I was frozen for a moment.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscHUr54WJk
Or maybe time felt frozen as I watched her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz05wXwn1fn
Dr. Luccino calmly walked over to the two professors standing by one of the tall tables, sipping on their drinks.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pPNcTFbyq
One recognized Dr. Luccino immediately.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFczGhIYwGe
She had blonde hair, slicked back into a low ponytail—wearing a silky emerald blouse and a pencil skirt.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskFC0m0E0a
Her green eyes were on my therapist as soon as she approached, smiling at her as she murmured something I couldn't quite make out.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypoO08LuR9
I watched as the blonde leaned in for a brief side hug, making my eyes narrow at them both.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56eURx2eSw
My jaw felt tight, analyzing the brief hug.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHPAMGcWSg
Dr. Luccino's hands rested against her arm, while the blonde woman wrapped one arm around her upper waist in return—laughing as the other professor reached his hand out to Dr. Luccino and briefly shook her hand.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPb1pnroHI
They all seemed to know each other well—
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPoPlQGwLH
"Rivs?"
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F1VCQeHhR
My focus shifted to Zion and Sid—who both had furrowed brows, probably wondering what I was looking at.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63JK1Fom3m
Or who.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtasdJxi6t2
I feel like it was obvious.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiOVygMSPY
"Do you guys know those professors?" I decided to ask them, immediately causing Zion and Sid to turn around.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJmBFW3JCl
It made my heart shoot up in my chest, quickly glancing away as they openly stared at the professor's standing with Dr. Luccino.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1acEUCwRK
"Oh, that's Professor Bensen," Sid said, still staring over at them, "I had her for psychology back when I had prerequisites."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmRr4FLbgs
I nodded once, wondering if Professor Bensen was just a friend.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaZlUAevM6
She better be.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAV99dZaUL
"I think that's Professor Kumar," Zion said, referring to the other professor who's a guy, "I don't know who that woman is though."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM8O5lqc4z
I lazily raised my brows, "My therapist" I mumbled blankly.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBElf7lCYHQ
Zion and Sid's attention snapped back to me, nearly catching whiplash in the process.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0T27yanTp
"Your therapist?" Sid curiously asked me, "You should introduce us—I have to hear this voice you're talking about."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMoIdBOTb7
I immediately shook my head at the idea, "No, she's clearly here for something—I don't want to interrupt," I quickly lied.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SswTBuUip
The truth is, I'm not sure if it would be awkward seeing her here.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKjL2VxICc
Or what she would think.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1py0lMNrp
How she would react?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeI8PHMjiv
"That's a lie," Zion smiled, shaking his head at me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIiJ6KiWEG
I rolled my eyes, "Is not," I mumbled, even if he annoyingly knew me well.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ASOtbVTdM
"Says the one who interrupted my Zoom to tell my professor about the new bar opening," Zion deadpanned, making my lips twitch up slightly.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx2NCT75va
"Okay but that's you," I said, my stare shifting back to Dr. Luccini, "And this is her."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifj6DhUJM7
"Then we won't interrupt," Sid assured me as Zion only grew more amused by my previous words,
"Whenever you want to introduce us, it's up to you."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWOHmXkbWQ
I nodded, "See, Zi, that's what you should've said,"
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyNpVHCsyV
I mumbled in a smart-ass tone.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8jrqhvqNv
"I was just pointing out that you never mind interrupting anyone else," Zion said, raising his hands in defense, "But it's all up to you, Rivs."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPtb68OBiT
Sid nodded, "Yeah, like she's your therapist so I think you should introduce us whenever you're comfortable," she told me, making a small smile grow on my lips.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfoxCTadw7
"I appreciate that," I said, reaching over to place a hand on her arm, "And you too, Zi," I added, my smile growing more amused.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM79YtRSnzf
"Of course, Rivs" he said as Sid nodded and reached up to briefly pat my hand with a smile.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtuUkwAi8p
I unconsciously glanced past them, feeling someone's stare burning into me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4rYjTlWGc
It was her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKGvM7rG49
And it caught me entirely off guard.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlHrM03G4W
Dr. Luccino's eyes held my stare for a moment.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BQgwrhscR
Until her focus shifted over, to my hand on Sid's arm.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwv4VYko5u
I unconsciously lowered my hand before I could think it through–but Dr. Luccino had already looked away, focusing back on her conversation with the two professors.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AzJVzwRfX
I pursed my lips, genuinely wondering why she was here.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s6g4vMqyR
Or why she didn't come speak to me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18wy1VNGj3
She clearly knows I'm here.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5AUYf0pw8
Maybe it's because I'm a patient?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11SQasyMLV
I mean, we are out of the office so maybe it's weird.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuAVBEX5uE
I think?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKyOBoBmhp
I glanced back over to her, zoning out the conversation with Sid and Zion when I noticed Dr. Luccino back away from the professors.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpWA3q8A42
My heart pounded in my chest, wondering if she was about to walk over to me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh1WrxTmNt
But she didn't.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tUJWumV5B
If anything she walked in the opposite direction, passing various groups of students and professors who smiled at her in recognition.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQy4rf2FiQ
My eyes followed her figure all the way to the long hallway.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlEWPCHwWC
I set my drink down before I could think it through, the glass clinking loudly and snapping me out of my thoughts.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91v1LHX2qM
"I'll be right back," I told Zion and Sid who glanced over to me, nodding and saying something that I didn't quite grasp.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnod9pjCLEq
My focus felt shifted—focused on her and that hallway.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XyYBRBOBo
I don't even know when I started walking, where it all began and ended.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2DoEzuyeG
My brain was only focused on one thing, one person, as I brushed through the crowd that was lightly conversing over the soft jazz music.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgE3FBczmJ
I drew in a deep breath as I made it to the long hallway, hesitantly walking down it.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnXDpz4g8J
The clicking of my heels echoed around me, the soft jazz music and chatter growing farther away as I continued walking.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSKRZbGart
There were two tall doors at the end.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKS4J3BiHF
Bathrooms.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa5nDjM94S
I immediately pushed the door to the women's bathroom open, walking past the threshold.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFR2b0MASK
My eyes landed on her immediately, standing by the long sink as she focused on touching up her lipstick.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnAh4qxrq
The dim lights reflected against her sharp face and emphasized her best features.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41W1mwSUZh
All I could do was stare for a moment, unsure what I should say now.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFpgFlZkm6
I just followed her to the bathroom.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbVkVj5gdq
That sounds really fucking weird of me?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sdpMDkZtQ
Why did I just—
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RFpD5fk3n
"You're following me now, River?" Dr. Luccino suddenly addressed me, her eyes meeting mine through the mirror.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXGSf53ODO
"I had to use the bathroom doc," I quickly lied with a forced smile, my face burning as I took a few more steps forward.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg0GvbLSHt
"So use the bathroom" Dr. Luccino said, her eyes still holding mine through the mirror.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLx733Ta6f
Her words made me clench my jaw, fighting the heat that burned in my lower stomach.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfOlHUZ1rk
"Why are you here?" I curiously asked her, still holding her stare.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNArSTSJXCG
"I work closely with the school," Dr. Luccino said as if it were the most normal thing, now turning around to face me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmaZJDAWtI
I hummed, my eyes trailing her face for a moment as I contemplated my next words.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnvTFWycOZ
But I couldn't fight the urge.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMrlvQbF1G
"You and Professor Bensen must be good friends then," I said, walking closer to her, "I mean, she teaches psychology so."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3AOzjMSzb
Dr. Luccino remained silent, her eyes locked with mine as I stopped directly in front of her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BsCIhDbH1
I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, trying not to focus on the small amount of space between us.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bjoJjaFNM
Or how I could smell her—she smells so fucking good.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dlfkg9WJm
"Yes, River" Dr. Luccino suddenly said, staring down at me, "We're good friends."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnkiaZMxEN
I lazily raised my brows, "I could tell by the hug," I decided to say, my eyes carefully trailing her face for any sort of reaction.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6DyeHiHo7
There was nothing.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXv7f0DZ6g
As usual, she was composed.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWtEiV6e28
"We've been over this," Dr. Luccino determined, raising a brow, "We don't question romantic suspicions, River. I'm your therapist—"
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi2Ox1Mems
"Mind telling me what you told, Dr. Kincaid?" I purposely cut her short, taking another step closer to her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUgsZA1Jrr
I clenched my jaw when our bodies barely brushed.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQRPg5ldFN
Dr. Luccino didn't take a step back.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdmafpfv8V
She didn't give in first.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN7r6lRi9b
And I wouldn't be either.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjYfDqFwUN
I glanced down to her lips, watching as she pursed them tightly together.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0DKuBHz4n
"Interruptions" Dr. Luccino stated bluntly as she stared down at me, "We discussed those too, River" she said, her tone holding a level of disapproval.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRq9EBM5wf
"I know you spoke to her," I said, not letting her change the topic away from Dr. Kincaid, "I know you told her not to use the nickname I specifically mentioned she could use."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRLkBa7qHo
Dr. Luccino hummed, entirely unaffected, "Seeing as this is my practice, River, and professionalism is expected, yes, there was a conversation."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9GMvjEBvW
I rolled my eyes, "Is that all it was?Professionalism?" I asked her, my eyes not wavering from hers, "That's bullshit and you know it."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF1WVJyX1m
Dr. Luccino's eyes snapped away from mine for once, drawing in a calm breath as she clasped her hands tightly together.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOBUQ08RQ5
A flicker of something had passed through her expression, and for once, it felt like I had irritated her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGGfOYrMbu
I pushed her as far as she had pushed me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6NqteKNEG
Finally.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6lzTP1mNL
I resisted the urge to smile.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFNTIxSU5Q
Just barely.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TY8GIcxGQ
"I'm going to say this once, River" Dr. Luccino suddenly said, her brown eyes meeting mine again,
"One time and that's it. So listen carefully."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h5FZGx5KO
I barely had the chance to speak before her hand grabbed my chin.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq4UoKtHoB
Her touch was firm, yet her hand... her fingertips were soft against my skin.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkPSJY0qZJ
With the slightest pressure, she tilted my head back— commanding my full attention.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDB7QMMi04
The action alone made me feel like some child who just got in trouble.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OHtL083oi
"You do not question the decisions I make for my practice" she said, lowering her hand from my chin.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd4bij6U82
I stayed in place for her anyway.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsILfb1zL0
It was unconscious, but I knew not to move.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RDw7vdbvB
"You will not explore romantic relations with Dr.
Kincaid because it is unethical" she emphasized her tone firm and leaving no room for negotiation.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3XgbXbFPQ
I remained silent, trying to focus on seeming unaffected as I stared up at her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V0vvlbyOK
But I was struggling to keep it the fuck together.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSCcqFndRT
Her authority... scared me?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoocrYBRji
It terrified me actually.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsxL1zOu6S
But it also struck me with a desire that pulled me closer to her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDP6Se9hIU
"Interrupt me again" Dr. Luccino said, her brown eyes burning into mine, "Cuss at me again," she continued, her words tighter than I had ever heard them, "And there will be consequences, River."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkimTgn0d7
I clenched my jaw, surprisingly short of any words for once.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvjAsnO2Qe
I had nothing.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIaTseAfGp
There was nothing I could say to argue further with her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsSd75hov8
And I'm not even sure I should.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeryRjjU8z
Not with how she's looking at me right now.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9o46HIgeh
"Okay" I forced out, my tone reluctant as my ego nearly screamed at me for letting her have this.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcKpZAl1Jq
"Okay what, River?" she asked me, her tone lowered with precision and her stare not wavering from mine.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2fd4v7lee
I drew in a tight breath, "Okay, Dr. Luccino" I mumbled, breaking eye contact as I glanced away from her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pKAW7NgKe
I felt almost embarrassed, a sting rippling through my chest.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94HvyNSxXW
"Good" she said as my eyes trailed her shirt to occupy my focus, "Now enjoy your weekend, River. I'll see you Monday."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqeUCq2vyL
I reached up before I could think it through—before she could dismiss this conversation and walk past me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7p6Nz92gz
My hand landed softly on her collarbone, smoothing out her shirt for her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWd7IvsaSB
It was a small correction—an excuse to touch her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqvL0rYmrp
My breathing grew shallow, tracing her covered skin as I pretended to continue fixing the fabric that was already smoothed out.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kWdvGuOxv
It was tense between us, making knots tighten in my stomach.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTgTDDisV8
I couldn't glance up—I couldn't meet her stare.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV53qT8hhEu
But I did anyway, resting my hand against her covered collarbone as I met her brown eyes already pinned on me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLcEpEjv6Q
The air grew thicker, her calm expression contrasting every thought weighing down my head.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwsYvzZevE
I felt warmer.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm7WaMQxY2
My body nearly lit up as I decided to take this opportunity.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiuHCSQeaa
To make the first move.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYFWGwCrCw
I leaned in first, my eyes glancing down to her lips with one agenda.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwAAkRgE5c
Then I felt it.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HchcnlKRm
The softness of her hand around my wrist.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW9OhPQ3CL
I stalled.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgUng4PsxL
We both did.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2us64yW1pn
I couldn't meet her stare again if I tried, too focused on her lips as her grip tightened around my wrist.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq2VmFiqpz
And lowered my hand to rest at my side where it didn't belong.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpNvClKZsS
The warmth, the buzz burning down my body, my hands were meant to touch her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbU6SVaJC7
But she leaned away, letting go of my wrist entirely.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XTMrwPBME
I let out a deep breath, finding the will to actually breathe again with this sudden space between us.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLeN75aqSa
I could also think properly, realizing what I just did.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYT6ikrkck
Or attempted.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzTiqcsDUG
She rejected me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS66hUkL3Na
I mean, what did I expect?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNSGPcBxBY
She's my therapist—she's said that so many times.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7W9v7b5dG
But... I can't be the only that feels the pull between us.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsaFpEfUF8
I'm not delusional.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JLtWH0b2q
Right?
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIntBSGhNG
She... she's just trying to maintain ethics.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jw9WRqqi7
But no one's around—
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvm85Sck0s
"No one would know" I said, my voice lowered and heavy in my ears.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1mJVZCLZw
"River" Dr. Luccino said, her eyes trailing my face for a painstakingly long moment.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuVLJwbbHK
Before she shook her head.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsDxHI3fjw
"No" was the next word that fell from her lips, rubbing the rejection in even deeper and sending me into a spiral.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jGGKnMfKO
I backed away from her before I could process it, feeling the weird urge to cry at the stupid word.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfiWMRuCEF
No.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QiPxo4Q9W
I hated that word, especially when it came from her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWc2HiWkX5
"River" I heard her sigh when I turned away, quickly trying to exit the bathroom before I could show my emotions, "We have to discuss this."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i7no4Cf49
"We're not in your office" I mumbled, drawing in a deep breath to steady myself as I reached for the door, "I don't have to discuss anything with you."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiJL8McWEs
I exited the bathroom before she could say anything else, rushing back down the hallway that I felt stupid for coming down in the first place.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthGE8mPhyB
Her rejection stung.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZECoonsCkt
Deeper than I would like to admit.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sgVjJkr4E
I couldn't even pretend it didn't, and that fucking sucks. "Hey guys," I said as I approached Zion and Sid, causing their attention to shift to me, "I think I'm going to call it a night—I'm kind of ready to go home and chill you know."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAGbbxQmwy
It was a lie.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm10D4Bmnq1
I didn't want to go home and be alone.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh3KSQXbet
The urge to go out or even call Kai was strong.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKFqIZGfsk
The urge to drink was even stronger.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXWutTt2qF
But I don't need to drink to feel better—I can do something else.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mfe0NWkBA
I want to punch something.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo8OOBNFLa
I think I'll go to the gym in my apartment building.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhekvVTKUxQ
"Of course, did you want to come over for breakfast tomorrow?" Sid asked me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQdmuw38Qr
"Sure," I said with a forced smile, grabbing my purse as I walked around the table and briefly hugged them, "See you tomorrow."
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpmGISWlpo
"Text me when you get home," Zion said as I pulled away from them both.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Q5fxSPJj
I nodded, "Of course," I quickly said, especially when I noticed her presence emerge from that hallway.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSxc9R9o5O
Dr. Luccino's stare was already pinpointed on me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd3ssBnHh2
I turned around before I could process it, avoiding her entire presence as I rushed out of the event.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h6suUkHN3
The soft chatter and jazz music were gone, the silence of the night creeping in around me as I walked to my car.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KMzxMG45r
My heels clicked sharply under me, the sound rushed and a complete contrast to the calmness around me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kXe2rxRat
I slid into the driver's seat as soon as I unlocked my car, pressing the start button to turn the engine on and shift the gear into drive.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASyZenfE5k
Then I drove back to my apartment, choosing to sit in silence rather than turn on any music.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgrsmUt5fx
That's when my phone began softly buzzing in my lap, the call displaying on my bright car screen.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6rolt4HGa
Doc.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCrmPhubFk
The caller ID was bolded and captured my attention immediately.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR2Ie7WKkh
I hesitated—everything inside of me hesitated.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLomZkJo7ls
She's calling me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW62touNz6
She wants to talk to me.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl8xZyjjaZ
I quickly shook my head at the thoughts, knowing she probably wanted to discuss everything.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zwFypx09b
Maybe even smooth it all over.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O9HXYA2Ng
I don't want to smooth anything over with her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cZnHdygWS
I want it to be rough between us.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvuPmzdk0p
I stared forward, ignoring the call until it rang through and I was left in a deafening silence.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR1i1iILNi
One that followed me back to my apartment where I quickly stripped out of my black dress and pulled on workout clothes.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUQxZilOpL
I focused all my energy on the gym, throwing myself into my workout.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws8OFHHIqW
I didn't want to think about Dr. Luccino.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV0lBnNFVf
Or the urge to suddenly call Kai and just cry about all of this.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaEIne4Ld1
She always knows how to make me feel better.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYtWlgocty
I genuinely thought about it.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ210fWJBB52
I thought about her.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyeMZsQNql
It was a contemplation that I had to physically and mentally push through, trying my best to focus on each exercise.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nROLHSBj8
I couldn't call Kai.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFSwLXuEnK
And I definitely couldn't call Dr. Luccino back.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J2K8g3iZS
I'm all alone tonight, and I don't know how to be okay with that.
ns216.73.216.224da2
然後按「加至主畫面」