Page 6 of Lennox

"What now?" I sigh, but I'm genuinely curious.

"Gage and Josephine are together. As in a couple."

“Oh,” I say, waving a hand dismissively. “I already knew that.”

“What?” Marcelo looks surprised. “How?”

I’m not one to gossip, but I don’t have much else to do these days. “I walked in on them playing house during the storm. Gage was kind of a dick to her, but I think I was able to talk some sense into him.”

Charlene looks impressed. “I can’t imagine you playing matchmaker.”

Marcelo lets out a boisterous laugh, clapping me on the back a little too hard for my current condition. "Matchmaker? Lenny? Now that's something I'd pay to see!"

I shoot him an unimpressed look. "Keep it up, and I’ll get Charlene to set you up on blind dates for a month."

Charlene raises an eyebrow playfully. "And just who would I be setting him up with?"

Marcelo winks at her. "Well, how about you start with yourself? I'm a great date. I can even cook.”

She chuckles, giving him a playful shove. "Nice try. But I can already tell you're too much of a handful for me."

It's clear they're hitting it off, and a pang of something—jealousy, maybe?—shoots through me. But it's fleeting. Marcelo always did have a way with people.

"Anyway," Marcelo continues, regaining his composure, "Never thought I’d say this," Marcelo chuckles, "but you being laid up here might be the second most interesting thing happening in Haven Falls."

I shake my head. "That’s a low bar, my friend."

Our laughter fades, and Marcelo turns contemplative. "Seriously, though, Len. The team misses you. Haven Falls misses you. When you're ready to come back, there's a place waiting."

I feel a lump in my throat, thankful for Marcelo's unwavering support. "Thanks, man."

As we near my room, Charlene's professional mode kicks in. "Alright, we've got work to do. You can regale us with more tales of the outside world later."

He raises his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I can take a hint. Take care of him."

With a nod, she replies, "I always do."

Back in the room, the familiar sight of the sterile hospital bed awaits me. My limbs feel heavy from the walk, a reminder of how far I still have to go in my recovery.

"Here, let me help you," Charlene offers, moving to my side.

I wave her off, pride getting the better of me. "I got it."

But as I pivot to get onto the bed, exhaustion catches up with me. My leg wobbles, threatening to buckle. Panic spikes in my chest as I feel myself starting to tilt dangerously sideways.

In a blur, Charlene is right there, her arm wrapping securely around my waist, pulling me against her. We stumble slightly, her back hitting the wall, pinning me flush against her. My face is mere inches from hers. Her soft, curved body feels warm against mine, and for a moment, all I can think about is how perfectly my body fits against her generous curves.

Her hair has come undone slightly from its usual ponytail, cascading around her face like a golden halo. I'm drawn to the soft swell of her lips, the delicate arch of her brow, the shimmer of amusement and surprise in her brown eyes.

Damn, she's beautiful.

"I told you I got it," I murmur, my voice rougher than I intend.

Her laughter is light, a touch nervous. "Clearly."

We both step back simultaneously, the air thick with tension. I clear my throat, awkwardly adjusting the collar of my hospital gown. "Thanks."

She nods, her gaze holding mine a second longer. "Anytime, Grumpy Gill."

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