Page 111 of Dr. Damaged Protector

“Nothing really we’re just taking it slow,” he replied. “Did you get home safe?”

“I did. Let me know when you're ready to talk,” I responded and exited the message.

I checked the groceries and realized that I had forgotten some toiletries. I called Lucas.

“Hey, you still at the hospital?” I asked.

“Yeah, you need me?” he asked, sounding like he needed my permission to leave when he could actually do it whenever he wanted.

“No, I forgot to get some lady things at the superstore,” I replied. “I'm going back to get them.”

“Alright, which one?” he asked.

“Sunny,” I replied.

“You’re not going to the mart you normally use?” he asked.

“Yeah, I just wanted to try somewhere else,” I replied. “I’ve been in Richmond for months, and I still don't know it.”

“Try not to get lost,” he advised. “Don't bother going with the other car. I'll be done with work in twenty minutes and pick you up.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

“Is everything okay?” he asked. “You didn’t have to call to tell me that you need toiletries.”

“Tsk tsk tsk,” I clicked my tongue. “The role of a lover is to listen to the odd stories of their partner.”

“I actually have a lot to learn if so,” he said. “Take care of yourself, either way.”

“See you soon,” I said, “and I will.”

“I love you,” he added.

“I love you too.” A smile formed on my face.

As the call ended, I came to realize that I didn't want to bother him with problems I could handle on my own. Well, now it was one problem after the other.

****

At the superstore, I found myself trying to respond to Liam's texts. The last thing I wanted was to anger him.

“Olivia have you really put that Life behind you? There's nothing wrong if you're still stuck there.”

“I have a decent job now. And there's no need for me to go back.”

“Does he know about your past?”

“Then he wouldn't care if he saw the pictures, right?”

“Let's not go there okay?”

“Fine fine. Do you have any friends still involved in that life?”

“A few, why?”

“Maybe you can recommend them to get me a discount or something.”

It's their job. I can actually recommend them. But would it be a good idea if as a friend, I handed over my friends to a monster like him? Even if it was to save my neck?

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