly, and she closes her mouth immediately, then smiles at me. "Hi! I'm Daisy. I work at the vet clinic. Rex says you're a yoga instructor?"
"And physical therapist," Geoff adds before I can answer, his hand settling on my lower back in that possessive way thatmakes me feel claimed and protected. "She's going back to school for it in the fall."
"I am?" I look up at him with surprise, because this is the first I'm hearing of this plan.
"You are. We'll discuss the details later." His tone makes it clear this isn't up for debate, and I should probably be annoyed that he's making decisions about my education without consulting me first.
Instead, I feel that familiar relief washing over me - someone else handling the hard decisions, someone else seeing potential in me that I can't see in myself.
Dinner is casual and easy, the conversation flowing naturally. The men gravitate to one side of the living room, discussing some construction project in deep, serious tones. The women end up in Bunny's kitchen while she plates dessert, and it feels comfortable and natural despite us barely knowing each other.
"These cookies are amazing, Lilah!" Daisy exclaims after taking a bite.
"Thanks. I make them every week." The admission makes me sound domestic and devoted, and I wait for judgment that doesn't come.
Bunny smiles at that, and something knowing passes between us, an understanding that requires no words. Charlie catches it too, her eyes flickering between us with recognition. We don't say anything explicit, but there's understanding in the air thick enough to touch.
From the living room, Geoff's voice carries clearly: "Lilah, what time is it?"
I check my phone, already knowing what's coming. "Eight-thirty."
