Page 7 of Lennox

I can't help the grin that forms on my lips. She might be sunshine personified, but there's a spark in her, a fire that draws me in.

After that moment of unexpected closeness, Charlene nods toward the bed, her professional mask back in place. "Alright, tough guy, let’s get you settled in before you take another nosedive."

Grumbling, I take her offered arm. "Just a minor misstep."

As I ease down onto the bed, she tosses an extra pillow behind my back. "Sure it was." There's a teasing lilt to her voice.

I shoot her a look. "You always this bossy with your patients?"

She smirks. "Only the stubborn ones." She straightens up, hands on her hips. "Rest up, Lennox. You've got another round with me tomorrow."

I do my best not to smile. "Looking forward to it."

She gives a playful salute, then heads for the door. Left in the dimming room, I exhale slowly, already anticipating our next session.

Chapter 4

Charlene

Charlene

Curled up on my cozy couch, the soft glow from the table lamp casting a warm light over the room, I balance my phone between my ear and shoulder as I sip my chamomile tea. Between sips, I chat animatedly with Winnie Reed, my lifelong friend and the mayor's daughter. Our conversations are always a delightful mix of Haven Falls gossip and heartfelt personal updates.

"You won't believe the progress Mr. Thompson made today," I gush, picturing the elderly gentleman's triumphant smile during our session earlier.

Winnie chuckles on the other end. "That's wonderful! But tell me more about your latest challenge. How's the town's favorite brooding sea hero doing under your care?"

"Lennox?" I sigh, leaning back against the cushions. "He's as stubborn as they come. But there's a depth to him, something more than just the gruff exterior he showcases."

A playful lilt enters Winnie’s voice. "Sounds like our Charlie might be smitten."

"Just professionally," I quickly retort, feeling the tips of my ears warm up.

Our laughter is interrupted by the shrill tone of call waiting. A glance at my phone's screen reveals Haven Falls Hospital's caller ID. Panic grips me.

"Win, I've got to take this," I say hastily, switching over. "Charlene speaking."

"Miss Mitchell, it's Nurse Ramirez from the second floor. I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's been an incident concerning your mother."

My heart drops, and the comfort of my living room seems to fade into insignificance. Without hesitation, I'm on my feet, gathering my belongings. "I’m on my way.”

Taking a deep breath, I push the door to my mother's room open, every muscle in my body tense, ready for the worst. Instead of the expected bleak scene, I'm met with the low hum of conversation. The faint scent of antiseptics is overpowered by the comforting aroma of the lilac air freshener my mom adores. The dimmed overhead light casts a soft, golden hue over the room, making it feel less clinical and more like a sanctuary.

My mother, slightly propped up by pillows, has a smile on her face, and seated next to her is a familiar figure: Lennox, his red hair a stark contrast to the white bed linens.

"Charlie," my mother sighs with relief when she sees me. Her voice is weaker than usual but still playful. "You know Lennox, right?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Yes, Mom. Hard to forget."

The edge of Lennox’s mouth tilts up in amusement. "Yeah, I've been told I leave quite the impression."

Clearing my throat, I move closer, trying to understand the scene before me. "So, what happened exactly?"

"Well," she begins with a dramatic pause, eyes twinkling, "I was feeling a bit faint, and before I knew it, I was on the floor. But, then, my knight in shining armor," she says, nodding towards Lennox with a mischievous smile, "came to my rescue."

Lennox rolls his eyes, but there's no mistaking the warmth in his gaze. "I was just out stretching my legs, trying to get them ready for our next session. Lucky timing, I suppose."

My mother giggles, patting his hand affectionately. "He helped me back to bed and hit that emergency button. Without him, I'm not sure how long it would've taken for someone to find me."

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