Maybe I deserved it after that little outburst.
Yosh didn’t see it that way. He was ready to go to war with the guy. In retrospect, I kind of like the thought that he was fighting for me. It was hot.
I dip a piece of salmon nigiri into soy sauce, choosing to ignore Stella’s comment.
“Who are you linked to?” she asks.
I chew slowly, waiting until I’ve swallowed before replying. “Doctor Aoki. He does things with crystals and needles. He handles the infirmary too.”
“Oh, you two getting on?”
I choke instantly, coughing and reaching for my glass of water.
“Sorry,” I manage between coughs, taking another sip.
Stella gives me a crooked little smile, resting her hand on mine.
“You know, Terrence told me today that I—”
“Stella, sleeping with your therapist isn’t the point of this place. You’re here for you, remember?”
Who the fuck am I kidding. I just liked saying that out loud.
“Yeah, who knows…”
She stares into the void for a second, then back at me.
“Will you stay with me tonight? I don’t like being alone in a new place.”
Thanks, but no. I’ve already shot my load into some tissues. Yes, again. And as far as I’m concerned, that’s more than enough for now.
That ache’s been dealt with, what’s left is something she can’t have.
Still a great line, though. I have to give her credit. Maybe I’ll pull that card when Yosh gets back.
From the corner of my eye, I see Terrence heading our way. Stella notices him too, her excitement about to spill over.
“Tom, this is Terrence,” she announces brightly as he stops in front of our table.
Terrence gives her zero attention, treating her like background noise. His eyes go directly to me.
“Tom and I already met.”
I stay quiet. There’s absolutely nothing I need to say to this idiot. The fact that he’s here in Arcadia and not helping at the hospital tells me he’s a fake, uncapable of doing absolutely anything. They even sent the trainees to Saint Luna Medical Center.
Terrence offers me an appraising look. “How are your hands?”
“They’re fine.”
Stella’s eyes dart between us; it’s quite obvious that he and I have a history she isn’t aware of. I’d like to keep it that way. That girl is a walking tabloid.
“So,” he continues. “Are you okay? Is Yosh taking good care of you?”
An involuntary shiver races down my spine at the mention of his name. I flash back to this morning. Warm, oil-slicked hands, those soft lips on my neck.Brain, please. Not now.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I mumble.
Terrence waits as if he’s expecting more. I give him nothing. I don’t even want to give him the satisfaction of my attention. He’s clearly up to something, and it’s carefully cutting into my thin line of patience.
