The soft murmur of voices pulled me from sleep, the words barely reaching through the morning haze. I blinked, the familiar ceiling of the annex coming into focus above me. For a moment, everything was still, quiet—then I caught the sharp edge of Nathan's voice, low and firm from the hallway.
"…I told you. The Traynors have no comment. And if you keep harassing me, I'll have to pursue legal action."
There was a pause, and I could hear Nathan's steady breathing through the half-closed door, the quiet intensity of his words carrying into the room. I shifted slightly, feeling the familiar numbness from the chest down—a reminder of everything that had changed and everything that hadn't.
The press. Of course. They never could let anything go. I'd been too sick at first to pay much attention to my parent's hushed discussions about the steady stream of reporters wanting an exclusive story. Even though I didn't go through with it, I suppose they still needed something to print.
Nathan's voice softened again, the edge gone as he finished the call. A moment later, the door swung open, and he stepped inside, his usual cheerful grin plastered on his face like nothing had happened.
"Morning, Mr. T," he said, his tone easy as he walked over to my bedside. "How are we feeling today, mate? Ready to face the world?"
I gave him a look, my lips turning down. "Ready as I'll ever be."
He started the usual routine, adjusting the pillows behind me and checking the equipment with practiced ease. I watched him work, the familiarity of it all grounding me in the present. Nathan had been with me long enough to know what I needed before I asked, but today, something was different—something unspoken hanging between us. He placed the first dose of my medication on my lips, followed by the beaker of water with my straw.
"So," I said, my voice low, "I think we've put this off long enough."
He raised a brow.
"Obviously, things have changed, and I realize I've been monopolizing your time. Time that could be spent with your new clients," I said, hinting at my meaning.
Nathan hesitated for a moment, his hands stilling on the comforter before he shrugged again. "I haven't got any new clients. Thought I'd take a bit of a break. You know, before taking on anyone new."
I nodded, knowing there was more to it than he let on. Nathan never took breaks. "A break, huh?"
He glanced up at me, his usual easygoing grin faltering for a second. "Yeah, well… thought it was time to, uh, slow down a bit."
I didn't say anything at first; I watched him as he finished adjusting the pillows. It wasn't like Nathan to leave things unsaid, and I could tell this was about more than just needing time off. I closed my eyes, focusing my thoughts on Nathan. If I had been honest, I'd admit he was more than my nurse. He was my friend. Aside from Lou, he'd been my only friend for two years. I guess I hadn't realized what my absence would mean to him. However, I had given Michael instructions to ensure that Nathan wouldn't suffer from a loss of income. But I suppose there was more than one way to suffer.
"You didn't book anyone else because of me, did you?" I asked, my voice quieter now.
Nathan straightened up, his hands resting on his hips as he looked down at me. For a moment, he didn't answer, but then he sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah. Two years is a long time, mate. I know I'm not supposed to get attached. But this was never a normal situation, was it? It's not about the job, Mr. T. It hasn't been for a long time. We've been through too much for me to just walk away now."
He said it casually like it was no big deal, but I knew better. Nathan had been with me through the worst of it, and the fact that he hadn't moved on to other clients spoke volumes.
"Yeah. Now, I suppose you're stuck with me. I mean, if you decide to stay on."
Nathan grinned, the easygoing expression back in place. "Course. Besides, who else is gonna put up with your moody ass?"
I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me, the tension between us easing slightly. Nathan had been a constant presence in my life for years, and as much as I hated to admit it, I needed him. More than I wanted to.
"Well then," I said, my tone lightening just a little, "welcome back to the team. Officially. And don't think I'll go easy on you."
Nathan gave me a mock salute before returning to his work, shifting and rotating me like he'd done a hundred times before. But there was a sense of permanency to it now, something unspoken but understood between us.
After a few moments, Nathan glanced up at me, his expression softening. "Lou's coming by later, right?"
I nodded, mentioning her name and sending a familiar warmth through me. "Yeah. She'll be here."
Nathan paused, his eyes studying me momentarily before he spoke again. "You've got a good one there, Mr. T. Don't let her slip away."
I didn't respond right away, my thoughts drifting to Lou. The way she'd looked at me that last night in Mauritius, the way she hadn't given up—despite everything I'd said, despite the way I'd pushed her away. She was still here. Still fighting for me, even when I wasn't sure I was worth fighting for.
That night on the beach, I desperately wanted to believe the vision of us she had painted. I can still see her face, the tears glittering in her eyes, and my complete inability to comfort her like I wanted to. She had no idea how much I wanted to hold her in my arms and tell her that I believed in the life she wanted for us. But I couldn't bring myself to say those words. I couldn't allow myself to believe it. Believing in that future would mean I had to accept. I don't know if I can ever accept this life. I meant what I said. I don't want Lou to tie herself to me, to stifle the vibrant woman I had grown to care deeply for. Yet, selfishly, I'm finding it hard to let her go this time.
"Nathan," I said quietly, shifting the conversation away from Lou, "what's the deal with the press? Why are they still so interested?" I need to get my mind off Lou.
Nathan's expression darkened just a little, the easy grin fading. "Same old story. They're digging, trying to figure out what happened. Why you never made it to Switzerland. Whether Lou's involved."
The thought of Lou being hounded by the press because of me made my chest knot. This was exactly what I wanted to protect her from—a life of scrutiny and second-hand judgment, all because of a choice I couldn't even make anymore. And now, she was stuck in this mess with me
"We'll handle it," Nathan said firmly, his voice cutting through my thoughts. "You just focus on getting better. Leave the rest to me."
"I don't think it'll get any better than this." There wasn't an edge to my voice.
"You know what I mean."
I smiled, and this time, it felt a bit easier. "Told you I wasn't going to go easy."
"Wouldn't have it any other way, Mr. T."
