Hello everyone! I know this is a bit short, but it is an important chapter. Go Lucy!
Lucy stood in the immaculate living room. The walls were a crisp white, as well as the soft leather couch. The shag carpet, however, was a blood red, but felt warm under her feet.
She felt like an outsider.
She shivered in the chill of the house. Her clothes were soaked through with dirty water, and she was now dripping on the carpet. She had known William was wealthier than the average New Yorker, but she didn't know he was swimming in cash.
Lucy turned and spotted a large window. She walked toward it and peered out. She realized the building she was looking at was the one her studio was in. In fact, she could see her easel clearly from the window. A chill crept over her, but she assumed it was from her wet clothes.
He had been so close to her. After all this time, he had been across the street from her studio. It was only coincidence they had never met. That she had never once seen him leaving or entering the apartment across the street.
You'd be surprised what you miss when you're not looking for it.
Her mother used to tell her that all the time. That humans often forget what they see, or neglect to see particular things because they're simply too busy looking for what they need, what they want. Lucy never really understood what her mother meant by that. If things were there, surely Lucy would see them. But she understood now. Lucy had been so caught up with herself, with her stress, with Roxie that she had never really taken any time to stop and look around.
"I hope these won't be too big for you," William interrupted. He entered the living room with a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. He looked effortlessly charming with his tie loose around his neck. Lucy felt the nervous blush creep up her neck and into her cheeks.
"Thank you," she murmured as she took the clothes. "Where is your bathroom?" she asked sheepishly. She didn't know why she felt so embarrassed by him. He really was quite intimidating, with his height and that intense gaze. Lucy felt even smaller than she already was.
"Right down the hall, on your left," William told her. Lucy nodded and scurried away down the hall. She locked the bathroom door behind her, her heart beating like crazy.
Lucy peeled the soaking jacket off her arms, followed by her damp shirt. Her bra seemed to be pretty dry, and she whispered a "thank-you" for her bit of luck. She then squirmed out of her jeans, but was dismayed when she realized her underwear was soaking wet. Panic began to rise in her throat.
What would she do with her underwear? She couldn't just leave it out to dry. But if she kept them on, they would soak right through the sweatpants.
Lucy sighed and took them off as well, and shoved them in the zipper pocket of her jacket. She would just have to deal with them later. She pulled on the warm, soft sweatpants and the t-shirt. Thankfully, her hair hadn't gotten anything in it. She hung the clothes over the sink and unlocked the bathroom door. With one final exhale, she entered the living room again.
William was looking out the large window, his hands folded in the pockets of his pants. His face was calm and still. He looked so beautiful, like a marble statue crafted by Michelangelo. His skin was a flawless shade of alabaster, his eyes like two of the most beautiful emeralds she had ever seen. His were thin and red, but masculine. His nose was perfectly straight and domineering. A slight blush lay on his sharp cheeks.
As if he sensed her presence, he turned his head. Lucy felt her heart stop for a few moments. His lips pulled back and exposed his wolfish smile.
"You still look fantastic. Would you like some coffee to warm you up?" he asked. Lucy nodded, unable to form a string of coherent words. He handed her a mug, and she took a sip. William sat on the couch, and patted down the spot next to him.
Lucy moved without realizing.
"So tell me Lucy. Why is it that we keep bumping into each other?" William asked, his arm dangerously close to touching Lucy's. Lucy kept her hands firmly on the warm mug of coffee. She was too afraid to touch him. She didn't want to ruin it for herself.
"Just lucky coincidence," Lucy murmured. She looked at William to find him leaning close to her. She felt an odd calm take over her. She didn't understand, but her nerves fizzled to nothing. Her entire body warmed at his look.
"Perhaps. Or maybe something more," William said. She saw his eyes flicker with a gleam.
"You mean like fate," Lucy whispered, looking down into the mug. And then, she felt his presence lift a little, and he shifted away from her.
"Could be. Or maybe it really is just coincidence," he chuckled. Lucy strained a laugh.
She wanted to hold his long, delicate hand. She wanted to lie on his chest and hear his breathing. She wanted to know every little secret about him, every little twist in his character. She wanted to see him happy, angry, frustrated, bored. She wanted everything she could have from him. And in return, she would give every little bit of herself. She wasn't sure if William was good or bad but she knew she craved his presence.
"So tell me Lucy, how long have you lived in New York?" William asked. Lucy felt herself sink into calmness.
"I've lived here my entire life, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else," Lucy said. She sipped a bit of the coffee and sunk a bit lower into the sofa. Her mind settled in an odd fog of confusion. "But I've never seen you before. My studio is right across the street," Lucy explained, pointing out the window. William cocked his head a bit.
"I've just arrived in New York a little while ago. I needed a bit of a break, and I always had quite an affinity for this city."
That must be why I only started to see him recently, Lucy thought.
"But if that is your studio, you must be some sort of artist," William assumed. Lucy nodded and smiled a bit.
"I paint, mostly for commission. But I always really enjoyed it, even as a kid," Lucy explained. "It helps me clear my mind," she explained. She set the mug down on a coaster on the table.
"That sounds wonderful. Perhaps you would take me to the studio one day?" William asked. Lucy felt her heart fill with pride.
"I would like that," she smiled.
William leaned a bit closer to her, and Lucy's head began to swim. For a moment, she thought he would try to kiss her, but he pulled away before getting too close. Her entire body pulsated with an emotion she had never experienced before. She tried to think of its name, but couldn't, and quickly became frustrated.
She blushed at how close his face had grown. She hated to admit it, even to herself, that she had only been kissed once, and that had been before The Accident. But the kiss itself had been an accident in itself.
"Had anyone ever told you that you have the most charming eyes?" William asked her. Lucy felt her jaw slack a little, but quickly clamped her mouth shut.
"I…I don't think so," Lucy stammered. "Maybe…" she trailed off.
"What a shame," William whispered. Lucy clung to his sultry voice, eager to hear him whisper again.
"It seems to be getting a bit late though. Don't want to keep you from home. Shall I call a taxi for you?" William asked, breaking the silent tension in the room.
"Oh, no I'll just walk. I only live a few short blocks away," Lucy said as she stood up. William stood up as well, and Lucy was reminded how he mammothed her in size.
"Then I shall accompany you. Wouldn't want to take any chances of you getting hurt," William said, grabbing his jacket. Lucy grabbed her damp clothes from the bathroom.
"Here, wear this. It's pretty chilly outside," William said as he wrapped his wool jacket around her shoulders. Lucy took in the smell of peppermint as he placed the jacket on her shoulders. His hands were huge, but thin and graceful. She liked the feeling of his hands on her shoulders, wrapped in his wool jacket. And even though she felt intimidated by his presence, his hands on her made her feel…protected. As though nothing could hurt her now that he was holding her a bit.
William placed his hand on the small of her back once again, and the two left the apartment building. As they walked down the street, Lucy could imagine what others thought of them. A brilliantly handsome man and a short, squat girl who looked like a terrible mess. What an odd couple they must have come off as.
The walk to Lucy's apartment was quiet the entire way. Lucy was too shy, too nervous to say a single word. The two walked up the flight of stairs, but when Lucy reached her apartment door she hesitated a bit. She stood still at her door, her key in her hand. She chewed her lip and thought of something charming to say.
When she turned, Will was so close to her, so close she could feel the warmth breath hit her face. Every word, every thought slipped out of her mind. He rested his arm against her door, his nose a mere centimeter from hers. He looked deeply into her, his lips pursued with determination.
"Lucy…I cannot explain it, and although we have just met, I can't help but feel…attracted to you. I must see you again soon," Will whispered hoarsely.
Lucy's entire mouth grew dry as Will took her hand in his and pressed it to his lips. She felt her entire body shake as he looked at her with his lonely eyes. Lucy couldn't speak, could barely move. There was something traitorous in his kiss, in his words. Her emotions conflicted with logic. She wanted to see him again of course, but Lucy knew she couldn't trust him, more so, she couldn't trust herself. There were far too many conflicts. She was intimidated, nervous, scared - but also attracted, intrigued, and needy.
"Perhaps," she told him.
Lucy slipped the key in the door and quickly scampered inside. She leaned against the closed door for support.
Lucy could feel her uncertainty devour her. Things were moving too fast, she had only met Will last night. And already she felt as though she needed him.
No, this could not happen.
Loki stood in the hallway for some time. Had he just been rejected by a mere mortal? That wasn't possible…he had done everything correctly. He had been charming and kind. He hadn't been too pushy, but could see Lucy had wanted more. So why had she left without a single good bye? Why did she leave him without a promise of seeing him again?
Loki stormed out of the building and back to his apartment. Rage began to fill his heart, frustration take over his mind. Every moment had been executed perfectly. He had lured her in and snared her like the little, meek bird she was. And when he touched her, she had transferred her emotions to him. She hadn't been annoyed, angry, or uncomfortable. Loki had felt the warmth she was giving off.
This did not make any sense to him. He paced the apartment with frustration and began to think.
Lucy held three envelopes in her hand. The first was a simple utility bill that she knew she could pay. The second was a hospital bill that had rose dramatically from the previous payment.
And the third was one of congratulations. An art showcase at the local museum had asked her to show some of her work. But the good news was overshadowed by the hospital bill.
Even with the money she had made from her last painting, she was thousands of dollars short. Every month, the bill grew in size. More tests were being run, and the hospice kept reminding Lucy the chance of her brother waking up was slim to none. Lucy knew they wanted her to pull the plug on Max, but she refused. She would not take the chance of losing him. Not like she lost her parents.
Lucy felt a dull headache begin to spread from her temples. Between Will and the bills, she wasn't sure she could even produce art for the showcase. She had a month to create three new paintings, all of which needed to be good enough to sell. She could feel the stress creep up her spine.
Lucy stood up and took a few ibuprofens. She grabbed her keys and left the apartment. Urgently, she hailed a taxi.
"Saint Elizabeth's Hospice," she told the cab driver.