Page 22 of Quake

Friday, February 28, 2025

Iwassolooking forward to going home and getting some sleep after this shift. We’ve had so many emergency cases today that my heart just hurts, and my head aches.

But alas, I can’t. Because,of course,I can’t.

“No problem, Deb. I’ll cover your shift tonight. I hope you feel better soon,” I tell Debra over the phone.

“I’m so sorry, Lark. I know you’re probably exhausted, but I just can’t leave the house like this.” This is the third time in two minutes she’s apologized for something completely out of her control.

“It’s seriously okay. I own the place, so it’s my responsibility. Don’t give it a second thought,” I tell her, trying to calm some of her worry. She just started here last month, so I’m sure it’s anxiety-inducing to have to call out already. “I’ll run home and take a nap before shift change and be right as rain. Now go take care of yourself, and let me know if you need anything.”

“You’re seriously a doll,” she says, blowing out an audible breath. “Have a good night, Lark.”

“You too, Deb.”

Shoving my phone in my pocket, I make my way to the front desk. “Hey Betty, Dr. Calloway won’t be able to make it tonight, so I’m gonna head home for a couple of hours to nap, and I’ll be back for shift change.”

Her bright-blue eyes peer up to meet mine. “You sure there isn’t someone else who could cover for you? You work so much, and I’m worried about you.” Her sincerity crushes me, but she knows I don’t pass off shifts to people unless they want the overtime.

My lips curve into a small, reassuring smile. “I promise I’ll be okay. I’m just gonna skip Rocket Dog tomorrow morning and get some sleep then. I’ve got the futon in my office, so I’ll take a few naps when it’s slow.”

She nods, knowing she’s not going to change my mind. Her short frame slumps forward, resting on an elbow as she immerses herself back into her work.

***

As I unlock the door, I check my watch. It’s just past four, so if I get in bed immediately, I’ll have an hour and a half to try to nap before I’ve got to take Tiny and Rex for a walk and head back into work.

Hopefully, Tyler’s still working in his office so he doesn’t say anything about me being home early. He gets really weird aboutthat because he finds it difficult to concentrate when I’m home, apparently.He acts as if he pays any attention to me in the first place.

Tossing my keys on the entryway table, I’m greeted by loud music coming from the back of the apartment.

When Tiny and Rex don’t make their way over to me, my stomach starts to churn with unease.Something’s off here.

Marching over to the office, where I hope I’ll find Tyler so he can explain why the hell the dogs are locked in our room, I hear two distinct sounds hidden below the ridiculously loud electronic music.

Tiny’s distinct whine comes from behind the office door, and I hear moans from our bedroom. Female moans.

What the ever-loving fuck!

As I wrench the office door open, Rex barrels through the doorway, panting as he jumps up and down with excitement at mine and Tiny’s arrival. “Hi, buddy. It’s okay, Momma’s home,” I coo, trying to settle him down a bit and mentally prepare myself for what I know I’ll find behind the next door.

I take a deep breath, squeezing my eyes tightly shut before gripping the handle and pushing it open.

My spine stiffens, and my eyes widen the moment they land on Tyler.

I see red. My hands begin to shake, my nostrils flare, and adrenaline courses through my body.

My longtime boyfriend, who I’ve wasted the last six years of my life on, is buried balls deep inside a woman who looks like she’s in pain. Her face is contorted in distress despite the moans leaving her mouth. They’re clearly fake because I know for damn sure he’s never made me moan like that.

I slam the door behind me, not wanting to subject my poor dogs to this image.

Tyler finally notices me standing here, my fists balled up in anger. “What the fuck, Lark!”Hehas theaudacityto yell atme!

I jab a finger at him, yelling, “I should be asking you the same fucking thing,Tyler!” My lips pull back in a snarl. “You fucking bastard!”

“It’s not what it looks like!” he shouts as he attempts to remove himself from the vice grip the woman has around his waist while she uses him as a shield, locking her ankles together behind his back.

I throw my hands up. “Oh,I’m sorry!So youdon’thave your dick inside some other woman? I must be fucking hallucinating or something!”

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