Page 41 of The Restoration Program

Emily didn’t falter. “There shouldn’t be any harm in getting a picture at least, right? You both look so happy. That caught my attention more than anything. It can’t be easy, what you’re going through. And yet…” She clasped her hands over her heart. “Here you are.”

“She’s right,” Ryan said, fingers curling protectively around Nicole’s waist. “We’re not going to incite a circus by talking to the media.”

“It’s all very tasteful, I assure you.”

“Find another source.”

The bright TV smile faltered, but Emily didn’t seem the type to make a scene. She slipped her phone into her purse and swung the strap behind her, but she didn’t shoo off the cameraman who still shadowed her.

“Alright, fair enough. Nothing on the record. See? Just sate my personal curiosity. How long has she been like this?”

Nicole frowned, noting how Emily’s eyes darted between them both, but ultimately waited on Ryan for an answer, as though she wasn’t perfectly capable of speaking for herself.

“Just under a month now,” Ryan said reluctantly.

“You must be so strong. Both of you.” Emily pursed her lips, a thoughtful gleam behind her eyes. “From what I understand, it’s a permanent procedure. No going back, according to my sources.”

“It’s worth it,” Ryan replied, glancing down warmly at Nicole. “All of it, if we get more time together.”

“I wish more people thought like that. My ex-husband wouldn’t even move a fishing trip for our anniversary. You’re a rare find, Mister…?”

“Northe.”

Emily smiled. “Listen.” She leaned in like they were old friends. “I won’t ask you to break your top-secret promise to the mad scientists, I swear. Just one picture. It’ll give you some control over your image. Better than the candids rolling out, right? And just think… Your story could really inspire people in a world that desperately needs some good news right now.”

An uncomfortable silence settled for a few moments. “One picture,” Ryan said slowly after a cursory glance at the restaurant.

“That’s all,” Emily assured.

Nicole squeezed his hand forcefully.What the fuck are you doing?

“Fine,” he said.

“Ryan,” Nicole hissed as he tipped her chin up.

He lowered his voice to match hers. “She’s right, it’s better this way.” He kissed her. The camera snapped and flashed.

DAY THIRTY-FIVE

Nicole awoke one Monday morning to find herself alone in the king bed. She slid off her pillow and onto the mattress. Though Ryan was absent from his usual spot beside her, she could still feel his body heat lingering on the sheets. She moaned and rolled into the slight indent he had left behind. Each night they shared the bed was less unnerving.

Rumbling jarred her from her sleepy pondering. The sound didn’t make her want to panic as badly as it used to. Magnified sensations, like her boyfriend walking around the bedroom, were becoming commonplace.

She sat up and untangled herself from the vast sheets in time to see Ryan return from his dresser with a navy tie in hand. His hair was combed, and she could smell steam and body wash lingering from his morning shower.

Her heart sank a little. He would be gone soon.

“Is it eight-thirty already?” she called, voice thick with sleep.

Ryan caught her eye through the vanity mirror. “Almost. You sleep okay?”

She nodded and stretched her arms over her head. “Wish you would’ve given me a shake earlier, though. I could have seen you off in more than a robe.”

“I didn’t want to wake you. You looked so comfortable, I thought you could use the rest.”

Too tired to argue, Nicole pushed herself to stand. All her insistence on navigating the apartment with her stairs and walkways left her more sore than she cared to admit. At least the bed never disappointed. There was always plenty of room now, even when Ryan was beside her. She wobbled to the edge of the mattress and hopped the gap to the nightstand.

Sure enough, she sensed Ryan’s nervousness like a fog in the air.