Fragmented ✔️

25. Inked lovers

A veil of frost covered the grass and last remaining leaves of the trees surrounding the park opposite Zaire's apartment. Late November and there was still no sign of snow, but I knew it was coming. I felt it in the icy winds nipping at the end of my nose and the lack of birds chirping as we wandered under the canopy of greying branches.

Matt moved into the loft over a week ago, and so far, everything was going great. His old roommates understood his reasons behind leaving, and the split was amicable. Zaire had yet to spend a night in his home, so Matt and I had the space to ourselves. We'd attended our weekly therapy sessions together, and Matt had been more open about Bailey.

For the first time in ages, I could breathe without the lump lodged in my chest, even with the anniversary of Saffron's death looming.

Said anniversary was the reason for our morning stroll. Matt walked beside me, our interlocked fingers stuffed deep inside the pocket of his coat.

"You're quiet. You nervous?" His footsteps slowed as we reached the exit, and he held the metal gate open so I could step through first.

"Not sure yet. Maybe when we get there," I said, eager to cross the road while the crossing light was green. The pedestrian light turned red as we neared it, and I let out an audible huff.

"You've got time. We don't have to rush and you have to eat something first." Matt kissed my knuckles and returned our hands to his pocket. "Where do you fancy eating? McDonald's breakfast or that new caff down the road?"

"I know. Maybe I'm a bit nervous or excited. I can't really tell. Thanks for coming with me." I smiled up at him and nestled into his side. "Shall we try the caff? It's closer as well."

"Sounds good."

Matt wrapped his arms around my waist, standing behind me as I pushed the door open to the quaint bistro. "Shit, babe. Might need to work a double shift to afford the food here. How are your washing up skills?" he joked in my hair and planted a quick kiss to the top of my head.

"Never too late for a Maccy D's?" I turned in his arms and leaned in close. "Run before they see us."

A glint of mischievousness flashed in his eyes and my heart skipped when he laughed and pushed me back in the room towards an empty table. "Don't worry. I checked before we came out. We'll be fine."

A waitress walked behind Matt's chair and into my field of vision as I was admiring the living plant wall. I hurried to scan the menu, making sure I remembered my choice of breakfast, and glanced up. I recognised that face. But for a split second, I couldn't place it. "Oh hey, it's you. Catwoman."

She let out a weak chuckle and removed a notepad from her apron. "Trixie, right?" she replied to me but smiled at Matt. "Hi Matt, it's been a while." She gave him a once-over and sighed, looking back at her pad.

"Alright, Carrie? Didn't know you worked here." He scooted his chair forward and drummed his fingers on his closed menu. "So how did you two meet?"

"Halloween party," we both answered at the same time, her hesitant while I sounded curious.

My stomach grumbled, and I wanted them to get the pleasantries over so we could eat and leave.

"Ahh, yeah. Guess I must have missed you."

An uncomfortable silence settled around us. It was clear by the slight grimace on Carrie's face that she knew why Matt wouldn't have noticed her, or anyone else that night.

Carrie tapped her pen at the top of her pad. "Right, well, are you ready to order?"

"Two coffees–"

"Actually, can I have a tea?" I said to Carrie and lowered my voice for Matt's ears only. "Safer. My tummy's a bit sore now. Nerves are starting to kick in."