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The voice interrupts my thought. Shit. I grab my wallet and hand over a few dollar bills as I collect my coffee and muffin.
Is Sharon back in the area? Last I knew she had left to move to Florida where her mother retired to. Now, she's back up here? For what? She doesn't have family here anymore. Her siblings left the area. She stayed for me but when we broke up, she wouldn't leave me alone and I had to get a restraining order.
After violating the order a few times, she was threatened with the potential for me to press charges. She begged me not to move forward but she wasn't getting the hint.
In a fit of rage, she destroyed my apartment, trashing everything she could get her hands on. She took my secret stash of cash I kept hidden; around two thousand dollars. Then, she took off to Florida and I haven't seen or heard from her since.
I drive the short distance to work, my mind a jumbled mess. If she's decided to come up here and live her life, then fine. As long as she stays out of my way.
Otherwise, I'll be in touch with the police. This time, I'm not playing games. My emotions are no longer invested and I have a business and reputation to uphold.
Easing my truck into my now favorite spot, I see Emma exiting her car. Her hair is pulled into a tight bun, her face glowing in the warm morning sun. My cock twitches at the thought of our kiss.
Forget that kiss. She's unavailable and you don't need the baggage.
Emma's baggage comes in the form of her crazy family. It's enough to scare anyone away.
I'm glued to my seat as I watch her sling her bag over her shoulder, her curves accented in her long sundress. She grabs her purse and shuts her car door.
Go walk with her. See how she's doing today.
My legs itch to get out of the car, my heart pumping wildly. I go to open my door and stop myself. I can't. It's too risky being near her. She does things to me…. things I can't control.
I push down the urge to run to her. Instead, I sip my coffee and watch her ass sway back and forth as she walks to the door. If only I could get my hands on that ass…
Snap out of it Knox.I jump when a horn sounds. A couple of cars want the same spot; space is limited in this lot. My eyes move back to the door, Emma disappearing behind it. Disappointment runs through at my lost chance. Ugh, why are you even feeling this way?
I sigh and grab my coffee. Might as well start the day.
* * *
The restof the day passes slowly, my mind occupied with Sharon, Emma, and my patients. I can't shake the fact that Sharon is back in town. I avoid Emma the rest of the day, unable to trust myself. As much as my mind may fight it, I don't know if I'll be able to control myself around her. I decide it's better if I avoid her as much as I can. A relationship is not something I want. I'm not good for her. I won't be able to give her what she wants.
My last patient left and I pack my bag, my stomach growling in protest. I shoot Jane a quick text and we agree to meet at one of our favorite Italian restaurants in the north end. I arrive with a few minutes to spare, the delicious smells of tomato sauce and garlic bread filling my nose.
I spot Jane in our usual corner spot and I plop down, my hand immediately digging in the bread basket. "Hey sis, how was your day?" I ask as I butter my bread.
"Hungry?" Jane laughs as she watches me shove a big chunk of bread in my mouth. I nod while I chew.
"It's been one of those days."
"Tell me about it. I barely got anything done today. Lack of sleep will do that to you."
"Mom sure can talk when she wants to."
Jane cocks her head to the side. "Are you just figuring that out?"
I laugh as the waiter approaches. We order a bottle of wine; the house special of the night along with our usual entrees.
"How long do you think Ethan will be in jail for?"
I shrug. "Who knows. What he really needs is a sober house."
Jane nods as she rips apart her bread, popping small pieces into her mouth.
"I wish we could make the whole situation go away. Remember when we were kids? The three of us were inseparable."
Sadness washes over us as the memories come forth, pulling us into the past. Ethan followed us around wherever we went. He was the mischievous one but he had a heart of gold.
