Chapter 60 Chapter Sixty
Lena's POV
The evening stretches around me like a soft, heavy blanket. The sun has long since set, leaving only the gentle hum of the city outside and the warm, golden light of my living room lamps. I settle onto the couch, propping my crutches beside me and letting the heat of the blankets seep into my legs. My toe aches slightly—a dull, persistent throb that reminds me of yesterday’s fall and of Sebastian’s unwavering attentiveness.
I reach for the plate of food he sent earlier, trying to focus on the pastries, the fresh fruit he so meticulously arranged. Each bite is satisfying, but every moment is also a reminder of him.
I try to keep my mind busy with the food, nibbling at a slice of fruit, sipping on juice, but it’s impossible. Every thought seems to revolve around him.
I find myself scrolling through my phone, staring at his contact name. My fingers hover over the keyboard before typing: “Thank you.” I hesitate, my thumb frozen over the send button. I don’t want to bother him, yet I want him to know I appreciate everything he’s done, all the attention, all the care.
Finally, I press send. And then I wait.
Minutes stretch into what feels like hours. My mind starts racing. Did I send it too late? Is he busy? Is he… annoyed? I try to rationalize, but I can’t help overthinking. Every second that passes without a reply makes my chest tighten further. I tell myself he’s tired, that he’s probably handling emails or something related to work, but the insecurity creeps in like a shadow.
I check my phone again. Still nothing. My thumb scrolls mindlessly through social media, yet nothing can distract me from the gnawing sense of anticipation, the anxious flutter in my chest. I feel silly for worrying, yet I can’t stop. Every little ping makes my heart leap, every silence makes it sink.
Then, hours later, as the clock nears midnight, a small vibration startles me. My phone lights up, and there it is—a message from Sebastian.
“Rest. Don’t stress yourself.”
I stare at it. Short. Direct. Almost… distant. My chest tightens again, and I find myself scrutinizing the words, searching for meaning in their brevity. Is he cold? Irritated? Or is he simply tired? My fingers hover over the keyboard, but I hesitate. I convince myself it’s nothing—he’s probably working, or maybe he’s been awake all day, managing business matters. He wouldn’t be distant, not really. He’s too attentive, too careful, too… him.
I tuck the phone beside me, resting it on the blanket. The thought of him drifts into my mind like smoke curling through the room. I can almost hear his voice reminding me to rest, to take care of myself, to let him handle the rest. That voice—the low, commanding yet gentle tone—makes my chest ache in a way that is half longing and half comfort.
A few minutes later, another vibration. This time, it’s a FaceTime call. I pick up, and Avery’s face pops onto the screen, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of her apartment. She’s in her bartending uniform, sleeves rolled up, hair tied back in a messy bun.
“Finally,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve been dying to check on you. How’s the diva of the day feeling?”
I roll my eyes, but the corner of my lips curves into a smile. “Tired. Hungry. Restless. Basically me in a nutshell.”
Avery chuckles, her energy infectious even over the screen. “Well, you have food. You have your crutches. And you have a man completely obsessed with you. So, yeah… sounds like the perfect Sunday night.”
I feel my stomach flip at the reminder of him. “Obsessed?” I murmur.
“Obsessed,” Avery repeats, eyes gleaming. “ The way he carried you around like you were made of glass? Lena, girl, he is totally wrapped around your finger. You just haven’t admitted it to yourself yet.”
I try to downplay it, but my face betrays me. “It’s not like that…”
“Uh-huh,” she says with a knowing grin. “Sure. Not like that. Keep telling yourself that while he’s probably thinking about you right now. Knowing him, he’s replaying every moment, wondering if you’re comfy, wondering if you’re warm, wondering if your toe still aches…”
I bite my lip, feeling a shiver run through me. “Maybe…”
“Maybe?” Avery gasps, laughing. “Girl, it’s more than maybe. And you know what? When Tuesday comes, you better bring your A-game. Cute outfit, hair on point, confidence radiating… he’s going to notice every little thing, and I want you ready. I’ll even help you pick something. Right now. FaceTime fashion emergency, I say.”
I groan playfully. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous? No. Practical. Vital, even. Lena, this man is head over heels. And you’re going to make him realize, in person, just how perfect you are for him.”
I laugh quietly, shaking my head. “I can’t believe I’m letting you dictate my wardrobe.”
“You better,” she says firmly, though her grin is tender. “I’m saving you from yourself. And also, I’m enjoying this. You know how rare it is for me to get all the gossipy details without screaming at you halfway through?”
I glance around our apartment, the scattered food, the blankets draped over the couch, the crutches leaning nearby, and I realize just how warm and safe this little cocoon is. Avery’s voice fills the space, playful and caring at once, and I allow myself to sink further into the comfort it provides.
We spend the next hour talking about trivial things, from what shows we might binge-watch tomorrow to what desserts we should tackle next week. But under all the light chatter, my mind keeps drifting back to Sebastian. The way he held me, the way he kissed me, the way he looked at me like I mattered more than the entire world. And yes—the way he was jealous, the way he wouldn’t let me work or overextend myself, the way he hovered over me like a guardian, and yet with a softness that made me feel completely cherished.
Avery notices my distracted silence at one point. “Lost in Sebastian-land again?” she teases.
I smile, unable to deny it. “Maybe.”
She leans closer to the screen. “Girl… you are completely, utterly, and hopelessly in love. And you know what? Good. About time. He deserves it. You deserve it. Just… be careful not to overthink. It’s going to be fine.”
I nod, taking in her words, letting them sink in. “I just… I hope Tuesday doesn’t ruin it.”
Avery frowns, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Tuesday?”
“Yes,” I whisper. “When I go back to work. What if… what if he suddenly acts differently? What if—”
“Stop,” she interrupts softly but firmly. “Stop. Don’t let your imagination run wild. He’s not going to suddenly change. He’s… Sebastian. He’s meticulous, calculated, and completely in love with you. Nothing is going to change overnight.”
I sigh, but a small anxiety still coils in my stomach. I can’t help it. Part of me is thrilled, part of me is nervous. Tuesday feels like a precipice, the moment when everything might shift, and I don’t know if I’m ready for that.
Avery smiles, sensing my unease. “Hey, you’ve got tonight. Comfort, food, and Sebastian-worshipping memories. Enjoy it. Let the anticipation build—it makes the reality even sweeter.”
I nod, letting her words settle over me like a balm. She bids me goodbye and I tuck the phone beside me again, hugging the blanket closer. My eyes wander to the note he left, the careful arrangement of the food, the thoughtfulness imbued in every detail. I let myself replay the scenes of yesterday—the way he carried me, the private moments, the way his lips lingered on mine, the intensity of his gaze, the protective hand on my ankle.
I close my eyes and let the memories of Sebastian wash over me, letting each one settle into my chest, my heart. The anticipation for Tuesday is palpable, tinged with excitement and a hint of nervousness. My mind drifts to questions I don’t dare ask yet, thoughts I keep tucked away for the office.
With that, I let sleep take me, the warmth of food, friendship, and love wrapping around me like a protective cocoon.