T's & C's (don't) Apply

11. (Not) Up for a Discussion

I hated attention and drama and that was exactly what I attracted two days ago. Sure, I hadn't been in pain like that before, and going to the hospital wasn't the worst idea, but I hated that Ethan and Kai had to witness my moment of weakness.

I spent Saturday night in the hospital and was given an intravenous opioid to relieve the pain. Thankfully, by Sunday evening the pain was bearable and by Monday morning it was almost gone. I was discharged Sunday evening, and Ethan was at my side as promised.

I didn't want him to, but he insisted on sleeping on my couch on Sunday. He cared for me like a great friend, but I hated the attention and being treated like a patient. Thankfully, Monday arrived soon, and he had no choice but to leave because I had work.

"I think you should take the day off," Ethan said as we left my flat.

"And I think you're being dramatic," I dismissed his absurd idea.

"You didn't see how you looked on Saturday night, Clo," Ethan said seriously.

"No but I know what I felt," I replied. "And compared to that, I feel brand new."

Ethan sighed. "You're so stubborn."

I handed him his jacket and little overnight bag. "And you're going to be late to open the cafe."

"Am I being kicked out?"

"Yes, but only because I'm going to be late too."

"Your boss seemed quite concerned, I think he'd understand if you took a day off."

"Kai isn't my boss," I laughed under my breath. "I'm his boss."

"You might be the boss of him for a year but technically, he's still your boss."

I rolled my eyes. "One phone call and a meeting and you're already smitten by him."

Ethan chuckled. "I'd hardly call that a meeting but I'm glad I convinced you to save me as an emergency contact."

I smiled sincerely. "I appreciate everything you did for me this weekend."

Ethan ruffled my hair like I was a five-year-old kid. "You've got me, always. You know that right?"

I was a little disheartened at his 'brotherly' action and tone. I pushed aside my thoughts and ignored the disappointment in my heart. I combed my fingers through my hair and reprimanded Ethan for messing it.

"Remember to eat on time and not a burger please," Ethan said seriously. "And call me if you need anything."

I nodded. "Anything else?"

"I mean it, Clo. You don't need to tackle everything by yourself. If you don't feel good, call me or do I have to visit your neighbour and tell him to keep an eye on you for me?"

My eyes widened. "No, I'll call, I promise. No need to involve Kai."

Ethan offered me his hand. "Then promise me you'll call for even the smallest thing."

I placed my hand in his open palm. "I promise."

Ethan smiled and closed his fingers around my hand. I hated the effect his hand in mine had on me but if I pulled away, my feelings might've been apparent. So, with my hand still in his, we left my flat.

Just as I opened the door and was about to leave, I abruptly stopped because of the tall figure in front of me. I was stunned and glanced at my watch which read ten minutes to nine.

"Who are you and what have you done with Kai?"

Kai looked awkwardly back and forth between me and Ethan. "When I'm late it's an issue, when I'm early it's also an issue. What do you want me to do?"