Page 69 of Revived

“Oh, honey. I’m so happy for you! Luke is an amazing man. You two are perfect for each other.”

I toss my body on the bed, propping my head up with my hand and lying on my stomach. “This weekend has been incredible. I think it’s just what we needed. Grayson is with Luke’s parents and sister, so we’ve been able to talk and touch, and the sex…”

“Yes! He finally gave in, huh?”

“My God, Pfeiffer. I’ve never had sex like this.”

“That’s a big deal for him to do that with you, Rachel. I can’t imagine he’s been with anyone since Hannah. But of course, I don’t know that.”

“He hasn’t. Just me, and it was perfect.”

“This is incredible. See? Aren’t you glad you moved out here?”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Yes. My life has completely changed in a matter of months. I’m happier than I ever was back home, Pfeiffer. I miss my family, but all I see here is my future.”

“Now you get why I came back, huh?”

“Absolutely.”

“So, where do you guys go from here?”

I bite my nails while I contemplate that question myself. “In all honesty, I feel like the only thing left to do is tell Grayson. I don’t want to push him, because I’m not a parent and obviously Luke’s situation is unique. But I think we need to talk about it. I never want either of them to feel like I’m trying to replace Hannah. I’m just hoping they can make room in their hearts for me.”

“Definitely.”

I hear the clanging of pots in the kitchen, the sound of one hitting the floor. “It sounds like Luke might need some help in the kitchen. We’ll talk soon, okay?”

“Sounds good. Congrats, bestie. I’m thrilled for you.”

My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. “Thank you. Me too.”

“Hey. Everything alright?” I ask Luke as I make my way out of the hallway and see him in the kitchen, looking frustrated.

“Yeah, uh. Everything is fine. Just dropped a pan…” His body is tense, his brow wrinkled, and there’s a beer sitting open on the counter.

“Okay…. Well, let me help you.”

“No!” He shouts as he turns to face me, and then sighs in defeat. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shout at you. I mean, I’ve got it. I’m supposed to be showing you how much I care about you.” His mouth says the words, but his face looks pained, like he’s fighting to make them sound true.

“I know you care about me. You don’t have to cook for me to know that.”

He turns away from me again and then moves around the stove, dumping rice into a pot and stirring it, the fact that he didn’t respond does not slip my mind.

I take a seat on my stool again, watching him, trying to anticipate his reaction, and opting to hopefully change the subject. “So, what are you making?”

“Teriyaki-glazed salmon, rice, and grilled veggies.”

“Mmmm, that sounds great.”

“Yeah. Why don’t you set the table? This won’t take long.”

My heart is racing while I place silverware and napkins at our seats, wondering what changed from the shower until now. But the last thing I want to do is ruin the rest of our last evening alone. Tomorrow Luke will pick Grayson up from his parents’ house and I have an afternoon shift at Tony’s. I choose to just keep my anxiety to myself, not wanting to pressure him so soon after we slept together to discuss what happens next. I wouldn’t shy away from that conversation normally, but this is a unique situation, and my heart has always erred on the side of caution with Luke.

After we eat, Luke pours me another glass of wine and grabs himself another beer before we snuggle into the couch to watch a movie. I rest my head on his chest at one point, listening to the beat of his heart as the steady rhythm reminds me he’s here. He’s alive. And although his heart has been broken before, I will do everything in my power to help heal the cracks. I want him, flaws and all. But a nagging feeling eats away at me knowing Luke seemed more distraught tonight than he let on.

---