Mom glares at me for a few moments, which is a little unnerving. I can’t drag my eyes away from her little slightly pixelated face. I can almost feel her gaze burning right into my core. Mom knows me far too well…
“You like her,” she finally announces decisively. “Which is a very dangerous territory.”
“Like her?” Now it’s my turn to look confused. “What do you mean?”
“You like her. You’re attracted to her. That’s why you want to help so badly.”
“I want to help because she needs it. Not for any other reason…”
“Just be aware that she’s very vulnerable right now. She might seek out comfort, but it isn’t up to you to give it. You’re her lawyer and nothing more. Don’t overstep any boundaries. Look after yourself as well.”
I roll my eyes. “Mom, I’m not going to. I never will. I work with women all the time.”
“I don’t know… with this one, you seem different. I can see it in your eyes.”
“You can’t even see my eyes through the screen. You’re going crazy, Mom.”
Honestly, why do I ever think that it’s a good idea to talk to her? If she’s not badgering me about getting a girlfriend, she’s telling me to stay away from someone that I have no intention of being with.
“I can see you well enough, don’t forget I know you, Zane.”
“Right, well I shall remain professional, okay? You don’t have anything to worry about. I promise you.”
“I’m just concerned about the lawyer business that you worked so hard to build up. You practically came from nothing. It isn’t worth throwing anything away for. Even feelings, okay?”
“I know, Mom. I’m not going to wreck what I have. I understand. I don’t intend to screw anything up.”
She hasn’t really given me any advice. She just warned me away from something that was never going to happen. Still, it feels like I have a weight off my chest, just listening to her speak.
We chat for some more time, steering away from the tricky topic of work until it’s natural for us to end the conversation. As I hang up and close the laptop, I slide my eyes closed and sigh loudly. Mom’s words bring up a very unwelcome, yet somehow what I desperately need to see, image to mind. Nova leaning in for a kiss. Coming towards me with that gorgeous bee-stung mouth of hers that’s all natural and should really be found on a movie star. Her blonde hair whips around me and her stunning eyes close as she slides her hand onto my cheek.
This is wrong, I know it is, even just in my mind, but as imaginary Nova kisses me, my heart damn near explodes. Maybe because it’s so wrong that it feels good, or perhaps it’s because I do feel that connection with Nova, that unexplained spark that could ignite into something incredible. If we both let it…
7
Nova
This is the calm before the storm, I think as I press my hands to my hips. I can feel it brewing.
It’s just a normal Tuesday afternoon, nothing special has happened, nothing different. I haven’t even had any communication with Zane since our appointment last week… but I can sense it. The terrified anticipation. Jeremy will be home from work soon and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a bad day. It’s just a gut feeling though…
Ring, ring…
My cell phone blasting out makes me jump, almost right out my skin. I’m a jittery mess and he’s not even here yet which is a bit of a nightmare. The hurricane circling above my head won’t go anywhere.
“H… hello?” I answer with a shaky hand. I didn’t even take a moment to look at who it is.
“Nova? Is everything okay? You sound really freaked out. Has something happened?”
“Oh, Clara, it’s you.” I breathe out a sigh of relief. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just about to head to the airport.”
“Airport?” I rub my forehead hard. “Sorry, have I missed something?”
“Me and Kem are away for two weeks for our anniversary, don’t you remember?”
“Oh, of course. You’re going to New York, aren’t you?” Relief floods me as I remember what’s going on here. “Sorry, I’ve been quite spaced out recently with everything what is going on.”