“Some moments need more than words, and I feel like this is one of those times. I’m just going to kiss you, okay?”
I nod and bring her mouth back to mine.
20
Adley
“Which complication of cardiac catheterization should the nurse monitor for the initial twenty-four hours after the procedure? A) angina at rest. B) thrombus formation. C) dizziness. D) falling blood pressure.”
Abby opens her mouth to respond and then smiles when her eyes land on something over my shoulder. I spin around to see Lincoln walking toward us.
He smiles and leans down to kiss my cheek. “I hope you don’t mind me interrupting.”
“Never,” Abby sighs, resting her chin on her hand. “Feel free to join our study group any time. But next time, maybe you could wear those leather chaps?”
Lincoln grins.
“Did you get done with work early?” I ask.
Lincoln has never sought me out during a study session. Not that I mind.
“I did.” He glances at the book in front of me. “Are you about done?”
“We’re done.” Abby reaches across the table and shuts my book for me. “Thrombus formation.”
“Huh?” I say, scrunching my nose.
“That’s the answer to the question you just asked. The nurse would monitor for thrombus formation.”
“Right.” I shake my head and look at Lincoln. “Looks like I’m done. What’d you have in mind?”
“You’ll see,” he says, tucking my book in my bag, along with the other papers scattered across the table.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” I say to Abby.
She sighs and pretends to bang her head on the table. “I’m done, Adley. I can’t study any more.”
“Yes, you can. You don’t want to take the state boards twice, do you? Because that’s what’s going to happen if you’re not prepared.”
“No, I don’t want to take it twice, but I’m prepared. You’re prepared. We need to schedule the test and get it over with.”
“Tomorrow,” I suggest. “We’ll schedule it first thing when we get here, and then we’ll study.”
“Fine. Go have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Lincoln lifts my bag over his shoulder and waves to Abby before taking my hand. He leads me out and helps me into his truck.
When he puts the truck in drive and pulls onto the road, I look at him. “Where are we going?”
“I thought a lot about what you said to me last night—about wanting to be a part of all the aspects of my life. You’re right. Your family might not know we’re dating—something we’re going to rectify soon—but I know them. I’ve spent time with them. I don’t talk about my dad much because there isn’t much to say. You know about my childhood now.”
“Lincoln—”
“Just let me get this out, okay?”
I nod, and he continues.
“I’ll never have a relationship with my dad like you have with your parents. There won’t be Easter dinners and Christmas mornings with him. But as much as I hate what he put Chloe and me through, I can’t turn my back on him. He’s been sober for almost seven weeks, and for once in his life, he seems to be actually trying. Not sure how long it’ll last, but if you’re ever going to meet him, now’s the time.”