Page 123 of Healing Eleanor

“I… I was upset with you.” I draw a steadying breath. “You avoiding me hurt my feelings.”

He nods once, a muscle ticking in his cheek. “I know. And I’m sorry. I just—” He covers his eyes, rubbing his temples with a long, heavy sigh. “It’s almost opening night, my mother’s on hospice, and I… like a girl I can’t have but can’t stay away from.” His gaze shifts to mine, then down again. “I know I shouldn’t say that. I thought if I put some space between us, it would help. But after Thursday night, I felt ashamed. More than I have in years.”

A raw edge creeps into his voice. “And I’m sorry I dragged you into that. You shouldn’t have to put up with my mess when you’re already carrying so much of your own.” He fidgets with his hands in his lap, as if he’s afraid to look at me again.

I rest my hand lightly on his arm, drawing his eyes back to mine. “You don’t have to hide your mess from me. I want to be there for you, the same way you’ve been there for me.” A small smile tugs at my lips. “Besides, I like it when you drive me home. Lily’s terrifying in the snow.”

He lets out a surprised laugh. “She really is. I’m sorry I put you through that.”

My smile grows. “Just don’t do it again.”

Nik shakes his head with a quiet chuckle, putting the car in drive and steering us down the road. For the first time in a week, it feels lighter between us.

A few minutes later, his phone rings through the speakers, making me jump a little. He glances at the dashboard. “It’s my mother’s nurse. Do you mind if I take this?”

“Go ahead,” I say softly.

He presses the accept button. “Hey, Rosie. Is everything okay?”

“Just fine,” comes the reply, muffled with a bit of background noise. “I was calling because I realized there are some legal documents we need signed. You’re the only next of kin. Do you think you could stop by for a few minutes to take care of them?”

Nik’s eyes flick toward me, then back to the road. “Uh… when do they need to be signed by?”

“As early as possible,” Rosie answers gently.

I catch his hesitation and whisper, “We can go.”

He turns his head slightly, whispering back, “Are you sure?”

I nod, firm and encouraging.

“Okay, yeah. I’ll stop by. I’ll be there soon,” Nik says, his knuckles pale against the wheel.

“Great. See you then.” The line clicks off.

The rest of the drive passes in silence. Nik keeps fidgeting—tapping the wheel and shifting in his seat. It’s like him bringing me here has him on edge. I can’t understand why. I’ve met Irina before, even shared pleasant conversations with her while she worked on my costume. But whatever he’s feeling seeps into the air between us, and I can’t help but absorb some of his nervous energy.

The hospital is cold and sterile, the tang of iodine and rubbing alcohol coating the air. The fluorescent lights beam overhead, making everything feel harsh and unnatural. A shiver skitters down my spine. I’ve never been comfortable in places like this, and by the look etched on Nik’s face, I know he feels the same.

Nik props his elbows on the front desk. “Good afternoon. I’m here to see Irina Kozlov. Well, Rosie specifically.”

The receptionist’s fingers fly across the keyboard. “Sure, give me a moment to see where Rosie is.”

We stand there in silence, both of us carrying an invisible weight. I hesitate, nerves battling with instinct, then slowly reach out and brush my fingers along his back, tracing small circles.

Nik stiffens at first, and for a moment I think I’ve made a mistake. But then his shoulders ease, the tension in him softening beneath my touch.

“Okay…” The receptionist clicks her mouse a few more times. “Rosie is actually scheduled to be in Irina’s room now. Let me just get you some visitor’s passes, and I’ll buzz you through.”

“Thank you,” Nik says, his voice rough.

She hands him two passes, and he immediately passes one to me. “Do you know where to go?” she asks.

Nik gives a small nod.

A loud buzz sounds as the wooden double doors unlock. “Go right on in.”

“Thank you.”