Page 12 of Lennox

She pulls away, eyeing the cake I’m serving to guests. "I better get the first slice. After all, as the mayor's daughter, it's my duty to inspect and approve all culinary delights."

"Ever the humble public servant," I jest, handing her a slice. She winks, taking a bite and nodding appreciatively.

Her gaze flits around the room, and her ever-curious eyes land on the entrance just as it opens. "Speaking of delights, isn't that your handsome patient?"

My gaze follows hers. Lennox steps in, clearly out of his element amid the festive decorations. In his hands, a simple bouquet of daisies stands out against his rugged outfit. For a brief moment, our eyes lock, communicating so much without a word spoken. It’s only been a couple of days since our beach encounter, and we’ve been inseparable since then, but my heart still races at the sight of him.

Mom's voice cuts through the room, beckoning Lennox closer. "Ah, my knight in shining armor! And bearing flowers, no less."

He approaches my mother, presenting the daisies before giving her a gentle peck on the cheek.

Catching my eye, my mom says, “I think it’s fair to say he’s passed the ‘Mom Test.’ Have you two made it official yet?”

Caught off guard, Lennox's cheeks turn a shade I haven't seen before. After a slight pause, he replies with a playful grin, "I'm working on it." The twinkle in his eyes sends my heart into overdrive, and I can't help but ponder all the possibilities.

The room buzzes with the casual chatter of the party, and for a moment, everything feels normal, like we're not in a hospital at all. I'm enjoying watching my mom, her face lit up with joy from the birthday wishes and company.

My attention, however, gets sidetracked by Lennox and Winnie, deep in conversation by the window. At first, it looks like just another friendly chat. Winnie, as always, is full of energy, while Lennox seems relaxed, chuckling at whatever story she's telling.

But as the minutes pass, I notice a shift. Lennox's smile fades, his posture changes slightly—straightening up, arms crossing. Winnie's animated hand gestures slow, her brow furrowing in confusion or concern. I can't hear their words from here, but the change in their dynamic is unmistakable.

Catching Lennox's eye for a fleeting moment, I see a flicker of... what? Discomfort? Annoyance? It's hard to tell, but it's clear something's off. The easygoing vibe of the room feels a little shaken, at least for me.

With a pang of concern, I head over to Lennox, hoping to understand what's got him on edge. "Hey," I begin, gently touching his arm, "Everything okay?"

He barely meets my gaze, his response distant. "Yeah, just... not feeling great."

His words are brief, stripped of the warmth I've come to associate with him. It's jarring to see him like this—disconnected, almost distant, worse even than he was when I first met him in his hospital bed.

"Did something happen?" I push gently, not wanting to pry but needing to know.

Lennox shifts, avoiding my eyes. "Just need some air, Charlie," he murmurs. And without another word, he moves past me and out the door.

As the door closes behind him, I stand there, stunned. The lively atmosphere of the party dims, replaced by a growing unease. What just happened?

"Charlie?" Winnie's voice, tinged with apprehension, pulls me back to the present.

I turn to face her, noticing immediately the look of guilt playing across her freckled face. "What happened, Win?" I ask, a sinking feeling in my stomach.

She takes a deep breath, her fiery red hair seeming even more vivid against the pallor of her face. "I might've said something... I was just trying to look out for you," she starts, wringing her hands. "I didn’t think he'd take it the way he did."

I close my eyes, trying to steady the tumult inside. "What did you say?"

She takes a deep breath. "I just... I wanted to know if he was serious about you. I mentioned how much you already have to handle and told him you didn’t need added stress or heartbreak." She pauses, wringing her hands, "He took it the wrong way. Thought I was hinting he'd be another problem in your life."

My heart feels like it's sinking. "Win, you didn’t..."

She cuts me off, her eyes welling up. "I know. I know. I overstepped. I just care about you so much, and I got scared seeing you so happy with him. I didn’t want you to get hurt."

A silence stretches between us, filled only by the muffled sounds of the remaining party-goers. Then, a gentle touch on my shoulder. Mom. Her presence, always comforting, brings a lump to my throat.

“Sweetheart,” she begins, her voice filled with years of wisdom and understanding, "while we love our friends for their protectiveness, sometimes, their worries can overshadow their good intentions."

A sigh escapes my lips. Knowing Winnie, she'd had the best intentions, but I could also imagine how Lennox, already grappling with his vulnerabilities, might misinterpret her words.

She smiles gently, her warm brown eyes mirroring my own. "You've always been my sunshine, finding your way even through the darkest clouds. If you feel something real with Lennox, chase it. Clarify, communicate, and trust in what you both have."

“And Charlie, I’m so sorry,” Winnie adds.

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