Page 16 of Scorched Hearts

Maya smiled, though she quickly chastised herself for it.

“I think I've been very clear, I don’t want anything to do with you, Elena.”

“Yeah, I got that message exactly from having your tongue in my mouth.”

A little giggle made to sound mechanical by the speaker system filled Maya’s car. She sighed, gathering herself up together.

“What I did was immature and unfair to you. I acknowledge that.”

“I acknowledge that is so in your style to say,” Elle interrupted. “You clearly want me.”

“Maybe I do. But it isn’t healthy, I don’t feel good about us seeing each other. I don’t feel good about you. I think I made that sufficiently clear. I hope you find someone who’ll want you, Elena. That’s not going to be me. Bye.”

Maya hung up. The conversation had drained her, leaving her mind dry, sore, empty of any reason, like a desert. The car smelled of citrus air freshener, which greatly irritated her nose. Everything felt out of place and hopeless, but at last she arrived at the hospital’s parking lot, overcrowded as always.

“Maya.” Colin spread his arms wide, inviting her in for a hug. His woodsy perfume always filled her with a deep sense of comfort, like bed sheets wrapped around a sleeping child.

“Hi,” she whispered, setting her forehead against his chest. “Did he wake up at all?”

“Yes, but he quickly went back to sleep. The nurses say he’s in a lot of pain when he’s awake, so they gave him a mild sedative. It’s better to let him sleep.”

“

Of course.” Maya sighed with relief. “It’s so good to hear he woke up this soon.”

So as not to disturb the boy, Maya and Colin went down to the hospital cafeteria. Maya stirred sugar into her watery coffee, and steam blew in her face. All around, parents, children, and spouses nervously struggled with their lukewarm meals. The food here was terrible. It wasn’t just Maya’s dietary requirements that meant she usually brought her own with her. The harsh light hurt her eyes.

“How have you been, Maya?” Colin touched her arm. His eyes bore dark circles underneath.

“I don’t know. I don’t even know where to start.” Maya shook her head. “Tell me about you.”

“Pfff. Daniele is getting married.” Colin smiled. “I got invited to the wedding.”

Maya laughed, the tight strained type of laughter that escapes a stress-ridden mouth, a tired mouth. Maya felt exhausted. “Are you serious?”

“I mean, we’ve been friends for a while now. It’s fine.”

“I don’t know how you always end up friends with your exes. It’s crazy to me.” Maya took a sip of the coffee, shaking her head.

She was desperately trying not to talk about herself, but every thought led her back to Elle. The dangerous curve of her lips and their charming smile.

Quickly, she decided to change the subject, or at least drive it safely away from exes. “And are you seeing anyone new?”

“No. Honestly, I have no time for dating. The job, together with Alexei, fill up all my time.” He paused, worry about his son creasing his face. “I hope he’ll be out of here soon.”

“He will.” Maya took his hand. “I swear, kids heal at an insane rate. Three weeks and he’ll be out.”

“It’s been so difficult with him recently. They all say that’s just a phase with teenagers, but I swear, parenting him on my own is on another level. I’ve read like three parenting books this year already.”

Maya smiled, trying to imagine Colin sitting with a parenting textbook in his hand. “You’re a very good father. I’m sure he’ll be just fine. He’s very lucky to have you.”

“And then I think…” Colin hesitated, “I sometimes think the divorce might have affected him. You know, like I think when our parents divorced, well, that wasn’t …easy on you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Maya straightened up in her chair.

“I was old enough not to care, but don’t you think it made certain things difficult for you?”

“Like what, Colin?” The nerve in her neck began pulsing slightly, she wanted him to finish what he’d started.

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