“I’m a physiotherapist,” I interrupt. “But I’m sure you already knew that. And that you also know that I’m treating Jack.”
She pauses, her gaze narrowing slightly more. “Right. I forgot. How long have you been here?”
“About eight years. Not by choice, although I got used to it.”
“What do you mean, not by choice?” Prue asks, tilting her head to the side.
All the little lights from the candles and fairy lights hanging around everywhere are dancing on her skin, turning her olive complexion into something magical. Her ever changing eyes look like diamonds exposed to the sun. God, how she ever thought she was ugly is a mystery to me.
Her brows pull down slightly, making me realize that I’ve been staring in silence for what was probably an awkward minute. I clear my throat and lean forward to set my glass on the table deciding it’s better if I slow down thealcohol before I do or say something stupid.
“When I confessed to my parents that I switched courses from Biology to a bachelor in physiotherapy and although I already graduated, they were mad. To punish me, and since they knew I didn’t want to take part in their real estate business, they sent me here to manage the Cove thinking I wouldn’t have the time to pursue my doctorate—or that I’d discover a secret passion for housing rude rich people, I don’t know. But I was bored out of my mind, and I managed to do both. Got my Doctorate, and I kept managing that small part of their empire.”
Her eyes narrow suspiciously. “I didn’t know you switched degrees… Or that you could.”
“I didn’t advertise it, because I didn’t want my parents to find out. And a lot of classes didn’t change at all, actually. Jack didn’t know either.”
“I knew it!” Nuri, snickers. “I knew you lied that time I saw you enter a class you weren’t supposed to be in!”
“I didn’t lie. I told you I switched for this class as I thought it would be more adequate for the career I was going for. It’s not my fault you weren’t more specific…” I shrug and she rolls her eyes.
“But… When did you switch?” Prudence asks, confused.
“About two months into my first year.”
It would have been earlier, but the paperwork was a headache. Especially since my parents were not supposed to know. And at the time, Jack and I were getting along, but we weren’t as good friends as we were in the end. I couldn’t risk him telling anyone. Maybe I should have told him, but the more I waited, the less I thought about it. And it felt awkward to bring it up.
“Switching topics, I told Jack that my parents didn’t want to sell him the house,” I tell Prudence. “They want to keep the whole Cove.”
“Good,” she sighs, and one of my eyebrows lifts in surprise. She must interpret my reaction wrong as she hurries to explain herself. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s a perfectly nice house, just… it’s a little much, don’t you think? It’s obviously a vacation home, it has no personality, and it’swaytoo big for two people.”
“I see what you mean,” I chuckle. “I was just surprised, most people dream of owning a house like this one.”
“Well, I don’t,” she says, shaking her head vehemently. “I like the beachpart, or the fact that it’s a little secluded from the city. I like the park just across the street. But not the house. Too big, too—”
“Yeah, I know,” I interrupted her softly. “I didn’t have a choice for the house though. It’s the only one accessible to wheelchairs outside my own. And I like mine too much to move out.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “We would never ask you to!”
“I know.” I smile, and I notice a blush coming up her face, her eyes going to my cheek. She’sblushing. How. Fucking. Adorable. “Anyway, I’ll help you find something if he really wants to buy.”
She sighs, her eyes dropping to the coffee table.
Maybe she doesn’t want to settle here. Maybe she’s forcing herself to be okay with this city so she can stay with Jack. Is Jack the only one looking to settle down?
“Are you—”
“I’m gonna head to the bathroom real quick,” Prue interrupts me. “I’ll come back with another round?”
“Sure!” Nuri says, beaming.
“Not for me,” I answer. “I still have to drive you two back.”
And then she’s gone, taking her purse and phone with her, leaving me alone with a mischievous looking Nuri.
“Alright, what the hell are you doing?”
My whole body freezes at her harsh voice, and I tense, ready to bolt out of here. Her elbows are resting on her thighs, her head propped on her fists.
