Chapter 35
SHANE
Returning to the office building, the air feels heavier than it did this morning. I can’t help but feel that my mind is elsewhere, anxiously waiting for the moment I can close my office door and let my thoughts drift to Liam. Still, I go through my tasks until, finally, the end of the day arrives.
With a sigh of relief, I close my computer and gather my things. It’s time to call the clinic to schedule that appointment with the gynecologist I’ve been putting off.
I search for the number on my phone and, after a few seconds of hesitation, I press the call button.
-Women’s Health Clinic, good afternoon. How can I help you? -a friendly voice replies on the other end.
-Hi, good afternoon! This is Shane Murphy, and I’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Perez, please. -My voice sounds firmer than I feel.
-Of course, please hold on a moment while I check availability… -there’s a brief silence as I sit impatiently in my office chair.
-I’m sorry, may I ask if this appointment is for a routine check-up or something specific? -the assistant asks in a professional tone.
-It’s just a normal check-up. No… it’s nothing serious. I just want to be responsible, you know. -I close my eyes, focusing on staying calm.
-Understood. Dr. Perez has a couple of slots available this Friday and Monday. Which would work better for you?
-This Friday? Sounds perfect.
-Great. Let me confirm that… -I hear the whisper of keys in the background as she books the appointment-. It’s confirmed for Friday at nine in the morning.
-Thank you. Perfect! -I say, feeling more relieved.
-We’ll send you a reminder via text message. Do you need anything else?
-No, that’s all. Thanks again! -I reply, hanging up the call.
With the appointment set, I can’t help but feel a mix of relief and a bit of unease. But now, my focus shifts to getting home and sharing the news with Marc, who always has a way of making everything seem simpler.
As I leave the building, the cool evening breeze brushes against my face, energizing me. However, before arriving home, I decide to take a detour to pick up the emergency pills I had looked up. I feel a bit uncomfortable, but I know it’s necessary to be cautious.
Upon arriving at the pharmacy, I quickly head to the medication area. With my heart pounding, I search the shelves, and after a tense moment, I find what I need. I grab the box and approach the counter.
-Is there anything else I can help you with? -the pharmacist asks.
-No, that will be all -I reply, trying to hide my nervousness while feeling relieved at the same time.
With the package in hand, I leave the pharmacy with one less weight on my conscience. Now, my mind is definitely focused on Liam. That man has gotten under my skin in such a short time that it scares me.
When I get to the apartment, I open the door to the sound of the TV filling the air.
-Marc? -I call.
-In the living room -he responds from inside with a calm, carefree voice.
I head toward the living room and find him comfortably settled on the couch, a bowl of popcorn resting on his lap. His gaze shifts from the TV to me.
-Look who’s here! -he says, getting up and walking over-. How was the rest of your day?
-Not as exciting as before -I joke, smiling-. I scheduled my appointment with the gynecologist.
-Really? -he asks, knitting his brows with concern-. Are you okay?
-Yeah, just a routine check-up. It never hurts to be responsible, right? -I reply.
-I’m glad you did it -he responds, relaxing back into the couch-. So, do you have plans for tonight?
-I just want to drown myself in a series marathon and popcorn with you if you don’t mind -I say, smiling.
-That sounds perfect. -He gets up and looks toward the kitchen.
-Give me a second, I’ll whip up a quick dinner. Do you want anything in particular?
-Anything is fine, I’m sure it will be delicious -I reply, as I sit on the couch and get comfortable to relax a bit.
Marc moves swiftly in the kitchen, and I take the opportunity to pull out the package of pills I bought. With a sigh, I open the box and take one with a glass of water that’s on the coffee table. I can’t shake off the slight nervousness at the thought of the recent situation with Liam, but there’s also a small relief in knowing I’ve made a responsible decision.
Once Marc finishes preparing a simple yet delicious dinner, we sit together on the couch, a bowl of popcorn between us, and start watching a movie. The atmosphere is relaxed, and Marc’s laughter resonates in the room as we enjoy the film. However, my mind keeps drifting back to Liam.
At 9 PM, while the movie’s plot unfolds, my phone rings, slightly breaking the bubble of comfort. Looking at the screen, my heart races when I see Liam’s name. How did his number get saved on my phone? I can’t remember adding it.
-Are you going to answer? -Marc asks, curiously casting me a sidelong glance.
-Uh, yeah… -I say, feeling a flash of nervousness as I answer the call-. Hello.
-Hey, Little Wolf, it’s Liam.
-Uh-huh, I can see that. -I whisper.
-I’m downstairs. -His deep voice carries a tone that makes my stomach twist with excitement.
-Downstairs? For what? -I ask, trying to sound calm even though my heart is racing.
-I want you to come stay at the attic again. I want to see you… -his voice sounds a bit uncertain, as if he’s waiting for a response that could change everything.
A torrent of emotions floods over me. The idea of being alone with him again makes a mix of joy and fear take hold of me. On the one hand, I long for his company and the connection we’ve begun to forge; on the other hand, I feel foolish for letting myself get swept up in these feelings so quickly.
-Really? -I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.
-Yes, really. I’m here, Little Wolf. -He sounds firm now, and that sends a thrill through my stomach.
-Alright… -I respond, feeling the answer slip involuntarily from my lips as if my heart has already decided for me.
-Perfect. I’ll be waiting, then. -The smile in his voice is palpable, and I can’t help but smile too.
I hang up and look at Marc, who’s watching me with a big grin on his face.
-You’re going to see Liam again, right?
-Yeah, looks like it -I say, feeling my cheeks flush-. I can’t help it; I feel like… I’m falling for him. And yes, I know what you’re going to say; it’s too soon and we need to get to know each other more. But the connection is there.
Marc laughs and gives me a playful nudge.
-That’s what I want to hear. Go and have fun. But don’t forget; if he hurts you, he’ll have to deal with me.
-You’re the best. -I lean in and kiss his cheek before getting up from the couch and heading to my room to change. This time, I would prepare in case I stayed over.
-I’m a limited edition, sweetheart. -he calls out after me.
With a smile on my face and a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach, I go to change.