Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Forty Four

ARIS' POV

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"I can't believe you talked me into letting you come here with me," Luca exhales whilst running a hand down his face. I stare at him from the counter of Chessman's. "I feel like an awful friend."

My brows frown. "Luca, I can't bear the thought of being at home and not doing anything. That will make me feel a thousand times worse than being here with you. And you said I can take it easy, it's for the company more than anything."

I was discharged from the hospital at the start of the week. I told Luca he didn't need to stay home with me as the doctors said to take it easy. He went back to work two days later and I kept my phone close to me in case I felt unwell again.

Nick visited the flat but I didn't answer the door. No matter how many times I heard his pleading, begging to open up. I sat there in silence and listened. He's called and left texts but I haven't answered or read a single one. My heart ached in my chest at the sound of his voice but I didn't have the strength to face him.

I don't know if I ever will. Every night I hear his words on repeat. At first I thought I wasn't good enough for him but thanks to Luca he's made me realise that I should not think that way about myself—mistakes happen.

Maybe I shouldn't have taken this job because of my health at all. I had one scare and that should have been enough to send me away. It also means that I wouldn't have met Nick either. It probably would have been for the best for all of us.

My heart attack has put things into perspective for me. I could have died. My heart could have given out all together. I knew the stress of the day was piling up but I didn't realise how bad it was until I got home.

Luca steps in front of me and snaps me out of my trance. "That's still not the point. I know you don't want to be alone but working right now is silly."

"I want to be here," I repeat. "For a little bit at least. I feel numb, Luca. Don't send me home."

His entire expression falls and he gives me a nod. "Fine but please don't do anything that puts you at risk. Sit on the chair and take peoples orders and I'll do everything else."

"Luca—"

"No," he waves his hand at me. "Don't you dare try and fight me on this one."

I huff out a breath. "Fine," I slump on the stool.

Deep down I know I need to keep my health at the forefront of my mind but right now I need to do something to keep me distracted. I'm moments away from driving myself insane.

"If you feel light headed or you need to get some air—"

"Luca," I glance at him. "Please. I'm okay for now. I'll let you know if I'm not."

He hesitantly nods and agrees. "Alright, fine."

The next hour goes by fairly slowly. It's not the same moving around the cafe, instead I'm dealing with orders and the till. When it reaches lunch time I stand up to stretch my legs and make something to eat.

When the bell to the cafe opens I shut the panini maker and glance up at Luca who stares over my shoulder. From his expression alone I already know who it is before I even turn around.

My spine stiffens and my palms begin to sweat. Luca steps towards me but I grab his wrist and suck down a breath. "I got this."

"You sure?" His brows knit together in confusion.

I nod even though I'm on the verge of having a mental breakdown. If I talk to him now that means I don't have to worry about him coming to the flat or catching me outside. At least here I know that Luca has my back and neither of us can really cause a scene.