Maya
I have spent the last few days taking care of Conrad. He seems to be getting better; the pain is easing, thankfully. I still feel guilty as hell for what happened to him. The police still haven’t managed to find Callum.
I am making breakfast for us in the kitchen when I hear Conrad coming through.
“What are you doing out of bed?” I ask and turn to face him.
“The doctor said a couple of days. It has been three.” He chuckles.
“Back to bed, Sir,” I state firmly, pointing to the bedroom.
“If I stay in bed any longer, I will go insane.” He groans.
I sigh, “Okay, but please be careful. I don’t want you hurting yourself anymore.”
“I promise to be careful, angel. What are you making, and can I do anything to help?”
“I am making sourdough toast with avocado and poached eggs. And no, I got it. Please sit down.”
“Oh, one of my favourites, yum.” He says brightly.
Conrad takes a seat on one of the chairs, and I take a coffee to him and set it down in front of him. I turn to walk away, but he grabs me, “Can I at least get a kiss?” he pouts.
I giggle, “I am sure I can give you one of them.”
He grins, and I reach over, pressing a gentle kiss on his lips.
“Thank you, not only for the kiss but for taking care of me too.” He smiles.
I stroke his bruised face, “It is the least I can do.”
Conrad kisses the inside of my hand, “Stop, please, angel. I know you are feeling guilty, still. You have nothing to feel guilty for. It is not your fault.” He says softly.
I sigh loudly, “I can’t help it. Everything that happened recently wouldn’t have happened if you never met me.” I whimper.
Connor uses my hand to bring me around to him and pulls me to stand between his legs, “What has happened, has happened. Even if I knew what was coming, it wouldn’t have changed anything. I would still choose to be with you. I would still fall in love with you.”
I smile, “You would?”
He nods, “Of course I would, sweetheart. I love you; nothing will change that.”
I don’t know how he can be so kind and sweet to me after everything. I am not used to people treating me in such ways.
“I love you too,” I reply and kiss him.
I pull away to finish making us breakfast.
“Can we have it out on the balcony? I could do with some air.” He asks.
“Sure. It seems like a nice day. Maybe in a couple of days, if you are feeling up to it, we could have coffee and lunch at the park.” I suggest.
“I would like that.” He smiles.
I know if he stays inside too long, it will drive him insane. He is so used to being busy.
“Will you manage out to the balcony, or do you need a hand?”
“I will manage.” He answers.
I keep an eye on him until I see he sits down safely. I finish up breakfast, place it on the tray and join him outside on the balcony.
“Everything looks good, angel.” He smiles.
“It does. I can’t wait to tuck in.”
I am so hungry. I cut Conrad’s into four to make it easier for him to eat since he only has one able arm and can’t cut his food. I know the fact he can’t do certain things is getting to him, even if he won’t admit it. I can see it in his face and eyes. I feel bad for him. I try not to be overbearing and only help with those things when he asks because I don’t want to make him feel useless.
He took a bite, “So good. You make the best poached eggs.” He compliments.
“Aww, thanks, handsome. I am happy you enjoy my cooking.” I smile and start on my breakfast.
It was nice to be outside, even if it was only on the balcony.
“So, I have something to talk to you about. My mom, when she brought me home from the hospital, asked if when I am feeling better, we could go to my parents for dinner or even just meet my mom for coffee.” He says.
I am surprised because they seemed to hate me the last time I knew.
“Really? Why? Your parents hate me. They blame me for what happened.”
“I made it clear to her that none of this was your fault. I also told her I don’t want them coming around if they are going to mistreat you. I made my mom understand none of this was your fault, and she promised to back off and said she wanted the chance to get to know you.” He replies softly.
“Oh, okay,” I whisper nervously.
Conrad reaches over the table, taking my hand in his, “If you aren’t ready, it is okay.”
“I don’t think I am, not right now,” I reply honestly.
I don’t think I could face them, not right now. I know I will need to, eventually.
“Okay, that is fine, beautiful.” He smiles, lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles.
“I am sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. They treated you badly, and I won’t put any pressure on you.” He says.
“Thank you for understanding. I know, eventually, I will need to, and I will, but just not right now.”
He nods, leaning over the table to kiss me, “Take as long as you need.”
I have never met someone as understanding as him. He is such a good man. I still have no idea what I have done in life to deserve him.
We focus back on our breakfast finishing up. I take everything inside and clean up my mess.
“What do you want to do today?” I ask.
“There isn’t much we can do,” he laughs, “Anything I want to do, I can’t, including you.” He adds, a cheeky little smile on his lips.
“I don’t think we will be doing that for a while.” I chuckle.
“Trust me, the second I am well enough, we will be making up for lost time.” He smirks.
I playfully roll my eyes at him, “We will not be rushing anything.”
He holds his hands up, “I know.”
“So, I will ask again, what would you like to do?” I laugh.
“Hmm, we could watch a movie or read. I don’t mind.”
“We can watch a movie. Do you want to take a bath or shower first?” I ask.
“No, I am okay for now. I will get one tonight.”
“Okay. Do you want to watch it in the living room or the bedroom?”
“The living room. I am fed up seeing the bedroom.” He laughs.
“You settle on the sofa. I will make us some iced coffee.”
He nods and gets comfortable on the sofa. I know it isn’t anything exciting, but at least we are getting to spend time together. I have been half expecting his parents or Bridget to randomly show up to check in and try to push me out so they could care for him. I am so glad they haven’t. With any luck, Bridget has now gotten the hint and will back off, but I won’t hold my breath.