Breathless With Nick

          Lucy Wallace sat in the chair of the dark corner watching her husband glare at her as he stood by the doorway with a suitcase in his hand. She recalled he said something like he had to leave…her. But her mind had closed off the moment she saw the suitcase. She knew something wasn’t right and the thought made her chest swell to the point of pain. Now as she sat watching his emotionless eyes, she knew that love was never real for them. It was just an imagination that she so wanted to be real. How could it be real? She, a farmer’s daughter from the country side and him, a city boy who was rich and could have anything he wanted. They came together because they wanted to prove that everyone was wrong about them. Well, now that she knew the truth, everyone had proved her wrong.

          “Did you hear me?” Scott Wallace asked as he set the suitcase down. She ignored him and shut her eyes. If she prayed hard enough, it’d be a dream. She’d wake up and Scott would speak to her like he did back then. They would be laughing and he’d kiss her again. But as she opened her eyes, he stood there staring at her as if she was a stranger instead of his wife of six years.

          “Why?” she muttered slowly.

          “Do you need to ask? You should know the answer, Lucy. We’re not working anymore.”

          “You mean, you’re not working on this anymore. At least tell the truth, Scott. Don’t beat around the bush.”

          He walked in and crossed his arms. The flannel shirt he wore looked too big on him suddenly and he didn’t seem to fit into the floral décor of the room. He looked out of place as he did all their six years of marriage.

          “I’ve never been one to beat around the bush. I’m telling you the truth now. I’m done and I want out. I’m sick and tired of pretending to be happy when happiness is waiting for me out there.”

          She shot out of her seat and anger filled her. “Out there?! Since when did happiness ever existed out there? We were out there, Scott, and then you ruined it because you didn’t want that kind of happiness anymore. What happened to you? You used to be so good to me.”

          He dropped his arms. “That’s just it. I used to be. I’m not the person I am before. I’m just tired of trying when there’s no point in fixing this. Tell me you haven’t thought about it. You know what is going on between us. We haven’t touched each other in months and even if we did, there’s no emotions attached.”

          Lucy let out a sob and covered her face. She turned away and slowly removed her hands, her heart hammering against her rib. She caught her breath and turned back around to look at her husband. He showed no emotion of caring about her. The truth was there for her to see.

          “You know, everyone told me that you were wrong for me. But I believed that if I held on strong enough, I’d make this work. You were my one and only and if we just held on, we’d prove them wrong. Little did I know that they could predict the future and was talking about this moment.”

          “Lucy, I never intended to hurt you.”
          “But you are hurting me right now.”

          He ran a hand through his hair. “What do you expect me to do? Stand here and just pretend everything is ok? That even if I don’t feel anything for you when I kiss you, I should just go on with life? That’s not a marriage. It’s a prison.”

          “Did you love me at all?” When he didn’t answer, she sank to her knees and started crying. She heard his soft apology and then looked up to see his back as he left her.

          Lucy stared at the business card in her hand and picked up the phone. She’d been contemplating on calling this painter for weeks, but her busy schedule at work had pushed it out of her way. Now as she sat in her living room, she realized the ugly blue color wasn’t her taste. She needed to get rid of it fast. The call rolled to a voice mail and she recorded her information then hung up. She stood up and dropped the card into her purse. She turned to stare at her new home. It was going to be beautiful as soon as the new coat of paint was done. She would do it, but she was swamped at work and couldn’t afford to take another day off of work to do it. Besides, she hated doing house maintenance. If a professional was available, she’d rather pay him to do it.

          Two years after her divorce finalized, Lucy sold the house she bought with Scott and moved into a new smaller cottage on the outskirts of town. She sold a lot of the things they’d bought together. She didn’t want anything to be brought into her new life. She wanted a new beginning. Although she was no longer in contact with her family, she made new friends who kept their eyes on her in times of need. That was all she needed.

          She worked as an assistant at a design ad company and she enjoyed it even if she didn’t get paid a lot. The work was fun and it changed daily instead of staring at a computer all day long. She was alone so she didn’t require too much income to get by. She didn’t need too many impressive things. She’d always been careful of how she lived her life even when she was with Scott because she knew one day if he wasn’t in the picture, she’d have to survive without him. The divorce settlement had given her a small amount of money, but she saved it away for a rainy day.

          Her phone buzzed and she picked it up hoping it was the painter. It was her friend, Holly Pickler, instead. “What’s going on tonight?”

          Holly laughed. “Oh man, you have got to come out tonight, Lucy. I just drove past this new bar and it’s opening up tonight. We’ve got to christen it.”

          “Bar? Oh come on, I’m not sure if I want to go.”

          “Why the hell not? It’s a bar.”

          “Exactly, a bar. There’ll be booze, smelly men, and sometime between arrival and departure, there’ll be a fight involving idiots and cops will come. I’ve seen enough of it. I just want quiet and relaxation.”

          “You mean boring.”

          “Call it what you want, Holly. My way is safer and it entitles me to my own bathroom.”

          Holly groaned. “I really want to go out tonight.”

          “Then go! I’m not stopping you.”

          “Yes, you are! By not coming with me, you are.” Lucy sat down on the couch and shook her head. Her friend was relentless.

          “Holly, the last time I went with you, I ended up in a middle of nowhere without any money and a parking ticket that cost me four hundred dollars. Do you honestly think I’m going to repeat that?”

          “Ok, that was last time. This time it’s going to be different.”

          “How so?”

          “Well, for one, I met someone and I’d like you to meet him.”

 Lucy sat up and changed her phone to the other ear. “What? Who?”

“Promise me you’ll come out tonight and I’ll tell you.”

Lucy could not believe she had caved and was now sitting at the bar waiting for her friend. She’d even dolled up, imagine that. Wearing a black dress and heels, she was overdressed and felt eyes on her as she sipped her gin and tonic. She looked at her watch for a third time. Holly was half an hour late now and she was beginning to look like she’d been stood up. Grabbing her purse, she pulled out a twenty and slid it on the bar counter. As she slipped off the stool, her heel caught and she fell over into a pair of arms. She turned to apologize and her apology died on her lips. Standing behind her was a very handsome man with dark hair and eyes as blue as the ocean and a scent that tickled her female senses to insanity. She swallowed, her senses gone, and her heart pounded against her rib. She watched as his eyes stared at her and then he smiled. Her legs gave out again and he helped her stand on legs that jiggled.

“Are you all right?” he asked in a dark, cool voice. She found herself completely unable to speak. She stared and then nodded quickly. He smiled again and she saw how his jeans made his legs leaner and longer. His shirt was tight revealing muscles that proved he worked hard for his physique.

“Thank you,” she finally managed to say.

“No problem. Are you new in town? I haven’t seen you around before.”

She shook her head. “No, I live in town.” Just then Holly walked in and a man had his arm around her. As they neared, the man who was talking to her looked up and instantly locked hands with the man Holly was walking with. Confusion filled Lucy as she realized that the two men knew each other. Holly squealed and came to hug her. Holly was a tall slender woman with blonde hair and curves like no tomorrow. She wore designer clothes and liked the high life.

“You’re here! I thought you’d bail out on me.”

“I was because you’re half an hour late.”

Holly rolled her eyes. “Oh quit your time keeping. Anyways, this is Hank and I see you were talking to his best friend, Nick.” Lucy stared at the stranger who had caught her and watched as he extended his hand to her. She took it and he brushed her knuckles lightly. She ignored the fluttering in her belly.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lucy.”

“You as well.”

“Let’s sit and order some food,” Holly said as she dragged Hank toward an empty booth. As soon as everyone sat down, Lucy felt the urge to bolt for the door. She hadn’t expected to meet a man, especially a man who looked like Nick and was staring at her like he could see right through her. Holly was completely smitten with her new beau to even strike up a conversation with her. That left her swimming with her raw emotions with Nick.

“How long have you known Holly?” Nick asked.

Lucy tried to control her urges to kiss the man. “Uh…a few years. And you and Hank?”

“We grew up together. We’re like brothers.”

          “That’s nice.” The room suddenly felt very warm and she needed air. She gathered up her courage to excuse herself to the restroom. As she neared the door, her arm was pulled back and she swung around to meet Nick’s lips on hers. The room spun and her heart fluttered. Her breath caught in her chest and it hurt. He was an excellent kisser, making love like no one had ever made love to her lips before. When he finally pulled away, they were both breathless. She held onto his arms for support and his eyes gazed into hers, telling her exactly what he wanted.

          “Let’s go,” he whispered. “I’d like to do more of that with you.”

          “What about Holly?”

          He smiled. “Trust me, they won’t miss us.” Lucy took the hand he extended and let him lead her out. On the way out, she noticed that Holly and Hank were practically lip to lip on the dance floor. She looked away and saw Nick’s smirk as they made their way out the door.

          She followed him to his apartment and as she parked her car, she lost her nerves. She was on edge and her heart was shattering against her rib cage. Her breath was uneven and she sat there, unmoving. The knock on the window brought her back to the present and she rolled the window down as Nick bent down to meet her gaze.

          “I’m sorry,” she said suddenly. “I’m suddenly having second thoughts.”

          He smiled and opened the door. “Come on in. We don’t have to do anything.” She rolled her window up and followed him to his apartment. But as soon as they made it inside the room and she heard the lock of the door, she threw her arms around him. All second thoughts disappeared and she felt nothing but need. It had been a long time since she’d needed anyone or felt wanted by anyone. The last person to sleep with her was Scott and it hadn’t been a very good last good-bye. He must have read her thoughts because he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom where he showed her things she never knew existed. In the end, she screamed his name and came undone in his arms.

          The moonlight ray poured in through the curtains as Nick lay in bed with Lucy in his arms. It had been an evening of her screaming his name until she was exhausted. It had made him lose his control when she lost herself in his hold. He’d never had a woman who had come as undone as her when he made love to her. It made him smile and warm inside. She let out a soft mutter and stirred but remained asleep. He reached over and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. She was so gorgeous and it hurt to look at her. He didn’t know much about her only that she’d been hurt by a husband who didn’t want her. When Holly asked him to meet her friend, he wasn’t sure because he was not fond of being set up with others. But for some reason, which he couldn’t figure out yet, he agreed. And it might be the most amazing decision he’d made.

          Nick smiled and reached his arm around her pulling her even closer. Her scent tickled his nose and he smiled. He liked everything about her. She wasn’t like most women he’d been with. She wasn’t afraid to show him what she needed. It had been his pleasure to give her all she needed. It was a man’s job to give a woman what she needed. He aimed to please and her cries of pleasure proved he’d done his job well. She moaned and curled her hand around his thick forearm. He smiled and kissed her forehead before drifting off to sleep.

          When he woke, it was to the cold seeping into the bed. He sat up and realized he was alone. All traces of her being in his bed were gone. He jumped out of bed, pulled on jeans, and walked out to the living room. He saw the note lying on the counter. It was a simple thank you for a good time. He didn’t know why, but it made his anger boil. Perhaps because no one had ever left him that way. Perhaps it was because he wasn’t satisfied with her choice of exit. But whatever it was, it left him burning and reaching for the phone to call Holly.

          “You just left him?” Holly asked as she stuffed a fork full of eggs into her mouth. They were having breakfast together at Ihop and as Lucy tried to come to terms with what happened last night, she couldn’t. She hadn’t been cared for in a long time and she was vulnerable so she gave in to her needs. Did she like Nick? A little. But she had to be careful because she was fairly new to this dating game after being out for a long time.

          “I wasn’t thinking straight when I allowed this to happen. I have never done one night stands, Holly. This is bad for me.”

          “Oh come on! Who the hell cares when the man looks like Nick.” She put her fork down and then pulled out her phone. “He’s calling me.”

          Lucy’s face paled. “Don’t answer it.”

          Holly shrugged and then pressed a button. “Hello.” Lucy stuck out her tongue and Holly smiled. “Wait, what?” Lucy grabbed her water and took a long sip.

          “Oh really? Ok. Hold on.” Holly sighed and then she handed the phone to Lucy, who had a mouth full of water. “He wants to talk to you.”

          She swallowed. “No.” Holly shoved the phone at her and Lucy could already hear Nick’s voice on the other end of the line. “Hello.”

          “Lucy? Where are you?” he demanded.

          “Look, let’s just—“

          “Where are you?!” he shouted.

          Lucy jumped. “I’m at the Ihop around the corner.”

          “Don’t move,” he ordered then hung up.

          Lucy glared at her friend as she threw the phone back at her. “Why did you do that? Why couldn’t you just leave it alone?” But before Holly could answer, the door opened and in stepped Nick. He was dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt, hiding muscles that she felt all night long. He came to her, grabbed her by the arm, and began dragging her out. She turned around to see Holly waving at her.

          They barely made it outside before she ripped her arm free from him and stepped away from him. But he stepped forward and his eyes told her that messing with him was the last thing she should do.

          “I thought we were going to have breakfast together this morning,” Nick said.

          Lucy crossed her arms. “It was just—“

          “No. You don’t spend an entire night of passion with me and leave before the sun comes up. Worse, sneak out as if you were a thief. What did I do that was so wrong? Because if memory serves correct, you were quite breathless with me last night.”

          Lucy felt her face burn. “Don’t talk about last night.”

          “Why the hell not?”

 She tried to walk away and he grabbed her arm, swinging her around to face him.

          “Oh, no sweetheart, you better start talking about why you snuck out after you were glued to me all night long.”

          Lucy watched as his eyes filled with anger and suddenly tears filled her eyes. As soon as the first tear dropped, the anger dissolved and he reached for her with deep concern brewing in his eyes. The look he gave her made her heart melt and she suddenly began crying harder than she wanted to. And when he wrapped her into his arms, the comfort made her aching heart swell.

          “Shh, baby, tell me,” he whispered.

          She cried her heart out and when she pulled away, he cupped her face and she found her courage. “I was hurt really bad by a man who was my husband. It had been a long time since anyone cared or wanted me for that fact. Last night, when you made love to me, I felt safe and I was brave. But when this morning came around, I just couldn’t face the fact that I might just be a number on your list.”

          Nick rubbed a thumb across her cheek. “Lucy, you’re not a number. You’re so much more than that. You’re the first woman I agreed to meet on a whim. It’s crazy how I chose that and I still can’t figure it out. Your husband was a fool because you’re an incredible woman. I woke up this morning alone and I was frantic to find you because you meant more to me than I can explain.”

          “Please don’t tell me pretty lies to make yourself look like a decent man. I’m tired of those.”

          “I’m not. I’m as honest right now as I ever have been. Just tell me that you won’t hold back and let me walk in the dark as I try to figure out who you are.”

          She backed away and shook her head. “You don’t understand, Nick. I’ve been hurt really bad and a little romance isn’t going to cure this broken heart of mine.”

          “I wasn’t planning on curing you, Lucy. It’s something you’ll have to do on your own. Look, I know that you and I barely know each other, but trust me, the last thing I’d want to do is hurt you. You have to trust that there’s still a decent man left on this earth.”

          Lucy felt her eyes burn with tears and afraid she’d make another fool of herself, she turned away. The heart that hammered against her chest told her to walk away. It was better to just think of him as a memory. But then her mind that replayed the moment between the sheets made her feel alive. Lost, she didn’t know what to do. Without turning to look at him, she took a deep breath and told what was on her mind.

          “You can’t expect me to give you anything, Nick. I’m broken in pieces that you can’t possibly find a way to put together. I haven’t been able to trust anyone since then, most of all, myself. I’m still learning to put myself first. I don’t want to start all over again. It’s too much work and it’s too painful.”

          She felt her arm being tugged and she turned around to face him. When he tried to touch her cheek, she pulled away. She shook her head, turned, and walked away. The hurt welled up in her heart, but she moved herself away from him. She had to because she was beginning to feel things she shouldn’t. In one night, he was able to take her heart and tried as she might, she knew she would never get it back.

          “Have you heard from her?” Hank asked. Nick stared at the document in front of him and looked up at his friend. It had been a month since Lucy had walked out on him. He hadn’t heard from her. Hank probably already knew the answer because he was dating her best friend. But he knew that Hank was only trying to help cure him out of this zombie mode he’d been in.

          “Holly should have told you,” he answered.

          Hank sighed. “Ok, so she did. But dude, seriously, get out of this state you’re in. She’s not the first girl to bail out on you.”

          “Yeah, but she’s the first girl I didn’t want to let go.”

          Hank ran a hand through his hair and handed a pen to his friend. “Look, I’m sorry things are really shitty for you now. But you’re about to be a home owner. You should at least smile so I don’t feel so bad for taking your money.”

          Nick sighed and took the pen from his friend. He signed across the dotted line and stared at the keys beside him. He’d bought his first home and he should be happy. But knowing he’d be spending time in it alone made the thought cold and lonely. He’d hoped that by the time he’d owned a home, he’d have a wife. It was nowhere near what he wanted it to be. In fact, it was the complete opposite.

          The house he bought was situated on two acres of land and had four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It was an old home built in the late 1900’s, but completely renovated inside. It was beautiful and it spoke to him, drawing him in. He fell in love and made an offer on the spot. Hank was his realtor and everything went as smooth as milk. He’d never expected to own a home so early in his life, but he knew that if he didn’t make a move, he’d lose out on this home.

          Nick hadn’t always been alone. His parents were still living down south enjoying retirement. But his love life had been a good one up until Greta entered and left a hole in his heart. They’d dated for a year until she left without a word. When he finally found her four months later, she was shopping for a ring with another man. It had burned him to the core knowing she’d been cheating behind his back. It hurt more knowing she had been unhappy with him. He tried to move on. He tried dating. It ended up with him making excuses to leave early. When Hank tried to talk him into meeting Lucy, he didn’t know why he agreed. But when they met, the hunger won and he ended up making love to her. He hadn’t expected that and he hadn’t expected to want her again. He wasn’t keen on one night stands, but what he spent with Lucy wasn’t a one night stand.

          He didn’t know how to make her understand that he was really different from her husband. But he knew how painful it was to be in her shoes. It had been half a year since Greta and he still found himself not able to breathe when he saw her. He knew, but he wanted to take care of her. Only she had a different thought and didn’t want anything to do with him.

         

          Lucy dropped the latest copy of People magazine on the counter and ran her hands through her hair. It had been a long and exhausting day at work. She’d worked her butt off, skipped lunch, and was now sporting a headache. It was Friday night and all she wanted was to soak in the tub. She was opening a bottle of wine when her phone rang. She picked it up and saw Holly’s name lit on the screen. She sighed and pondered letting it go to voicemail. But she answered it on the last ring.

          “I’m not going out with you,” Lucy said as she slipped into a chair.

          “I was hoping you’d come out with me to a house warming party.”

          Lucy frowned. “Well, this is an unusual invitation. You never go to house warming parties. Please don’t tell me you’re going to be shopping for linen and crock pots.”

          Holly laughed. “No. It’s just a friend and I need someone to go with. Hank is busy tonight and can’t make it.”

          “If it’s a house warming party, I’ll attend because I know no one will be hitting on me. Pick me up in twenty.”

          The house was an old Victorian style house located on two acres of land. A few cars were parked on the driveway and Lucy got out as Holly parked the car. Dressed in a simple white summer dress, she hurried to catch up with Holly. Suddenly Hank appeared from inside the house and Lucy stopped walking. She turned to find Holly smiling and blushing. Then the man that followed Hank made her heart skip a beat. Nick was looking hotter than ever dressed in black slacks and a tight gray t-shirt carrying a bottle of wine. Their eyes met and she felt the energy sizzle between them. She turned and walked away when Holly grabbed her arm.

          “You said this was a house warming party!” Lucy cried.

          “It is!” Holly defended herself. “I just never told you it’s Nick’s house warming party.”

          Lucy rolled her eyes. “How could you?”

          “What does it matter? You don’t want him, right? So it shouldn’t bother you if you stay.” As if she wanted to prove her friend right, Lucy straightened herself and walked ahead. She saw Nick’s gaze run down her body and she shivered remembering what he could do with his lips and hands. She ignored the passion burning in the pit of her belly. She walked up to him and handed him the bottle of wine.

          “You have a beautiful house,” she said.

          Nick took the bottle, careful not to touch her fingers. “Thank you. Make yourself at home.” Lucy ignored Holly and Hank and walked into the house. She was met with a kitchen fit for a chef in a five star restaurant. She was in love already. This house deserved to be filled with a wife and laughing children. She made her way to the living room where it was decorated with three white couches and a large screen TV. She found herself walking up the stairs and her fingers found the door knob to the left. She opened it and was met with a large black and white comforter and a black futon. She walked in because the books on the shelves attracted her. She saw that the books were classics, stories she’d read hundreds of time. As she ran her fingers across the spine of the books, she heard a noise behind her. She turned and found Nick entering, his hand still held the bottle of wine she’d given him. The heat in the room intensified and she felt her heart beat faster.

          “Is this your room?” she asked.

          Nodding, he said, “It is. What are you doing in here?”

          She looked around trying to figure out an answer. Then her eyes fell on the books. “The books was what made me come in. I’ve read them all. I’m surprised you read them too.”

          “Why is that?” he asked as he walked closer.

          Her hands opened and closed beside her. “Well, for one, you don’t look like a guy who reads classics.”

          He smiled. “I love the classics. They’re beautifully written. Emily Bronte is my favorite.”

          Lucy laughed. “I’m sorry. But when a man your height and who is all muscles says Emily Bronte is his favorite, it makes me not believe it.”

          He inched closer. “Would it help if I told you I didn’t always look this way? That I use to wear glasses, was lanky and wore suspenders?”

          “I can’t imagine you that way.”

          Lucy swallowed as he walked in, his eyes never leaving hers. When he reached her, he set the wine bottle down and ran a finger down her arm. She shivered and he came to stand beside her. He bent down and she could feel his breath on her neck. Then ever so gently, he began whispering words from Emily Bronte. Her body shook and she felt her world move. Not trusting herself, she moved away from him and turned away from him. When she had gathered her emotions under control, she turned to face him.

          “Don’t do this, Nick. I’m too fragile right now and I’ll believe every word you say.”

          “I want you to believe every word I say. It’s how I truly feel about you. Why is that so hard to believe? I know your husband hurt you. But I’m not him.”

          “No, you’re not and that’s why I can’t trust myself with you.”

          When Lucy came down the stairs and into the kitchen, Holly was washing her hands at the sink. Her friend turned the water off, wiped her hands on a towel, and tried to smile at her. Lucy felt her heart tighten and she took a deep breath as she walked in.

          “You should have told me it was Nick’s house,” Lucy said.

          “Would you have come?”

          “No. But I was not prepared for it.” Lucy crossed her arms. “Why can’t you let it go?”

          “Let what go?”

          “That I’m not interested in him.”

          Holly smiled and leaned her hip against the counter island. “Who are you trying to convince here? Me or yourself? Because if I recall correctly, you’re the one who knows what he’s like without clothes on.”

          “A biggest mistake and I don’t intend to repeat it.”

          Holly smiled. “Sweetheart, quit beating yourself up. So you slept with the man. You’re attracted to him. I mean, who isn’t? Look at him! You’d have to be blind not to be. You need to stop punishing yourself. It’s been over with between you and Scott. You need a new man.”

          Lucy rolled her eyes and walked out, not even wanting to get her point across. Hank was grilling as she walked past and a few people were standing around talking. She caught sight of Nick walking out to greet his guests. She walked past the garage and down to the empty lot. She took a seat by the grass and stared off into the clouds.

          Her emotions were eating her alive and it was everything she had to keep herself together. She didn’t know how to make sense out of this. She knew she should move on, but the thought of another man breaking her heart made her run for the fields. Especially a man who could hold her heart as tight as Nick did and she’d only spent a night in his arms. Was it worth breaking her heart? Was it worth starting over?

          She knew Scott had no problem moving on. She’d heard news of it from around that he’d remarried and was living the life he’d always wanted; a pretty wife to hang on his every word and to show off to his high life friends. She’d never been into that and couldn’t imagine what kind of woman would. But apparently there was someone out there for him. That meant that there had to be someone for her.

          But was she able to make that jump? Could her heart handle it if Nick suddenly called it quits? Tears burned her eyes as she thought all about how much she’d suffered when Scott left. She’d been torn to pieces and her soul had dried up to an empty shell. She found herself weeping in the corner of the house unable to stand or eat for days. It had hurt so much that she thought she was literally going to die. Could she do it a second time around?

          “I guess tonight is the night that wins all awkwardness.” She turned her head and saw Nick coming toward her. In his hand was a bottle of beer and his eyes weren’t gleaming as they were earlier. He sat down beside her without asking and took a long drag of his beer. He was quiet and somehow that bothered her.

          “What’s wrong? What do you mean by awkwardness?”

          He looked up at her. “I wasn’t expecting you tonight. You came and I was so surprised I almost missed a step coming down.”

          “Look, if my being here is bothering you—“

          “No, it’s not. You being here was a good surprise. Her being her is a bad surprise.”
          Lucy frowned. “Her?”

          “My ex-girlfriend.”

          Lucy felt her heart drop. “What?”

          “Yeah, it turns out that a new acquaintance is her lover. I just couldn’t stay there.” His voice was so sad, just like hers, and it burned her. She watched as he picked at a loose thread on his pants. She noticed that his eyes were avoiding hers and then finally when he looked up at her, she saw her own pain reflecting in his eyes.

          “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

          He smiled, although it didn’t reach his eyes. “Can I sit here with you? We don’t have to talk or anything. Can I just sit?” She nodded, knowing how uncomfortable the situation he was in. How could she force him to go back to a place he wasn’t yet ready to face? She felt sad suddenly and reached over for his hand. He let her take it and they sat like that, holding hands just staring at the clouds until the sun began to sink in the horizon. When they finally got up to go back, everyone was gone except for Holly and Hank.

          The house was quiet as the night wind blew in from the open curtains. Nick picked up the last piece of trash and threw it out as he stared at the house before him. Tonight hadn’t been his idea. Hank had literally pulled his arm back just to make him throw that stupid house warming party. When Lucy showed up, his heart had skipped several beats. And when he found her in his room admiring his books, it made him ache in places he thought was dead. He liked seeing her there and he felt she belonged. But then when Greta showed up without warning, his world turned upside down. He hadn’t expected that kind of blow. He just couldn’t stand around and pretend to converse with people. He’d gone behind the house and found Lucy sitting alone. He joined her and through their silence together, he felt they bonded. She knew his pain now. She knew that like her, he’d been hurt beyond measures. There was a part of him that he kept hidden from the world and tonight it had revealed itself. She saw it and she read it well. She accepted it and it made him feel better.

          Now as he stood in the silence of his house, he wondered if his life would ever find some sort of peace like it was with Lucy tonight. He didn’t ask for too much. Just a little bit of peace with a good woman and a life others envied. That’s what he wanted but it seemed like life had different plans for him. It kept detouring him to places that made him remember pain. Nick sighed and ran a hand through his hair, unsure of what lay ahead for him. When the doorbell rang, he found himself wishing whoever it was away. But he dragged his tired feet to open it and found Lucy standing at the door. His eyes shot wide open at her white night gown that barely hid anything. Her eyes told him what she needed and instantly he pulled her in already kissing those lips that drove him crazy.

          Nick woke suddenly and realized he was alone. He sat up and was about to get dressed when he heard humming from the shower. A smile spread across his face and he got out of bed. The water turned off as he entered the door. She was wrapped in his towel, bent over, and drying her hair with another towel. The sight this early in the morning was a dream he’d wished for.

          “This is what they call a good morning,” he said.

          She stopped and turned around. A smile planted on her face. “Good morning.”

          “It’s a good morning indeed. I thought you left again.”

          “Nope. I learned my lesson last time.”

          “Good. Now how about a good morning kiss?”

          The sound of the TV blaring was loud as Lucy dropped the last piece of bacon on the plate and carried it to the kitchen. Nick was dressed in jeans and a white tee, her favorite look, as she set the table. She had come to him wearing her night gown so now she was wearing one of his button down shirts. It hit her thighs and she felt comfortable in it. She had just turned around to call him to come when the doorbell rang. He muted the TV and opened it. Lucy ran to see and was met with Hank and Holly walking in hand in hand and when their eyes met, Holly’s jaw hit the floor. Nick laughed and came to wrap his arm around Lucy’s waist, kissing her hair.

          “Well, well, this is a sight to see,” Holly said.

          “I think that shirt looks better on you,” Hank said.

          Lucy laughed and turned her face into Nick’s neck to hide her blush. “Stop it.”

          “Quit embarrassing my girl and get what you wanted to say over with,” Nick said.

          “Uh, well, now that we know we’re intruding, we’ll just politely walk ourselves out. You two enjoy your morning together,” Holly said as she dragged Hank out. She did give Lucy a huge grin as she closed the door. She knew she had a lot of explaining come Monday morning.

          They spent the entire morning wrapped up in each other’s arms, feeding each other food, and making slow, sweet love. By the time the evening was coming around, Lucy felt exhausted. She slept hard in Nick’s arms. When she woke, it was to repeat all over again. She knew that this was the life she needed to feel loved, to feel wanted. They spent the Sunday around the flea market, checking out the fresh fruits from local farmers. She bought a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten up his house. They walked hand in hand, tasting fruits, laughing, and having a good afternoon together. Lucy was sad to see how fast the time was making its way to the evening. She didn’t want to leave him. She wanted to stay with him.

          “Stay the night,” Nick said as she put the vase of flowers on his dining table. It was getting late and she didn’t want to go, but she knew she had to. The look on his face was pure misery, but she had no choice. She’d stayed the entire weekend and neglected her work. She had a lot of reading and preparing to do before work tomorrow.

          “I really want to, but I’ve got a ton of work to do at home.”

          “So, I’ll take you there and you can collect it. Then we can come back here. I’ll work and so will you.”

          She laughed. “Something tells me being in the same room with you won’t get me any work done.”

          He smiled and brushed three fingers against her cheek. He pulled her into his arms and sighed deeply. She noticed the spark in his eyes and swallowed hard. He was turned on and she could feel his energy sizzling through to her. His fragrance alone was enough to make her shed her clothes. When Nick bent down to capture her lips, she moaned and he deepened the kiss. She pulled away before it got any further.

          “I have to go,” she said with deep regret.

          He groaned. “Damn it.”

          “I’ll be back soon. Maybe we can do this again.”

          “Oh we better be doing this again.”

          The house seemed empty without her and Nick wandered around it moping. Since she left, he’d looked at the watch four times and was surprised to find it hadn’t been but a mere ten minutes. He was seriously hooked onto her. The weekend together was good and he’d hate to see it end. He didn’t want to let her go. She knew it so she took the moment he went to the bathroom to grab her nightgown to leave. When he came back, she was gone. Holding her nightgown in his hand, he’d gone out and saw her car making the turn away from him.

          Nick smiled and stared at her nightgown lying on the couch. She’d worn his shirt home. He fingered the thin fabric and remembered how she looked when she arrived in the dead of the night. He had been surprised and turned on to see her. And he made the most of her being here. When the doorbell rang, he smiled as he rushed over to open the door. But the smile died on his lips as he saw that it was Greta who stood there. She was wearing simple jeans and a black blouse that made her blue eyes stood out. Her pale hair was tied up in a bun and she looked different than he remembered.

          “Your smile is gone. You must have been hoping I was someone else,” she said.

          “What are you doing here?”

          “Right to business, huh?”

          “Greta,” he said with urgency to get rid of her.

          She nodded and shrugged. “I need to talk to you.”

          “What about?”

          “Are you going to invite me in?” He thought for a moment and then stepped aside. She walked in and her same perfume engulfed him. He’d missed that smell for the months she’d left him. But now another scent was what he needed. She walked in and he closed the door. He kept his distance from her and took a seat on the couch. She stood silently for a moment and then sat down on the dining chair across from her.

          “You wouldn’t even look at me Friday night,” she said.

          He shrugged. “What did you want me to say? I wasn’t expecting you.”

          She looked away and when she caught his gaze again, fresh tears decorated her pupils. She laughed and touched her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve been really good at crying lately. It comes with the baby.”

          He frowned. “Baby?”

          She nodded. “Yeah, three months along.”

          His eyes fell to her stomach where he finally noticed that a small padding had formed. He connected gaze with her again. “I’m happy for you.”

          “Thank you. I just…I don’t know what I wish. But for the longest time I had hoped that I would be carrying your baby.”

          Nick stood, anger shooting through his veins. “Don’t start that shit, Greta! You left me, remember? Don’t sit there and talk about wanting to have carried my baby. You lost that right the moment you walked out of my life.”

          She stood slowly and wiped at her eyes. “I know that, Nick. Don’t you think I know that? I’ve regretted it since it happened.”

          “So why come back now? Why? What difference will it make if I forgive you now? You already broke my heart into pieces.”

          Greta shook her head. “That’s just it, Nick. I never meant to break your heart to pieces. It was my insecurity that made me leave. You weren’t stable and—“

          “And now I am,” he finished for her. “You didn’t want me when I had nothing, Greta. What makes you think I’ll take you back now when you never stood by me?”

          “I don’t expect you to.”

          “You’re carrying another man’s child and you come here baring your soul to me. It’s shameful and embarrassing. I feel sorry for the man you claim to love. He’s about to get his heart shattered.”

          Greta sobbed and she sat down. She looked up at him. “Please don’t hate me, Nick. I couldn’t stand it if you did.”

          “It’s a little too late for that. You did that to yourself. But I forgave you a long time ago. Because if I didn’t, I’d be holding onto a memory that would make me a less of a man. I’m not sorry I loved you, Greta. I’m only sorry I couldn’t love you enough.”

          “Nick, I have no regrets of the love I’ve given to you. I want you to know that no matter what, I’ll always love you. Please, just please hear me out.”

          “What else is there to say?”

          “The truth.” She swallowed hard and wiped at her eyes, smearing her liner. “I left because I was scared of our future. You were working odd jobs and had no future. I was in school and nowhere near where I wanted to be. I saw a glimpse of our future together, looking for change to eat, and it scared the living shit out of me. I thought to myself, this can’t be the life for me.”

          Nick sighed deeply. “So you left.”

          “I did and I met someone who could take care of me. I didn’t want him, I never did. But I needed the security and he gave it to me. So I allowed him to have me and my life became lost since then. I lost track of who I was and I never expected to be found again. And then I saw you again and it reminded me of how I used to be. The man I left you for is long gone from my life. The man of my child is a man I slept with by mistake. We’re together only because I’m carrying his child.”

          Nick felt disgusted. He stood up. “Stop, Greta, just stop. This is more embarrassing than I thought. You’re asking me to take you back while you are carrying another man’s child. I’m not even sure how to begin how twisted this sounds. Do you realize how sick this is?”

          She stood up and walked toward him. Before she reached him, he moved away from her. Just the thought of her being near him drove him with disgust. She read his disgust and she stepped back, her hurt not hidden from her face. He took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair.

          “Greta, please leave. You’re not helping either one of us by being here.”

          “Do you love her?” Nick shot her a glare and she wiped at her eyes. “I can see that you do. You don’t think I saw you with her? You were never that way with me. You could never really hide your emotions well and your eyes showed everything. That day when I arrived and I saw you, I thought, he’s still not over me. It made me happy thinking I had carved a place deep enough inside of you.

          “But then when you left to go to her, I followed you. I saw how you were with her. I saw everything. It left me feeling jealous and I had no right to feel that way. The way you spoke to her, there was so much gentleness that it made me envy her.” She started to cry. Nick looked away and she let out a dreadful sob.

          “What hurt me the most was that I never had that with you, Nick. I wanted that and I watched as a stranger received it.”

          Nick shook his head. “I gave you all I had, Greta. You took my heart and shred it to pieces. There’s no way I’d repeat it no matter how much you cry. You left me when all I had nothing but love for you.”

          “And now there’s someone else in my place.”

          “Someone who you will never measure up to,” Nick said. “She understands me, she sees me like no other. My whole world has shifted since I met her.”

          “What about me? Don’t you think of me?”

          “You have no place in my life the moment you left me.”

          “I love you,” Greta whispered.

          Nick took several steps toward the door and opened it. He turned to look at her. “Greta, it’s over. Go and live your life. Be a good mother to your child and stop living in the past. We had a good thing going once, but it wasn’t meant to be. You wanted someone other than me. Now you have him. So go and love him.”  

         

          The world had shifted overnight for Lucy, it seemed, as she spent all her free time with Nick. She found laughter through his touch and his kisses healed her pain. During the nights, she slept in his arms and chased away her nightmares. His breath on her shoulder stopped the tears that drowned her pillow at night. With him at her side, Lucy discovered that she could be better. Yes, love had wounded her once, but love would give her life again.

          She found herself thanking Holly every chance she could find. She knew that it had been fate that night when she agreed to go with Holly. Of course, her friend would jokingly tell her that without her, Lucy would still be a crying mess. Her heart had not completely healed, no sir, but it was getting better with each passing day.

          And today had been one of those days where she couldn’t wait to see Nick. He’d been out of town for work all week and it was finally Friday. He would be arriving home tonight and she was ready to see him. It had been a very long week for her. They’d texted and called each other every minute they could. But it did not heal the hurt that kept them apart. She was longing for his arms and she yearned for his kisses. As she was finishing putting the folder of today’s work into her briefcase to read later this weekend, her phone rang. She saw Holly’s name lit on the screen and she happily answered.

          “What’s up?”

          “Lucy? Are you home?” Lucy’s heart sank at the sound of her friend’s voice. It didn’t sound like her Holly. She put her briefcase down and leaned against the desk.

          “I’m still at work. What’s wrong?”

          “Well, you better get over here to Nick’s house fast.”

          “What? Why?”

          “This bitch isn’t leaving and she’s fucking carrying a kid so I can’t punch her.” Lucy’s jaw dropped open as she left without her briefcase and hung up on her friend. Dashing through the doors to her car, she didn’t know how fast she drove but she arrived at Nick’s house faster than ever. She saw Holly’s car and could see her friend arguing with a woman who was sporting a bump. Hank was shaking his head and throwing his hands up in the air. She parked the car and got out as the pregnant woman turned around to face her.

          “Is this her?” she asked staring at Lucy.

          “Yes, that’s Lucy. Now that you’ve seen her, leave,” Holly said coating each word with disdain.

          Lucy watched as the pretty woman tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She knew this woman. Nick had told her all about her. “Hello Greta, how are you doing?”

          The woman’s face paled, surprised Lucy knew who she was. “You know who I am?”

          “I do. Nick has told me all about you and your disgusting ways.”

          She smiled. “He still talks about me?”

          Lucy laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself. He talks about how ugly you are.”

          Greta’s smile faded and she crossed her arms. “I want to see him.”

          “He’s not here. What do you want?”

          She looked from one to the other. “I need help.”

          “And you came here? Didn’t he make it clear last time? You’re not wanted here. Take your shit somewhere else.”

          Tears burned her eyes and she stepped forward. “Look, I’m in serious shit. I need a place to stay. I have nowhere to go.” The sound of a car door closing alerted them and they all turned to find Nick walking toward them as a taxi pulled away. Lucy’s heart melted at the sight of him after not seeing him for a week. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans, her favorite, and a black t-shirt that made his arms look bigger than usual. Over his shoulder was a black bag and in his hands was a bouquet of roses.

          “What’s with the welcoming committee?” he asked as he neared. Then his eyes fell on Greta and his smile faded. The hand holding the roses lowered and his eyes turned dark. “What are you doing here?”

          Greta stepped forward and put her hand on her belly. “I have to talk to you. These people are being so rude and they’re not giving me a moment to speak to you. Please, hear me out.”

          Lucy stood in her place without moving as Holly came to take Hank’s hand. “Hank, let’s go. He’s here now so he can deal with it.”

          “I’m going with you,” Lucy said as she followed them.

          Nick reached out and took her arm. “Why are you going? I haven’t seen you in a week.”

          Lucy gently removed her arm from his hold. “You have bigger problems to deal with here. I can’t be in the same space as her. I might not be nice.”

          Greta sighed deeply. “For crying out loud, just let her go so we can talk. You can screw her later all night.”

          Lucy shut her eyes at Greta’s words and Nick swore loudly. “Get out of here, Greta, before I call the cops.”

          “No! I need to talk to you!” she cried.

          Lucy ripped her arm free. “I’ll call you later.” She took Holly’s hand and didn’t look back as he continued calling her name.

          Nick dropped the roses on the counter and let out a deep breath. Tonight was not what he had in mind. He had planned a romantic dinner with Lucy and wanted nothing more than to make love to her all night long. Instead, she had left and here he was, standing in the same room with Greta, again. Her belly had grown and there was no doubt she was pregnant now. She looked distressed and her cheek showed a small bruise. She hadn’t talked since following him inside. But he was ready to hear her out and get her going on her way.

          “You got your way. Now get it out of your system. I’ve got a girl waiting for me,” he said.

          “You really love her, don’t you?”

          “Greta,” he said impatiently.

          She sighed. “I need help. My baby’s daddy kicked me out and I have nowhere to go. I need money and a place to stay.”

          He crossed his arms and stared at her with no reaction. “What am I? A hotel and bank?”

          She threw her arms out. “Are you serious? I thought you could help me out. I came here because I really need help.”

          “What about your parents?”

          “They disowned me when I left you.”

          “They’re pretty smart.”

          She let out a sob and a tear fell down her cheek. “Nick…I’m serious. I have nowhere to go. I need a place to stay.”

          He closed the distance between them and looked her in the eyes. “Greta, there’s nothing I can do for you. I can’t help you. There’s many shelters that can give you a place to live in until you get back on your feet. Contact them.”

          She shoved him away. “Why can’t you just be nice for once and say you’ll let me live here?”

          “Why would I do that? You no longer have a place in my life. If you need money, I have—“ He dug into his pocket and pulled out two hundred dollars. He handed it to her. “I have two hundred dollars. Take it and find yourself a place to stay. Get a job and get some self-worth into your life.”

         

          It was dark when Lucy heard the loud knocking at her door. Dressed in a white t-shirt, she stumbled to the front door and opened it. The light poured in and Nick stood before her. She rubbed her eyes and her vision cleared. He was still wearing the same outfit as before when she had left. He forced himself in and shut the door. She turned to go when he threw his arms around her and held her tightly.

          “You left me,” he said.

          She wiggled out of his hold and turned around to face him. “Nick, I didn’t want to stay there and hear the conversation. I had to get out of there. She was making me hate everything.”

          He touched her cheek. “I’m sorry. I took care of it. I gave her some money and sent her on her way. This was not how I had planned things, sweetheart.”

          Lucy sighed and saw the strain in his eyes. “It’s ok. I understand. Look, it’s done and over with. It’s late. Let’s go to bed.” She turned to go but he pulled her back. She laughed as he pulled her into her arms and their lips locked. As their kiss deepened, her phone rang.

          “Ignore it. Kiss me,” he said. She laughed as the phone kept ringing. It stopped and then started ringing again.

          “What the hell,” she said as she pulled away and saw Holly’s name on it. She picked it up. “Holly?”

          “It’s Scott. It’s bad. Get here fast.”

         

          Lucy’s heart was slamming against her chest as she ran into the ER with Nick trailing behind her. She found Holly waiting in the lobby and as soon as Holly saw her, she ran to hug Lucy. The embrace confirmed things were not good. She tried to control her breathing as she pulled away. She could see the fear in Holly’s eyes.

          “What’s going on?” Lucy asked.

          Holly took her to sit down. “I was coming home when I recognized his car. Apparently, his wife and him got into an argument and he wasn’t paying attention. He ran a red light and crashed into a semi. His wife is ok but he’s pretty banged up.”

          Lucy felt her hands go numb. “Oh my God.”

          “I followed them here and the emergency contact he had was still you, but he had your old number. So I called you instead.” Lucy didn’t know how to feel. She wasn’t fond of what Scott did to her, but she didn’t want him to die. She felt arms around her and realized Nick was still there. Hank turned the corner with two cups of coffee in his hands. He handed one to Holly and when he gave one to Lucy, she denied it. Just then an older gentleman wearing scrubs walked into the lobby.

          “Which one of you is Lucy?” he asked.

          “I am,” she replied.

          “He’s very lucky. He’s awake and is asking for you.”

          The room was beeping with IV poles and bags of antibiotics hung high and the smell of medicine introduced itself to Lucy as she walked in. Scott was on the bed with a bandage around his head and his arm in a cast. His face showed black and blue bruises and a few cuts on his cheeks and lips. She walked closer to the bed and the floor creaked. He jerked awake and his eyes shifted until their gaze met.

          “Lucy?” he asked with a hoarse voice.

          “I’m glad you’re awake. You had us all worried.”

          He gave her a weak smile. “I’m glad to see your face, that’s for sure. I was really scared.”

          “Your wife is doing fine. She’s two rooms down.”

          He nodded. “She just left to get her vitals taken.” Then he swallowed and tears filled his eyes. “It’s bad between us, me and my wife. She wants a divorce. I can’t let her go and it’s just…it was really bad.”

          Lucy watched as his face tore up in pain. She walked to stand beside his bed and reached for his hand. “I’m sorry.”

          He looked up at her and a tear escaped. “I’m sorry if I hurt you, Lucy. I know now how you felt when I wanted to leave you. How…how did you ever move on? How did you find a way to get back on your feet?” Before Lucy could answer, a knock came at the door. They both turned to find Nick entering. Scott’s face paled as he watched as Nick came in and put his hand on the small of her back.

          “This is Nick, my…boyfriend,” Lucy said. They hadn’t really confirmed with what they were to each other. But she went ahead and called Nick her boyfriend. She could see the shock in his eyes but she didn’t seem to care.

          “Oh,” Scott said finally. “Nice to meet you.”

          Nick extended his hand. “You too.”

          Nick was feeling like a he’d won the lottery. She’d just called him her boyfriend in front of her ex-husband. He wasn’t sure what she had thought of him and tonight confirmed her feelings. Although the situation wasn’t the exact situation he wanted but still, it made him feel like a winner. As they walked toward the lobby, she was quiet and had her arms crossed over her chest. He stopped walking and she looked up at him. He grabbed her face and kissed her right then and there. When he pulled away, her eyes were full of passion that made him want to go home to show her how much he loved her. Love? Damn right, love.

          “You are amazing,” he said. “You rock my world.”

          She frowned. “You’re not mad?”

          “Why would I be mad?”

          She shrugged. “I called you my boyfriend without you agreeing. I was afraid you’d be upset. I wasn’t sure what you wanted me to say and the word just sort of popped up.”

          Nick laughed and took her hands in his. He kissed her knuckles. “Baby, you just made me the happiest man on earth. I wasn’t sure how you actually felt about me. But you just reassured me that I’m going to be hanging around for a while.”

          She smiled. “I was worried you’d be scared and run off.”

          Nick pulled her into his arms. “Sweetheart, only you keep running off from me. But I have a plan to keep that from happening.” He smiled as her eyes sparkled. Then he pulled her into his arms. “There’s going to be a time where I think changing your last name might work.”

          Lucy laughed. “Oh boy! I’m not quite there yet.”

          “How long til you get there?” She stopped smiling and he ran a finger over her cheek. He knew right there that he was in love, deeply and truly. This woman had captured his heart and healed all wounds. There was nothing he didn’t want to give her. Every part of him was made to love her and he knew that without her by his side, he’d find life unworthy.

          “Nick,” she whispered. “I’m still scared but I want to be scared with you.”

          He smiled, feeling better. “I think that’s the answer I need. I’m willing to help ease the fear away, baby. Just don’t leave me hanging and struggling to find answers.”

          They sat together in the lobby and half way through the night, Lucy fell asleep. She had her head on his shoulder and his arm was around her. A few hours later, Holly and Hank left to go home. Shortly after they left, one of the nurses came to them.

          “Are you Nick?” she asked.

          He nodded. “Yes.”

          “Scott is asking for you.”

          Nick wasn’t sure what the man wanted, but he followed the nurse to Scott’s room. The man was sitting up with a sad look in his eyes. He knew that look but yet he remained calm. He walked in and shut the door. He stood where he was and Scott laughed.

          “I can’t hit you, no matter how much I may want to,” he said.

          Nick shrugged. “I don’t understand why you’d want to hit me. I mean, after all, you were the one who left Lucy.”

          Scott’s laughter died and he looked away. “Perhaps that’s why I want to hit you. I did the leaving and now I’m regretting my choice. I saw how happy she was with you.”

          “I’m glad you can see that because she was never happy with you.” What Nick said struck a chord because Scott shut his eyes as if in pain. When he opened his eyes again, he had a glassy eyed look to him. He chewed the inside of his cheek and then he cleared his throat.

          “Clearly, we know who the better man is. But I’m telling you that if you hurt her, I’d kill you with my bare hands,” Scott said.

          Nick walked in and pulled a chair to sit down. Scott turned to look at him. “Look, Scott, we both know that I’d never hurt her. Seeing me with her just dug up some pretty good memories you may have had with her and you’re just being petty about it. You have a new wife who you left her for and now that things aren’t going the way you want, you’re feeling sorry for yourself.”

          “You know nothing,” Scott said through clenched teeth.

          “I know enough to add things up. You see how happy she is with me and you wished you had that. It is not my place to apologize for how shitty of a man you are. But by God, if you try to do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Lucy, you’ll end up back in this room fighting for breath.”

          Scott laughed. “Don’t worry, buddy. I don’t care anything about Lucy anymore.”

          “You should really tell that to yourself as you look in the mirror. And I’m not your buddy.”

          Lucy woke to arms around her and she found Nick staring at her. She was curled up against his body like a cat and when she removed herself from him, he sat up and stretched. She felt guilty as he removed the kinks from his arms. But before she could say anything, the same doctor from last night came back out. He had introduced himself as Dr. Roger.

          “I’d like to talk to you about something,” he said as he took a seat across from her.

          Lucy tucked her hair behind her ear. “Sure. What is it?”

          “Your husband—“

          “Ex-husband,” Nick cut in.

          Dr. Roger stopped and Lucy turned to catch Nick’s frustrated glare. Nick let out a breath and excused himself. After he left, Dr. Roger put his hands together and Lucy gave him an apologetic smile.

          “I’m sorry,” Lucy said.

          “No. I’m sorry,” he said. “Anyways, as I was saying, your ex-husband is doing better than expected. In a few days from now, he can go home. He’ll need to be on a strict diet of clear liquids until his blood clotting is cleared.”

          “I’m confused. Why are you telling me this? Shouldn’t you tell his wife this?” Lucy asked.

          Dr. Roger sighed. “I guess you haven’t heard the news.”

          Lucy frowned. “News? What news?”

          “His wife left him last night. She has refused all hospital care and had someone pick her up. He’s alone.”

          Lucy found Nick punching the vending machine. He was cursing loudly and she walked to touch his shoulder. He turned around ready to yell but it died on his lips when he realized it was her. She noticed stress around his eyes and how much he was hurting from this. She wrapped her arms around him and he relaxed against her.

          “What’s wrong?” she asked.

          He sighed deeply. “I’m scared of losing you.”

          She pulled away. “Why? I’m right here.”

          He released her and turned away. Then he turned back around. “I don’t know. I don’t like how people think you’re still together. It bothers me.”

          Lucy took his hands. “Please don’t do this. Not right now. I need you strong with me.” Then she stilled. “I have something to tell you.”

          “What?” he asked with fear in his eyes.

          “His wife left him last night.”

          “Shit,” Nick said. “I was talking to him last night. He didn’t mention anything.”

          Frowning, she asked, “You spoke to him?”

          “Yeah, after you fell asleep. He had a nurse come get me.”

          Lucy shrugged. “Dr. Roger just told me and was telling me about what he needs. I’m telling you that I’m not taking care of him. He’s not my problem anymore. I want you, Nick, and you alone. But I’ll need your support in telling him so he doesn’t feel alone. Let me have a few moments alone with him.”

          Scott was staring off into the window when Lucy walked into the room. She had a heavy heart and she felt sorry for the man. Did he deserve this? No. But she had once called this man husband and no matter how horribly he treated her, she wouldn’t wish this on him. When he realized it was her, he gave her a soft smile. She pulled a chair and sat down. When he reached out a hand to her, she didn’t take it. His smile slowly faded and she let out a deep breath.

          “Scott, why are you doing this?” she asked.

          He looked away. “I’m trying to do better.”

          “Do better? Why now?”

          “I made a mistake.”

          “And you think by doing better now I’ll stay and take care of you?” He turned to look at her and she saw tears brimming in his eyes. She leaned back in her chair and shook her head.

          “Scott, waterworks don’t do anything for me. I’m sorry your wife left you but you can’t tie me to you now when you realize you have no one. I have a man out there who is too good to be left alone. He is someone I trust completely with my heart and soul.”

          “What about me?”

          “You’re a mistake that taught me to be careful.”

          Scott shut his eyes and a tear escaped. “I made the biggest mistake of my life leaving you, Lucy. I should have realized it sooner.” He opened his eyes and looked at her. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hurt you. You gave me the world and I left you to fend for yourself. Now when I look back at it, I don’t know why I did that.”

          “You made your choice, Scott, and it left me broken. But I found someone who has helped me heal and there’s no way I’ll leave him to return to you. You hurt me once and you’ll do it again. You have relatives who can help you and care for you. It’s not my job anymore. That’s the beauty of divorce. I no longer have to care.” Lucy got up, tapped his hand and left without another word.

          When she walked out to the lobby, Nick was sitting with his eyes closed and his head laid back on the chair. She smiled and walked to sit beside him. Slowly, she kissed him and his hands immediately went up her rib cage and to her neck. When she pulled away, he opened his eyes and his hand came to rest on her cheek.

          “Let’s go home, Nick.”