I was frozen for a moment.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD2gS66ZVe
Or maybe time felt frozen as I watched her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZyM75R8z2
Dr. Luccino calmly walked over to the two professors standing by one of the tall tables, sipping on their drinks.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfcu15W0WS
One recognized Dr. Luccino immediately.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGWUDnuQcb
She had blonde hair, slicked back into a low ponytail—wearing a silky emerald blouse and a pencil skirt.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3vhwmoTwb
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5sP3DZ8Li
I watched as the blonde leaned in for a brief side hug, making my eyes narrow at them both.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0JGIvQ9jO
My jaw felt tight, analyzing the brief hug.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeVmceElvA
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSLwp1t8Yu
They all seemed to know each other well—
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltfOiOwvg7
"Rivs?"
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhcMC46kOV
My focus shifted to Zion and Sid—who both had furrowed brows, probably wondering what I was looking at.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0LfGYlURz
Or who.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb9ZFfus8k
I feel like it was obvious.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMUGg0oeSm
"Do you guys know those professors?" I decided to ask them, immediately causing Zion and Sid to turn around.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DRGE4JRJd
It made my heart shoot up in my chest, quickly glancing away as they openly stared at the professor's standing with Dr. Luccino.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsLmNY9Xut
"Oh, that's Professor Bensen," Sid said, still staring over at them, "I had her for psychology back when I had prerequisites."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM3cst3aKt
I nodded once, wondering if Professor Bensen was just a friend.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmyxwY5plv
She better be.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1jtlPLeIj
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDz0KWihL5
I lazily raised my brows, "My therapist" I mumbled blankly.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2ODYoXQ2C
Zion and Sid's attention snapped back to me, nearly catching whiplash in the process.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N2yEx2pa2
"Your therapist?" Sid curiously asked me, "You should introduce us—I have to hear this voice you're talking about."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa44FqVoQL
I immediately shook my head at the idea, "No, she's clearly here for something—I don't want to interrupt," I quickly lied.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6x3PtSlKX
The truth is, I'm not sure if it would be awkward seeing her here.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR8F0x9hRI
Or what she would think.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUApQOzKVNG
How she would react?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxRwUoJCUY
"That's a lie," Zion smiled, shaking his head at me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhLRkWCzDB
I rolled my eyes, "Is not," I mumbled, even if he annoyingly knew me well.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCk2AjWrR9
"Says the one who interrupted my Zoom to tell my professor about the new bar opening," Zion deadpanned, making my lips twitch up slightly.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cpFzT8jw5
"Okay but that's you," I said, my stare shifting back to Dr. Luccini, "And this is her."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3OVqTYVYn
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTiBMOFczw
I nodded, "See, Zi, that's what you should've said,"
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LHGRfjIId
I mumbled in a smart-ass tone.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoIDlFNFoE
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvcMMbgGDY
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K3sUTPuoM
"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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1Ki2n7hg1
"Of course, Rivs" he said as Sid nodded and reached up to briefly pat my hand with a smile.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpyyLru6Q6
I unconsciously glanced past them, feeling someone's stare burning into me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqAAOaffUn
It was her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x31E2KrF2
And it caught me entirely off guard.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nWrtjKJ2f
Dr. Luccino's eyes held my stare for a moment.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUvXfBCPXW
Until her focus shifted over, to my hand on Sid's arm.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq2927m0ib
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyPM2bveL8
I pursed my lips, genuinely wondering why she was here.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIk1WoHyXj
Or why she didn't come speak to me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDHPYJZtus
She clearly knows I'm here.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVhaMTmNzb
Maybe it's because I'm a patient?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNBQbLop6x
I mean, we are out of the office so maybe it's weird.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8XLhzXmkK
I think?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHs6uOfrcj
I glanced back over to her, zoning out the conversation with Sid and Zion when I noticed Dr. Luccino back away from the professors.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFEV8tWL2B
My heart pounded in my chest, wondering if she was about to walk over to me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9RXcGclpk
But she didn't.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eZtZQi45t
If anything she walked in the opposite direction, passing various groups of students and professors who smiled at her in recognition.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzjwOsM4FZ
My eyes followed her figure all the way to the long hallway.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR6s3xsf6W
I set my drink down before I could think it through, the glass clinking loudly and snapping me out of my thoughts.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27uPfci5c8
"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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt21BEOtYQo
My focus felt shifted—focused on her and that hallway.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV3BuDxRv0
I don't even know when I started walking, where it all began and ended.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTKX6OXzEW
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlRC8w7xqG
I drew in a deep breath as I made it to the long hallway, hesitantly walking down it.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiVn6Ka3pw
The clicking of my heels echoed around me, the soft jazz music and chatter growing farther away as I continued walking.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnogHFAADFI
There were two tall doors at the end.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFzAbZa7Dy
Bathrooms.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx2zwThUxI
I immediately pushed the door to the women's bathroom open, walking past the threshold.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKfF5cn0ir
My eyes landed on her immediately, standing by the long sink as she focused on touching up her lipstick.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGaRKoAueR
The dim lights reflected against her sharp face and emphasized her best features.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLGEAHu92K
All I could do was stare for a moment, unsure what I should say now.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFXT8ZW459
I just followed her to the bathroom.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9dZIOV0ne
That sounds really fucking weird of me?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB37zGlNbU
Why did I just—
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc75d9NkkN
"You're following me now, River?" Dr. Luccino suddenly addressed me, her eyes meeting mine through the mirror.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDedw1k6Yh
"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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkhXKtPqPW
"So use the bathroom" Dr. Luccino said, her eyes still holding mine through the mirror.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOmCYDly05
Her words made me clench my jaw, fighting the heat that burned in my lower stomach.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhRFuyKGeh
"Why are you here?" I curiously asked her, still holding her stare.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7SS0KlOCB
"I work closely with the school," Dr. Luccino said as if it were the most normal thing, now turning around to face me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhbQtB3HLr
I hummed, my eyes trailing her face for a moment as I contemplated my next words.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh4bXfIAIY
But I couldn't fight the urge.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8VsQ7kcqi
"You and Professor Bensen must be good friends then," I said, walking closer to her, "I mean, she teaches psychology so."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2mGbvvc1a
Dr. Luccino remained silent, her eyes locked with mine as I stopped directly in front of her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ZTp915TU
I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, trying not to focus on the small amount of space between us.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPymHlnmnUI
Or how I could smell her—she smells so fucking good.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiryVzPqnGb
"Yes, River" Dr. Luccino suddenly said, staring down at me, "We're good friends."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ0ioKceCT
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLcoTe73uf
There was nothing.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhj1OCqAo4
As usual, she was composed.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0yo2u7LiS
"We've been over this," Dr. Luccino determined, raising a brow, "We don't question romantic suspicions, River. I'm your therapist—"
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTS9ih3foE
"Mind telling me what you told, Dr. Kincaid?" I purposely cut her short, taking another step closer to her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPOvthNDed
I clenched my jaw when our bodies barely brushed.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZRgGXxnNO
Dr. Luccino didn't take a step back.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTSwmXFfy1
She didn't give in first.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ3xvGx1oe
And I wouldn't be either.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RrMn5Hr4u
I glanced down to her lips, watching as she pursed them tightly together.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft91v7piob
"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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQff8TE2yIT
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfsg7aEsEP
Dr. Luccino hummed, entirely unaffected, "Seeing as this is my practice, River, and professionalism is expected, yes, there was a conversation."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVhU0BWIZ9
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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjqtQaD3zs
Dr. Luccino's eyes snapped away from mine for once, drawing in a calm breath as she clasped her hands tightly together.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttCirVIOPS
A flicker of something had passed through her expression, and for once, it felt like I had irritated her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WQyexkdSQ
I pushed her as far as she had pushed me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MzZEm1Sjn
Finally.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34u9aAh9mk
I resisted the urge to smile.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlb9ov6cot
Just barely.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYmvrs4txR
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteCPajRNo7
I barely had the chance to speak before her hand grabbed my chin.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayoIdA1E19
Her touch was firm, yet her hand... her fingertips were soft against my skin.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtthCaNDtXb
With the slightest pressure, she tilted my head back— commanding my full attention.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q2uxSkzWy
The action alone made me feel like some child who just got in trouble.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA9m9JcRoj
"You do not question the decisions I make for my practice" she said, lowering her hand from my chin.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2Q6t2dina
I stayed in place for her anyway.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajd0ZOEjxr
It was unconscious, but I knew not to move.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VqDjBmK73
"You will not explore romantic relations with Dr.
Kincaid because it is unethical" she emphasized her tone firm and leaving no room for negotiation.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx4OclIeqa
I remained silent, trying to focus on seeming unaffected as I stared up at her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4bnqp7hzl
But I was struggling to keep it the fuck together.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs3bF13Qwi
Her authority... scared me?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG7Id12bSH
It terrified me actually.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQIYPyu3tk
But it also struck me with a desire that pulled me closer to her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxvk1s71oR
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0wpOBBba3
I clenched my jaw, surprisingly short of any words for once.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGT7OkBh4G
I had nothing.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1qBYWAvnT
There was nothing I could say to argue further with her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TfZ4FECg9
And I'm not even sure I should.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlQMAr9GKn
Not with how she's looking at me right now.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHorrEJAKGF
"Okay" I forced out, my tone reluctant as my ego nearly screamed at me for letting her have this.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBXS9jsPLl
"Okay what, River?" she asked me, her tone lowered with precision and her stare not wavering from mine.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a9brCEomD
I drew in a tight breath, "Okay, Dr. Luccino" I mumbled, breaking eye contact as I glanced away from her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ553kFfWYUZ
I felt almost embarrassed, a sting rippling through my chest.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr6TSpLeXk
"Good" she said as my eyes trailed her shirt to occupy my focus, "Now enjoy your weekend, River. I'll see you Monday."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXG8lBZHCM
I reached up before I could think it through—before she could dismiss this conversation and walk past me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmka1OPU1Vl
My hand landed softly on her collarbone, smoothing out her shirt for her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGiPBV9M1g
It was a small correction—an excuse to touch her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv1JQxA0X5
My breathing grew shallow, tracing her covered skin as I pretended to continue fixing the fabric that was already smoothed out.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMZtZUDiz5
It was tense between us, making knots tighten in my stomach.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPo5Kxq3kx
I couldn't glance up—I couldn't meet her stare.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0gw9KQEmH
But I did anyway, resting my hand against her covered collarbone as I met her brown eyes already pinned on me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCbsdzRYD0
The air grew thicker, her calm expression contrasting every thought weighing down my head.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJPdTO99iE
I felt warmer.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDsAFLTQuG
My body nearly lit up as I decided to take this opportunity.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtigP1zkS9x
To make the first move.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79r7jPY4iG
I leaned in first, my eyes glancing down to her lips with one agenda.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zCgbFwESV
Then I felt it.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVkMnoY0sq
The softness of her hand around my wrist.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGK0fMHyOA
I stalled.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0Qkeo3zz0
We both did.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLUTHgYlqT
I couldn't meet her stare again if I tried, too focused on her lips as her grip tightened around my wrist.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tiybg3AyR
And lowered my hand to rest at my side where it didn't belong.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ330qCA4lcV
The warmth, the buzz burning down my body, my hands were meant to touch her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWllYk5HwHP
But she leaned away, letting go of my wrist entirely.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBVvKNba2L
I let out a deep breath, finding the will to actually breathe again with this sudden space between us.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKroU9JelYR
I could also think properly, realizing what I just did.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5xXHznS1C
Or attempted.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6jsV3Ztom
She rejected me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwckpu6Lx1
I mean, what did I expect?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbvEP9Fju4
She's my therapist—she's said that so many times.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCxyOOVR5R
But... I can't be the only that feels the pull between us.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgJonI9xYH
I'm not delusional.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLvv5Uxku1
Right?
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33NLBcgNeU
She... she's just trying to maintain ethics.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqi5MCy4Mi
But no one's around—
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2etcCtz5C
"No one would know" I said, my voice lowered and heavy in my ears.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOv0GMMs6E
"River" Dr. Luccino said, her eyes trailing my face for a painstakingly long moment.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSytrEKMKGV
Before she shook her head.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqYHs2zykE
"No" was the next word that fell from her lips, rubbing the rejection in even deeper and sending me into a spiral.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5NgHKnvuu
I backed away from her before I could process it, feeling the weird urge to cry at the stupid word.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pQhfAOA5P
No.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeQkezkf1X
I hated that word, especially when it came from her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0jOnJtbAf
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9Fd4O9gD1
"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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI1zrUOTAj
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj1tcXrLxx
Her rejection stung.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfdXI8Xwcu
Deeper than I would like to admit.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleydjv4RZf
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."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QP9xSXves
It was a lie.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI0jA3JaIs
I didn't want to go home and be alone.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyckLV1PEu
The urge to go out or even call Kai was strong.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a33yW4tOJ
The urge to drink was even stronger.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ3MmYx2f0
But I don't need to drink to feel better—I can do something else.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg37Di4yCCa
I want to punch something.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22Wci7oE2e
I think I'll go to the gym in my apartment building.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeyxjuy2EA
"Of course, did you want to come over for breakfast tomorrow?" Sid asked me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl77FbYE1V7
"Sure," I said with a forced smile, grabbing my purse as I walked around the table and briefly hugged them, "See you tomorrow."
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pWsrcE8nb
"Text me when you get home," Zion said as I pulled away from them both.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3qVbCyFKP
I nodded, "Of course," I quickly said, especially when I noticed her presence emerge from that hallway.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjzLyaYLuU
Dr. Luccino's stare was already pinpointed on me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCXPNqhJSA
I turned around before I could process it, avoiding her entire presence as I rushed out of the event.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAq8GD2qCL
The soft chatter and jazz music were gone, the silence of the night creeping in around me as I walked to my car.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTAEAAxLVQ
My heels clicked sharply under me, the sound rushed and a complete contrast to the calmness around me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPWD9CZVzo
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.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYxfLb1KXJ
Then I drove back to my apartment, choosing to sit in silence rather than turn on any music.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn2yUPufmU
That's when my phone began softly buzzing in my lap, the call displaying on my bright car screen.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ti3z7gaqC
Doc.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0AjUNC6c
The caller ID was bolded and captured my attention immediately.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnQftcUjku
I hesitated—everything inside of me hesitated.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F0IrmDR52
She's calling me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3xS4a1oSX
She wants to talk to me.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuH4n953Xc
I quickly shook my head at the thoughts, knowing she probably wanted to discuss everything.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgH3kgIOl9
Maybe even smooth it all over.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsBbDWqdhw
I don't want to smooth anything over with her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgiANbICpL
I want it to be rough between us.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFeerKnUfF
I stared forward, ignoring the call until it rang through and I was left in a deafening silence.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuIVz2nCzQ
One that followed me back to my apartment where I quickly stripped out of my black dress and pulled on workout clothes.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l0akvgql5
I focused all my energy on the gym, throwing myself into my workout.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzSIFRFGrz
I didn't want to think about Dr. Luccino.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd88DU2tEl7
Or the urge to suddenly call Kai and just cry about all of this.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH0DFjBSDi
She always knows how to make me feel better.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl17jSad5Y
I genuinely thought about it.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKBDPs5gp1
I thought about her.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsDibcUgQJ
It was a contemplation that I had to physically and mentally push through, trying my best to focus on each exercise.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEm7W0Nb3s
I couldn't call Kai.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvdSHZAnU6
And I definitely couldn't call Dr. Luccino back.
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrw8OchwI2
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」