Ocean Love

Chapter 16

I sank into the plush cushions of the living room couch, letting out a deep sigh. The events of the day had been overwhelming, to say the least. Dylan had insisted on going to the aquarium despite his condition, and now, with him resting upstairs, I finally had a moment to myself.

Just as I closed my eyes, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I fished it out and glanced at the screen—Sarah. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I swiped to answer.

“Hey, girl!” Sarah's cheerful voice greeted me. “How’s it going? How’s the patient doing?”

I rolled my eyes playfully, though she couldn’t see it. “He’s fine, just being his usual stubborn self. I’m exhausted, though.”

“Of course, he’s fine,” Sarah teased. “He has you taking care of him. You know, the way you’re always hovering around him, someone might think you actually like the guy.”

“Sarah!” I protested, my cheeks flushing even though I was alone. “I’m just doing my job. You know that.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” Sarah said, dragging out the words in that knowing way she had. “But seriously, how are you holding up? You sound worn out.”

I sighed, knowing she could hear the truth in my voice even if I didn’t say it outright. “It’s been a lot lately. Dylan’s… complicated.”

“Oh, trust me, I can imagine. He’s got that whole mysterious, brooding thing going on. But you’ve always been able to handle him. Still, are you sure you’re not falling for him, Marlia?”

I hesitated, the question hanging in the air between us. “I can’t afford to fall for him, Sarah. He’s my client.”

“Pfft, like that’s ever stopped anyone,” Sarah shot back, her tone light but her words hitting a little too close to home. “I’ve seen the way you look at him, and the way he looks at you. There’s something there, Marlia, whether you want to admit it or not.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, trying to sound indifferent, but my voice betrayed me.

Sarah laughed softly. “Sure, you don’t. But seriously, Marlia, you deserve to be happy. Don’t overthink it too much. Just go with the flow, see where it takes you.”

“I’ll try,” I said, though we both knew that was easier said than done.

“Good. Now, when are we going to have some bestie time? I miss our late-night talks and random outings.”

“I miss them too,” I admitted. “It feels like forever since we’ve just hung out without anything else going on.”

“Well, let’s fix that soon,” Sarah said, her voice brightening. “And maybe, just maybe, you can give me all the juicy details about you and Dylan.”

“There are no juicy details,” I insisted, but I couldn’t keep the smile out of my voice. “But yes, let’s plan something soon. I could really use some time with my best friend.”

“Perfect! We’ll set something up soon. Until then, take care of yourself, Marlia. And don’t let that stubborn man drive you too crazy.”

“I’ll do my best,” I said with a small laugh. “Talk to you later, Sarah.”

“Bye, bestie!”

I hung up the phone and placed it on the coffee table, staring at it for a moment. Sarah was right—I needed a break, not just from work but from the confusion that had taken over my life recently. But for now, all I could do was sit back, take a deep breath, and try to figure out what to do next but I suddenly feel so sleepy and decided to take a break even just for hours.