Unexpected Co-star

Part 16

The kitchen was full of light as Hugh and I sat, sipping our coffee after a long day. There was an ease to our conversations now, a rhythm we had started to fall into. It wasn't perfect, but it felt... comfortable. Familiar in some ways, even though there were still so many blanks in my mind. I could see Hugh's effort every day to be patient, not pushing me too hard, letting me find my way back to him—if that was even possible.

Just as I set my mug down, my phone buzzed on the counter. I reached for it, glancing at the screen. It was my sister.

I answered it, putting the phone on speaker so Hugh could hear. "Hey, Ava."

"Hey, Em! How are you doing? And Hugh, are you there too?"

"I'm here," Hugh said, leaning back in his chair, his eyes flicking to mine with a soft smile.

"Good," she continued, her voice bright and cheerful as always. "I've got some news. I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I finally made the decision—I'm moving into town! I want to be closer to you, Em."

My heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by her words. "Wait, what? You're moving here?"

"Yeah! I figured, after everything that's happened, it makes sense for me to be closer. I want to be there for you more. You know, help out with anything you need, and just... be around."

I exchanged a glance with Hugh, who looked equally surprised but also pleased. He gave me a small nod, silently encouraging me.

"I don't even know what to say," I replied, my voice soft with emotion. "I didn't expect this."

"Well, it's already happening!" Ava said with a laugh. "I found an apartment not too far from Hugh's place. I should be moving in next week."

"Next week? That soon?" I asked, still processing the news. It was a lot to take in.

"I didn't want to wait around. Plus, I miss you, and it feels like the right time. I figured we could spend more time together and maybe help you with some of the recovery process. I know it's been tough."

I swallowed hard, my throat tightening. Having Jess close by was something I hadn't realized I needed until now. The accident had shaken everything up, and having her there would be a comfort, a tether to something stable.

"I can't believe you're doing this," I said, my voice breaking slightly. "It means a lot."

"You're my sister, Em. Of course I'm doing this." Her tone softened. "We'll get through this together, okay? And hey, maybe I can annoy Hugh a little while I'm at it."

Hugh chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm up for the challenge."

"Good, because you're stuck with me now," Ava teased, but there was warmth in her voice. "I'll call you again later with all the details, but I just wanted to give you the big news first. I love you, sis."

"I love you too, Ava," I said, my voice thick with gratitude. "Can't wait to see you."

"Talk soon! Bye, Hugh!"

"Bye, Ava," he replied, and with that, the call ended, leaving us sitting in a comfortable silence.

I leaned back, staring out the window, the reality of my sister moving nearby finally sinking in. It felt like one more piece of the puzzle was falling into place, giving me some sense of normalcy in the middle of all this chaos.

"I didn't expect that," I said after a moment, my voice quiet. "Her moving here... it's a lot."

Hugh nodded, his eyes on me. "She really cares about you, Em. She just wants to be close, especially with everything you've been through."

"I know. And it's good. It is. It's just... overwhelming, I guess. In a good way."

Hugh reached out, placing his hand over mine on the table. "You don't have to do this alone. Not anymore."

I looked at him, feeling a swell of emotion rise in my chest. He was right. With Ava moving closer and Hugh by my side, maybe I didn't have to carry all of this by myself. Maybe, just maybe, things would start to get a little easier.

I squeezed his hand, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Thanks for being here."

"Always," he said softly, his gaze steady and full of warmth. "You'll never have to doubt that." I was an actor who worked with Hugh. I don't even know him or whether he's a good actor or not. I'm no longer an actor, I'm just a girl living with a man. I have a head injury and is being pampered by him. I feel so pathetic.