Page 29 of Fragments of You

“I mean no disrespect when I say this, but I get the feeling that Felix isn’t being completely honest with you.”

“What do you mean?” I swallow past the firm knot that wedges itself into the back of my throat.

“Think about it. He knew why Nash was gone and didn’t tell you. He lied to Nash for a solid year before you two were even together. Seems to me like he was trying to shoot his shot and didn’t want Nash to screw it up, if I’m being honest.”

“He was trying to protect me.”

“If you say so.” She gives me a disbelieving look.

“What? Just say what you really want to say, Ash.”

“Let’s face it, Felix has always been a bit of a bullshitter. That man could lie the pants off any girl he wanted to in high school. I’m not saying he hasn’t matured a bit, but a leopard can’t change its spots. There’s a reason that saying exists.”

“You’re wrong.” I shake my head. “He isn’t that person anymore. I believe what he told me to be true. Besides, Nash is the one who hurt me. Why should I put Felix on trial for it?”

“You shouldn’t. But you also shouldn’t ignore what’s right in front of you.”

“And what’s that?”

“That Felix has been pining after you since middle school. Do you think it’s a coincidence that out of all people, he was the one who came to your rescue when Nash left? You two weren’t even close. If I remember right, you didn’t much care for him.”

“We were both struggling. It makes sense that we would lean on each other for comfort.”

“Does it?” She shakes her head. “I mean, yeah, it’s not that uncommon that when tragedy strikes, it can draw together some unlikely allies. But Nash didn’t die; he left. And Felix... Well, he’s Felix. He’s a man filled with ulterior motives.”

“But you’re saying all of this based on who he was, not who he is. You forget Felix didn’t just lose Nash, he lost his mom too. He needed me just as much as I needed him.”

“Look, I know you love Felix, and you need to believe that what you’re saying is true. And maybe it is. All I’m saying is do your due diligence and make sure you know the absolute truth before making a decision you can’t easily get out of.”

She’s talking about my intention to marry Felix.

“I love Felix. I don’t need to do anything. I believe him. That man saved my life in ways I can’t even begin to explain. He’s earned my trust. And that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.”

“Okay.” She nods, taking a full step back. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.”

“I just care about you, is all.”

“I know. But I know what I’m doing.” I’m not sure if I’m reassuring her or myself.

“Okay. Well, in that case, do you need some help down here?” She gestures around to the handful of animals in recovery.

“As a matter of fact”—I smile, happy to be done with this conversation—“Mr. Business is ready for his pain medication,” I tell her, not needing to give her any further information.

The tabby cat from hell is a frequent flyer around here. He’s riddled with health issues and has been in and out of the clinic for months. And while normally I love cats, Mr. Business is more like a demon than a cat. He’s bitten me more than all the other animals I’ve worked with in my entire career combined.

“Can I retract that question?” She chuckles.

“Oh no, you’re not getting off that easy.” I grab her arm when she acts like she’s about to make a run for it, even though I know she won’t and is just messing with me.

“Fine. But you’re holding him. The last time I did, he almost ripped off my nipple.”

I bark out a laugh, shaking my head.

“I’ll hold him, you administer the meds.”

“Deal.” With that, the workday resumes, and I’m able to finish the last three hours of my shift without another mention of Felix or Nash, which I’m grateful for because work is about one of the only distractions I have at the moment.

---