Page 151 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“Thank you.”

“It’s still a bit early. Have you eaten anything?”

As the question left her mouth, my stomach announced its lack of contents.

“How about we get you to bed and I get a late lunch started?”

She headed for my bedroom.

“He took the bed.”

Before I realized it, light chuckles were pouring from me. It almost felt incriminating to smile after the morning I’d had, but considering the things Chemistry did and the way he expressed himself was humorous. He’d taken my bed because he slept better in the queen-sized pillowtop than his custom bed.

“I don’t know if I want to laugh or get a little more context.” Art joined, sniggering. “Is there another bed here?”

It was her first time in the loft. I was quickly reminded.

“Up there.” I tilted my head toward the banister.

“Then let’s get to the loft area unless you prefer the couch.”

“The bed.”

How I’d get up the stairs was a mystery but I’d rather be in solitude than on the couch expelling stale energy where Art was liable to catch strays. I gathered myself as best I could and began the short journey. I knew it would take time to get up to the loft area, but time was about all I had on my side right now. I’d lost everything else, it seemed.

Numb.

Utterly and completely numb.

Aside from the pain of my heart, I felt little to nothing. My eyes, nose, and lips were swollen beyond recognition. The migraine promised to slit my head wide open at any second. My energy was depleted. I didn’t even have enough to cry anymore.

Darkness sheeted the windows. So much time had passed and I hadn’t budged. Lunch was hours ago and the plate was still sitting next to the bed on the small table. I’d taken two bites from the quesadilla Art prepared and finished the full glass of ice water. Yes, I was hungry, but the stress I was under wouldn’t allow me to consume food.

“Heeeey.”

Art nudged me. Though I wasn’t sleeping, my body was pleading for rest. Because my brain wouldn’t shut off and allow it to recharge with a nap or good night’s sleep, I lie awake with my eyes closed.

“Egypt.

“It hasn’t been a full day and I’m helpless without him. I keep wondering what level of misery I’d reached before he came into my life. Because I can’t fathom going back to being so– so– Whatever I was without him.”

“Maybe you won’t have to,” Art expressed.

She flipped the cover back and slid into bed behind me. With her arms wrapped around me, she sighed.

“I know this is farfetched, but maybe… just maybe when it all settles and he’s had time to think about it, just maybe he’ll make contact. You’ve made it clear he’s a man of many resources. Give him time to clear his head. Maybe you’ll look up and there’s a piece of mail from him or even a phone call.”

“This isn’t a movie, Art. He doesn’t want my love anymore. He wants my head. And, I can’t quite determine whether he’s justified or not. I almost feel as though he is.”

“Hey, let’s think positively.”

“You don’t know them. Believe me when I say I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re something different. They’re not remorseful. They’re brave. They’re confident. They’re wealthy. They’re elegant. Intelligent. Very smart. And zero tolerance.”

“They?”

“Yes. His entire family. It was never just Chemistry. We’ve been after everyone in his operation. We thought it was a group of men.”

“It’s not?”

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