PART 5–CHAPTER 183
JESS
I stared down at my phone, Luke’s number glowing on the screen. My finger hovered over the green button, frozen.
Six weeks. It had been six whole weeks without a word.
There was not one text, not a single call, nothing. Josh must have told him that I had my memories back.
I knew he didn’t have games to blame it on; it was off–season, just practice. So what was it? Why hadn’t he checked in? Made sure I was okay? Where was the Luke who refused to give up on us?
Hell, even Aiden popped into the hospital and wanted to make sure I was okay.
Maybe I should call him…
But I was the one who almost got shot – well I did get shot and strangled. He should be checking in on me..
My chest tightened, and I tried to steady my breathing, pushing down the frustration and… yeah, maybe a little hurt too.
But just as I was about to toss my phone aside, the door opened, snapping me out of it. “Jess!”
“Shit,” I mumbled.
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PART 5–CHAPTER 181
A friendly but firm voice cut into my thoughts, and I looked up to see Finn, my physical therapist, standing there. He looked at me like a teacher usually looks at a naughty child.
Finn was in his thirties, with sandy blond hair, an athletic build, and an attitude that meant he was more than likely not in a steady relationship. He could have been a professional swimmer, even in the Olympics. Still, he got injured while trying to save a little boy who fell off a boat–at least, that’s what the news article said when I Googled him.
“What’s it going to take to get you up? You won’t run again if you can’t even stand up for your physio.”
I shoved my phone into my pocket, forcing a smirk. “Who says want to run again?” I asked, crossing my arms. “I don’t see you swimming.” Finn flinched but didn’t let his smile fade.
“Harsh, but okay. I’ll let it slide, seeing as you shattered your tibia and fibula. But the next jab gets you 10 extra steps,” Finn said with a grin, and I sighed.
“Fine.” I groaned and got up, wabbling on my good leg.
I
He raised an eyebrow at my pathetic attempt at walking, looking more amused than anything else. Finn pulled a chair over next to me, rolling his eyes at my usual attitude. “Well, Ms. Know–It- All Physio, if you’re so smart, you know half–hearted efforts won‘ t cut it.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but grin. “Fine. Fine. Let’s get this over with.” I settled myself in the chair, my usual cocky stance maybe a bit dimmed by the dull ache radiating up my leg. But Finn just watched me, unfazed, setting up for our usual
-session.
PMITS CHAPTER 183
“Alright, today we’re focusing on your right leg,” he said, tapping my knee gently. “Until you’re out of that cast, we’ve got to keep this one strong. I don’t want you messing up your hip or twisting an ankle once you’re back on your feet.”
“Got it,” I muttered, trying to sound casual, but my mind kept wandering. Every stretch and flex seemed to pull me back to Luke and the silence between us. It was like a weight pressing on me, tightening with every breath. I couldn’t shake the ache of disappointment, frustration, maybe even a bit of anger.
“Jess,” Finn’s voice broke through, snapping me back to reality. “Come on. I know you’re better than this.” He raised an eyebrow like he could see right through me.
1 clenched my jaw and pushed my leg a little harder, but my
mind was still elsewhere. I could practically imagine Luke standing over me, calling me out for slacking off. The thought made me frown harder, almost irritated at the hold he still had
over me.
Finn’s eyes softened as he paused mid–rep, watching me with a hint of concern. “You want to talk about it?” he asked.
“Something on your mind?”
I hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “It’s just… someone I thought I could count on,” I said finally, shrugging like it didn’t bother me. “Doesn’t matter.
He nodded, his expression understanding but not pushing. “That’s hard,” he said gently. “Sometimes people have their reasons, even if it doesn’t make it easier to understand. But for now, let’s focus. I need five more reps–strong and steady.”
I nodded, swallowing back the tightness in my throat as I
PART 5–CHAPTER 183
pushed through the next reps. My muscles were shaking, and I could feel the burn Finn always talked about, but it didn’t
distract me nearly enough. With every push and every stretch, the question stayed stuck in my mind. Why hadn’t he called? Why had he just… given up on me, on us–whatever we are…
