Page 35 of Love, In Balance

Plus I removed it earlier after work and had a good few hours of relief. The sentiment was lovely, as usually people would prefer that I keep my prosthetic on.

It just makes me like Quin even more.

“What are those parcels by the way? When you said waiting in for a parcel, that wasnotwhat I had in mind?”.

“Oh, it’s two separate chests of drawers. I chose to avoid the extortionate amount for someone else to make it for me, so I’m putting it together myself. And yeah, they’re fairly large parcels. Hence why I needed to be in for them to be delivered” I say rolling my eyes.

“Building furniture is great. I loved putting it all up when I moved into my house”.

“Feel free to help” I say jokingly.

“I’d be happy to. Let’s do it. We’re finished with our session, so I’m happy to stay and help. I’m just glad your place doesn’t have stairs. Saves a lot of hassle having to drag them up”. He says, deadly serious.

The perks of living in a ground floor flat.

“Tonight?I mean, I’m super impatient with things like this so Iwasplanning on doing it when we’d finished work, but I don’t want to make my problem, yours. Plus, we haven’t eaten. This is going to take a few hours. And Quin, you could do more damage to your ribs and hand”.

“Like I said, I love doing this stuff. I have nothing better to do. And we could just order food. Or I’m happy to grab something when I get home” he says with no hesitation at all. Also avoiding my nudge about his broken and bruised ribs.

He actually wants to stay and put up with me for longer. He’s a saint. Or does he just feel bad again?

“I never say no to takeout, but only if you’re sure that you’re ok staying, and if you’re sure you’ll be ok. I know you like to keep work and personal life separate, so I don't want you to feel uncomfortable being around me for anything other than work”.

“Lista, if this is about what those students said, please don’t worry. I’m happy to be around you.Morethan happy.

On campus, we’re professional. Outside, we’re… us. And it’s no one’s business but our own. My ribs will hold up. I’m not exactly engaging in a full body workout” I blush “Plus, right now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else”.

Chapter

10

Quin

Playlist:‘Save tonight’–Eagle-eye Cherry

I’ve been at Lista’s since 4.15pm.

It’s now 7.30pm.

We’ve gotten through the work session and now I’m sipping an old fashioned that Lista made me whilst helping her build furniture.

We briefly discovered our shared interest ofThe Holiday, so we’ve now put it on in the background.

She didn’t even make fun of me for being a fan of a great romance film.

I genuinely don’t think I’d rather be doing anything else.

Her apartment is great; It’s comfortable, warm and the kind of place I imagined she’d have.

It’s minimal and decluttered, but cosy, with a mixture of natural dark woods, dark furniture, beige walls and pops of burnt orange. The fairy lights and candles add such a calming atmosphere, and Edith is nestled between a set of soft pillows and a fluffy throw on the sofa. It feels like a home. I could quite happily see myself here with her often.

I’m pulled out of my thoughts when she gently places the hammer down on the unfinished chest of drawers whilst she readjusts her position.

“What are you thinking about?” a gentle voice asks me.

I regain control of my mind and come back to reality.

“Sorry” I say softly, snapping out of my thoughts. “I’m just content. I was appreciating your apartment. It’s homely. Thanks for having me”.

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