Page 96 of Consumed By You

“Sick?” he echoes and I know he doesn’t believe my story.

“Yes, he has cancer.”

His face falls. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. He’s a real trooper.” The truth is, Arthur is getting worse every day. Doris said the doctors are giving him six months at best.

“Okay, well, I know this is against the complicated rules of a one-night stand, but I wanted to know if maybe you wanted to go out sometime? On a proper date?” he asks, and it makes me flush seeing him so nervous. Where’s the suave guy from last night?

“A date?”

“Yeah, we could exchange numbers or something? If you want to.”

In order to save him embarrassment, I scribble my number on the notepad by his bed.WhyI’m doing it, I have no idea.

He smiles, a noticeable gleam to his expression when I look back up at him, obviously proud of himself. I stand awkwardly in my spot, waiting. It takes him a moment to realize I’m standing in a sheet, but when he does, he bursts into an adorable nervous laugh and heads from the room without another word.

I pull my dress over my head quickly and ball up my underwear in my hand so it’s concealed. I hurry from his bedroom and retrieve my coat from the seat, stuffing the panties into the pocket.

He comes out of the kitchen then, mug of coffee in his hand. “Sure you don’t want coffee?”

“I wish I could,” I apologize hastily, surprised to know I actually mean it. Why do I feel like I want to see him again? I couldn’t wait to leave last night.

What the hell is going on?DoIwant to go on a date with him?

Maybe this will be a slow process. At some point, perhaps I’ll be able to see myself with someone other than Benjamin Scott.

***

I step into my apartment and sag against the door in relief. I’m home.

The new apartment I moved into shortly after landing the job at the publishing house is small but in a much nicer neighborhood. I made sure I decorated everything in creams and light blues to try and keep my mood up during these past months. I drop my keys into the ceramic bowl and glance fondly at the small pictures on the stand of the people in my life.

After what happened with Ben, I couldn’t fathom living the way I was anymore. I needed to branch out, find a support system, and I found that with Doris and Arthur, and with Marilyn and Kevin. Even Cindy, my boss. While she can drive me up the wall at times, she’s one of the sweetest, most generous people I’ve ever encountered.

I take the underwear from my jacket and throw them into the laundry basket before I fish out my phone, knowing Kevin has had to have called me five times by now.

Actually, six. I type a quick reply:

Darcy: I’m ALIVE. Details later. I expect to hear some as well.

After I’ve hopped in the shower and applied my makeup, I pick an outfit to wear. I never dress up to see Doris anymore since Arthur is usually in his PJs. I choose a pair of black skinny jeans and a green t-shirt.

Doris is cooking dinner for us, and since it’s nearing five, I give her a quick call.

“Hey, Darcy. Are you on your way?”

“Yeah, I’m heading out now. Do you want me to bring anything? Is Arthur craving anything special?” I ask, knowing his favorite thing in the world is Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream.

“No, not today. I’m just hoping he’ll eat tonight.”

“Oh no. Are you sure he wants company? I could always come another day.”

“No, no! He’s been looking forward to it all day, sweetheart. Just bring yourself and we’ll be happy.”

“I’ll be over soon.”

***