And for the first time since dinner...
I wonder if walking away was strength.
Or fear.
Chapter 15 - Lucy
The knocking pulls me out of sleep like a hand around my wrist.
Sharp. Insistent. Too loud.
I jolt upright on the couch, heart racing, disoriented for half a second before memory crashes back in all at once, Mom’s pain, the clock ticking toward her next dose, the way I’d sat there counting minutes like they were currency.
The knocking comes again.
I groan and glance toward the hallway. The bathroom door is closed. Mom must be up and moving. I hope that is a good sign.
“Who the hell is knocking this early?” Emily mutters from the armchair, face buried in a throw blanket. “If that’s a landlord, I’m pretending to be dead.”
“Please be dead quieter,” I whisper, already standing.
I stand on unsteady legs. I don't even remember falling asleep last night. I sat on the couch with mom, rubbing circles on her back while I felt her breathing soften as the pain eased and then...
The knocking grows firmer.
Seriously?
I wince. “I’m coming.”
I glance down at myself, in sleep shorts, a tank top, hair tangled, and grab the oversized cardigan hanging by the door, shrugging it on as I stumble forward.
I crack the door open, keeping most of it between me and whoever is at the door.
A woman stands there, posture impeccable, dark coat tailored, hair pulled back into a low chignon. My eyes land on a face that looks like it’s never known sleep deprivation.
For a second, I think I’m still dreaming.
“Yes?” I ask cautiously.
“Lucy Bennett?” she asks.
“Yes?” I repeat.
She offers a polite smile. “I’m Claire. Mr. North’s executive assistant.”
My stomach drops.
“Oh,” I say, the word tumbling out of my mouth. “Hi.”
Her gaze flicks briefly around me, not intrusive, just observant. “Mr. North heard you’d be working from home today. He wanted to ensure you had everything you needed to complete the project.”
I blink. “I... what?”
“May I come in?” she asks gently.
I hesitate, then step back, opening the door fully, because refusing feels rude, and I’m too tired to navigate whatever this is at the door.
“Sure.”
