Chapter 13
1073 Words
LUCY
"I'm sorry I couldn’t deliver my resignation letter in person," I said softly into the phone. "Everything's happening so fast, and I haven't even had a moment to breathe."
"So... where are you relocating to?" Amia asked, curiosity tinged with concern.
"We don't know yet," I replied, then instantly regretted it.
"We?" Her voice sharpened.
I forced a chuckle. "It's a long story, Amia... and one I can’t explain over the phone."
She tsked. "Brunch. We're meeting up for brunch. No excuses."
I smiled despite myself. "Just give me the time and place, and I'll clear my schedule so fast my patients will gasp for air." I joked.
She laughed, and for a moment I felt normal again. Amia had been my co-surgeon in the A&E department — my colleague, my lunch partner, my distraction. But I never let it grow deeper. Just obsessing over one person.
I burst out laughing. Amia and I have been co-surgeons for the A&E department where I worked. She was also my lunch partner and gist mate but we knew nothing about each other. I didn't let it grow into something more.
"I’ll try to make it happen and let you know."
A soft knock at the door interrupted me.
Austin peeked in. "You’re awake?"
"Come in." I rounded up the call. "I'll get back to you with the details, Amia… Yes, I’m okay… take care."
Austin wheeled in a food cart. "I thought I’d surprise you."
My eyebrows lifted. "You carried all that by yourself?"
"I have super strength today," he joked. "You give me superpowers."
I couldn’t help but smile. "It smells amazing."
"You haven’t even seen it yet." He whipped off the cloth. A full English breakfast, perfectly arranged, with sweets on the side.
“This is about to become your new norm." His voice was filled with laughter. "All you have to bring along with you is a huge appetite and that face of yours.”
My heart skipped as my gaze rested on him. Austin had been the perfect host — no, more than that — since I arrived two days ago. Too perfect.
"You don't have to leave," I blurted out as he turned to go. "There is more than enough for two." My voice cracked slightly. "Please, I… I don't want to eat alone. It's been my routine for days and it's getting tiring."
He hesitated, then smiled softly. "Alright. But only if you take the first bite."
I made room for him on the bed as he sat beside me, our shoulders brushing.
"Open wide," he teased, holding up a forkful of eggs. I obeyed, and the flavor melted on my tongue.
"This is incredible."
I looked up, only to find his gaze locked on my face. His expression was loaded with untamed desire. It sent an unexpected thrill down my spine.
Then he moved closer.
"Stop me if you don’t want this." His breath warmed the skin of my neck, and goosebumps rippled down my arms.
I didn’t stop him.
I stood perfectly still as his lips rested on mine. He pulled away and looked at me, questioning. I nodded and he went in, kissing, teasing my mouth to respond. He tasted of coffee and something else— something new.
He wasn't Blake. But it still felt good.
Then I pulled away with a breathless laugh. "We’re going to end up with cold food at this rate."
"I can warm it up," he murmured, but I shook my head, stuffing my mouth with toast to avoid more conversation.
"You’ll have to teach me how to make toast this good," I mumbled between bites.
"If that’s what you want."
"It is."
"Do you know anything about cooking?"
"Not a damn thing."
He chuckled. "Well, I can’t promise I’m a great teacher, but I’ll pass down what I know."
"Good enough for me," I said. "I’ll just keep cooking for you till I get it right."
He cleared his throat. "By the way… about our little escape. I found a few places you might love. We could go through them together."
"No," I said too quickly. "I’d rather you make the decisions."
The thought of Blake invading my mind and knowing my destination scared me. I wanted a clean start away from him. These last few days, he had hardly crossed my mind. But thinking about Ma — and leaving her behind — hurt in a way I wasn’t ready to face.
"You don’t have to worry," Austin said softly. "I’ll take care of everything."
"Thank you," I whispered.
"If all goes to plan, we’ll be gone in two weeks."
"I resigned from my job. No friends to say goodbye to… except maybe Amia." I forced a smile. "I’ll be ready."
"I’m heading downstairs for some water. You want anything? Juice? Beer?"
"Just water is fine."
He nodded and turned to leave.
That’s when I saw it.
A small, jagged scar on the back of his neck.
I froze. My blood turned to ice.
"W-where did you get that?" I whispered, my voice cracking.
He turned, confused. "What?"
"The scar." I pointed, my hand trembling.
He reached up, fingers brushing the mark. His eyes never left mine. "I’ve had it since I was a kid… why?"
I couldn't answer. My breath came shallow.
The scar— something scratched the back of my mind. It was familiar. Why couldn't I remember? I couldn't tell. I don't know why the scar made my body stiff with fear.
My stomach twisted. Nausea bubbled up and I doubled over to the side of the bed and emptied my gut.
"Lucy!" Austin rushed to me, panic in his voice. "What’s wrong?"
I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, heart pounding.
"I — I don’t know," I whispered, barely breathing.
He rubbed my back, his brows furrowed with concern. "You okay? Should I call someone?"
"No," I said quickly. "I think I just… ate too fast."
He didn’t look convinced.
Neither was I.
Something was off.
“I just need to lie down. I'll feel better after I have rented.”
He kissed my forehead, before pulling the comforter over me. “And if you don't, I'll have someone come over.”
I nodded and watched him leave. My mind raced with questions. Was there something I was missing? Who was Austin? I knew nothing
Maybe it was time I changed that.
- Writer
