Page 110 of Tamed By You

I shut off the water, reaching for my white bath towel. Wrapping the soft cloth around my body. I walk across the bathroom and swipe a hand across the steamed-up mirror to stare at my reflection. The dark circles are beginning to fade, my hollow cheeks have begun to fill out slightly and the light in my eyes is returning a little. I decide today is the day I do some skincare, brush my hair, and wear something that isn’t sweatpants.

I’ve been on this journey before, pulled myself out of that black hole that felt like it had no end, and it took time, but I did it once so I can do it again. But this time, I have a band of people behind me, cheering me on every step of the way. I reach for my day cream, closing my eyes as I glide the silky liquid over my face, enjoying the cool sensation that tingles over my skin. Next, I comb my hair, taking the dryer, brushing through the strands as the hot heat blasts my blonde locks that hadn’t seen a proper wash in a week until today, and with every stroke I feel slightly more alive—a little more me.

I head out of my bathroom and go to my closet, pulling out my favorite lilac yoga pants and matching crop top, tugging an overside cream cardigan to wrap around me, still a little conscious of how frail my body is looking. I hear the sound of the blender going, silently chuckling, knowing what I will be met with when I reach the kitchen.

I make my way out of my room, the grinding sound of the blender getting louder with every step. I find Gabby in the kitchen, her back to me, wearing tight black yoga shorts and a matching crop top, framing her killer curves.

Damn, I really should start doing Pilates with her.

I tug at my cardigan, protectively wrapping it around me. She stops the blender, turning to face me, a jug of something green in her hand.

“Morning. You look beautiful.” She beams.

I feel anything but beautiful, but I’m thankful for her compliment. A small wave of sadness washes over me. What if I never feel the way I did again? What if I have really lost myself this time?

I give my head a little shake, determined today will be a more positive day. Today I will leave the apartment. Ria called the HR department at my job. She explained I had some personal issues and needed to take a leave of absence and they were so understanding. It’s one less thing for me to worry about while I focus on getting through this hearing.

“Morning,” I say softly.

“How did you sleep?” she asks, pouring the green juice into three glasses.

“Yeah, better thanks. Why three glasses?”

She points towards the couch, and I turn. How did I miss him? There lays a sleeping Harry and my heart melts. He stayed, again. The past two weeks, he has stayed at least seven or eight times on my couch. No matter how many times I tell him I’m okay, he insists. But last night I know he was working late at the club and must have come in using the key I gave him.

“Ugh, this bottom part is still lumpy,” Gabby groans, shaking the jug. She places it back on the blender stand, pressing the button and whirling it to life. I watch as Harry’s body jolts and a little chuckle escapes me. He sits upright, staring daggers atthe back of Gabby’s head. Turning his head towards me, his face softens into a megawatt smile, and I return it with my own. He gets up from the couch and an old feeling, a little flutter deep in my core, stirs at the sight of his exposed ripped abs and tattooed chest.

“Morning, Ali Cat. Did you sleep okay?” he shouts over the sound of the blender running a hand through his messy morning hair. Another flutter stirs in my core at the sound of the nickname.

“Good,” I shout back.

The blender stops and he glares at Gabby once again. “Is she always like this in the mornings?”

“I’m afraid so,” I confirm. “She is a get up go-getter is our Gabby.”

She smiles when she sees us both together, her big brown eyes widening with what looks like joy. “Good morning. I’ve made us green smoothies, packed with vitamins and a matcha tea to really get us going.”

“Huh, match-what?” Harry asks, his face contorting in confusion.

“Matcha,” she repeats. “It’s all-natural. It’s very good for you.”

We both sit at the stools next to the island as Gabby pours the rest of the juice into the glasses and slides us each a green juice and then a mug of matcha tea.

Harry's face screws up in disgust. “Why is everything green?”

“Did you know that juice alone can actually help your gut health and your digestion and stabilize your blood sugars for far longer than your go-to cereals?” Gabby says pointing to the glass, encouraging him to drink it.

Harry stares at her, wide-eyed. “Fascinating.”

I press my lips together, suppressing a laugh. Gabby is in fun fact mode.

“So, it will be good for your gut. Drink up.”

“Me and my gut would disagree. Thank you.”

“Well, you are going to need your energy. I was thinking we would go on a very light jog this morning. Get you out in the fresh air,” she says excitedly looking at me. “And then we can do some Pilates before we see Ria.”

“Sounds great, Gabs,” I say, grateful for all the effort she is going to help me heal.

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