Chapter 33
When I drop Scott off, I feel like I’ve left a piece of my heart behind.
But I need to get checked out, it’s the sensible thing to do.
I don’t think my ribs are broken, but I’d be a fool not to get checked.
I can’t help smiling, though, turning the music up as I drive.
Nothing can dull my mood. I fucking love him, and he chose me.
He’s mine. I can’t bring myself to feel anything less than ecstatic; my heart is full. I love him, and he loves me.
I pull up at the hospital and step out. Getting triaged is quicker than I thought, and I wait to see the doctor.
I’m there a couple of hours, waiting for X-rays, my lip will heal, and the bruising will fade.
I’m given the all clear, just bruised, nothing broken.
It’s all tender, but it could have been so much worse.
I head home to grab a power nap and to get ready for tomorrow—the first day of the rest of my life with the man I love.
I wake early after only a few hours’ sleep, excited to get the day started.
I take my time in the bathroom, grooming and tidying everything, and I mean everything.
Then I’m at my wardrobe, contemplating what to wear.
I know Scott won’t give a fuck, but I want to look good for him.
I want him to feel everything when I turn up at his house.
After rubbing my hands through my hair, giving it that artfully dishevelled look, I grin at the mirror, giddy like first-date nerves.
I love this. It feels exciting, like everything has finally fallen into place.
I spray myself with his favourite aftershave, and I pick up my keys and wallet, whistling as I stride out to my car.
I head to the bougie sandwich shop, the nice one, further into town. The one where Dickhead doesn’t work. I grab all his favourites: coffee, pastries, and cake. And I get the bagels he loves.
In my car, I place all the bags on the front seat.
Smiling again, I drive to his house, where I want to curl up in bed with him, have breakfast, and stay there all day, just wrapped in each other’s arms. Erasing everything that’s happened up to this point and claiming every inch of him.
It’s been too long since I’ve felt his skin on mine.
I pull up outside the house, grab all the bags and drinks, and stride confidently towards the door. Then I ring the bell and wait.