Page 56 of Stuck with my Guarded MVP
My brain emptied.
I could barely find my voice. "Maeve’s been looking for you," I managed. "I’m on the phone with her."
He turned sharply, the towel slipping from his neck as he pulled a shirt from a hanger. "Thanks," he said, already striding toward me.
I didn’t move.
He tugged the shirt on as he walked. Dark gray cotton that clung to his shoulders and chest, still a little damp. He reached for the phone in my hand just as he reached me, close enough that I caught the scent of clean soap and something warm underneath it.
"Hey," he said into my phone. "Yeah. I’m here. What’s up. Is everything OK? "
I stepped back to give him space. He stepped closer.
His shoulders dropped, just slightly. I couldn’t hear everything Maeve was saying.
I pointed to the speakerphone icon. He nodded. I tapped it.
“All this worry, and it's just an overactive thyroid,” was all I caught Maeve saying.
“Maeve, it's Claire. I put you on speakerphone. That’s the best news. That’s very treatable." I said it more for Liam’s comfort. Maeve probably already knew that.
“Can I call you later to hear more about the treatment plan?”
“Sure,” she replied. “Liam, I’m sorry I had you worried. Let’s talk later this week, okay?”
He just nodded.
“Maeve, you can’t see him,” I said softly, “but he’s nodding.”
I ended the call. The phone was still in his hand.
His jaw flexed. He let out a breath. And then he handed the phone back to me and did something I didn’t expect.
He pulled me in. Arms wrapped tight, head bowed until his cheek brushed mine.
He didn’t say anything at first. Just held on.
And I let him. My arms settled gently around his waist, hands resting lightly on his back.
He smelled like warmth and water. Like relief.
His voice came near my ear, low and steady."Thank you."
I eased back, just enough to see his face." For what?"
His hands came to rest on my shoulders. Firm, but gentle.
His thumbs brushed the curve of my collarbone.
"For being there for my sister. For being there for me. I don’t think I could’ve handled this alone."
My breath caught.
I nodded, small and slow.
"You’re welcome."
He leaned in and kissed my forehead.
