~K~

The microwave dings, echoing in the empty break room. I pop open the door, the smell of Thai food filling my nose. Can't beat leftovers.

I head to my office, the steam rising from my plate and trailing behind me. It's quiet in here; the place looks like a ghost town. Everyone must've called it a night.

I drop into my seat and dig in to my dinner as my eyes go back to my patient's chart. Another late night in the office to add to the countless hours I've logged.

A month has gone by since I started, and I'm still stuffing my schedule jam-packed. One appointment after the other, old patients and new, I need to build a solid caseload. Working for myself is a lot of effort, but more rewarding than I thought.

The one thing I didn't expect was Emma. No matter how many times I push her out of my mind, she still weaves her way in, front and center. The kiss from the past weekend was stupid of me but I couldn't help myself.

We skirt around each other at work, both of us avoiding the other. Since the kiss, it's more awkward.

When I saw her sitting at the picnic table yesterday, her eyes closed, her face turned to the sun, I became frozen. I stood behind a nearby tree for a few moments as I watched her. My thoughts were a jumbled mess.

I had to walk by her, so I seized the moment, hoping to break some ice. She wanted to tell me something, until our coworker interrupted. I haven't had a chance to see her since.

I pop the last of my spring roll into my mouth and eye my stack of charts. Better get a move on while the night is young.

Finishing the current chart, I throw it in the done pile and grab the top one when my phone buzzes.

<Knox, it's Mom. Call me as soon as you can.>

I love how she announces it’s her.

<Is everything ok?> I shoot back quickly. Having four siblings, there could be any kind of drama or trouble happening. My father likes to hide in his man cave and let my mother deal with everything but, lately it's been too much for her.

She looks worn, tired, broken even. The stress eats her alive. Ethan causes the most trouble but my older sisters have their days. Emotional breakdowns and what not; I hightail it out of there, not wanting to be one of their victims.

Her next text breaks me from my thoughts.

<I guess... well... not really. I went to visit Ethan today.>

I groan, knowing that means bad news. He probably was the world's biggest dick to her.

<How'd that go?>

<Not good, Knox. He was belligerent, yelling and calling me names. I left in tears.>

My heart picks up in pace and my fists clench. I hate when he treats our mother poorly. She's done more for us than anyone and he doesn't appreciate it.

<He's probably withdrawing. It can make the nicest people turn mean.>

<I know. I just want to hear your voice. It's comforting.>

My poor mom. Ma has put all of us before her and it’s painful to watch my brother wear her down. She and I have always been close, our analytical brains teaming up together. I try to be her support as often as I can.

<I'll stop by on my way home from the office, if it's not too late, ok?>

<Ok. Be safe. Xoxo.>

<Love you, ma.>

No matter how old I get, she'll still be sending me those x's and o's. She's shown us unconditional love since the day we were born; we're lucky to have her.

I wish I understood Ethan and why he chose the path he's on. He was a happy kid, easily satisfied, though he could be a sneaky devil at times. What kid can't?

I pull myself out of my head and back to my patient's chart. Time to dig in.

* * *

My eyes fly open to the sound of the sharp buzzer. The clock reads six am and I moan, rolling over and covering my head with my pillow.

I got to bed maybe five hours ago, having not left work until ten. With my eyes burning and my head pounding, I still stopped by my mother's house.

Jane and she talked my ear off until midnight, when I finally told them I had to get some sleep or I'd never get through the next work day.

Only five more minutes... I think as I drift back to sleep.

* * *

I'm jolted awake by my phone's shrill alarm.

After I press the off button, the time flashes on the screen. Shit! It's seven am!

I scramble up, throwing the covers off. I have an hour to get ready and be at work for my eight am patient. How in the hell did I fall back to sleep? I swore I hit snooze on my alarm. Thank God I have my back up one set.

I shower and dress with lightning speed and I'm out the door. Starting the car, the clock flashes seven thirty-five. Whew, enough time to stop for coffee.

As I back up, the truck Bluetooth kicks on, a call ringing through. Jim's name pops up on the dash and I press the answer button on my steering wheel.

"What's up, man?" Jim's cheerful voice says.

"Hey, Jim, how's it going? Another day, another dollar?"

"You know it, bro. Still on for Sunday?"

"Yup, I'm looking forward to it. Pizza, beer, and the Red Sox game. Hell yeah."

"Best part of my week. Guess who I ran into last night?"

"Uhh...Ron?"

Jim laughs. "No. I was out with a few coworkers having drinks. Directly across from us, I make eye contact with the one and only…. Sharon."

"What?" My jaw drops. I didn't expect him to say that name.

"You heard it right. As soon as she saw me, she was next to me in a flash. Asking where you were."

I groan. We broke up over a year ago and she's still wondering where I am? "You didn't tell her anything, right?" I steer my truck into a local coffee shop near work, the drive through line short this morning.

"No, of course not. I lied and told her we don't speak anymore."

I chuckle. Only Jim. "How did she take that?"

"I don't think she fully believed me. She looked rough. And, the guy she was there with wasn't a winner in the least bit. I'm sure her psycho ass has made its way around and men steer clear."

"Yeah, I feel for the poor suckers."

"I hear ya, man. She tried asking all types of questions but I wouldn't feed into any of it. Eventually, she got tired of me turning away from her and headed back to her sorry looking date."

"Thanks for not telling her anything. Man, that chick needs to get her head fixed. It's been over a year and she's asking about me? I've done everything I can to forget her."

I order my coffee as Jim goes on and on about how bad Sharon looked. We hang up a few minutes later. My head spins with the information Jim dropped on me.

"Here you go, sir."

The voice interrupts my thought. Shit. I grab my wallet and hand over a few dollar bills as I collect my coffee and muffin.

Is Sharon back in the area? Last I knew she had left to move to Florida where her mother retired to. Now, she's back up here? For what? She doesn't have family here anymore. Her siblings left the area. She stayed for me but when we broke up, she wouldn't leave me alone and I had to get a restraining order.

After violating the order a few times, she was threatened with the potential for me to press charges. She begged me not to move forward but she wasn't getting the hint.

In a fit of rage, she destroyed my apartment, trashing everything she could get her hands on. She took my secret stash of cash I kept hidden; around two thousand dollars. Then, she took off to Florida and I haven't seen or heard from her since.

I drive the short distance to work, my mind a jumbled mess. If she's decided to come up here and live her life, then fine. As long as she stays out of my way.

Otherwise, I'll be in touch with the police. This time, I'm not playing games. My emotions are no longer invested and I have a business and reputation to uphold.

Easing my truck into my now favorite spot, I see Emma exiting her car. Her hair is pulled into a tight bun, her face glowing in the warm morning sun. My cock twitches at the thought of our kiss.

Forget that kiss. She's unavailable and you don't need the baggage.

Emma's baggage comes in the form of her crazy family. It's enough to scare anyone away.

I'm glued to my seat as I watch her sling her bag over her shoulder, her curves accented in her long sundress. She grabs her purse and shuts her car door.

Go walk with her. See how she's doing today.

My legs itch to get out of the car, my heart pumping wildly. I go to open my door and stop myself. I can't. It's too risky being near her. She does things to me…. things I can't control.

I push down the urge to run to her. Instead, I sip my coffee and watch her ass sway back and forth as she walks to the door. If only I could get my hands on that ass…

Snap out of it Knox. I jump when a horn sounds. A couple of cars want the same spot; space is limited in this lot. My eyes move back to the door, Emma disappearing behind it. Disappointment runs through at my lost chance. Ugh, why are you even feeling this way?

I sigh and grab my coffee. Might as well start the day.

* * *

The rest of the day passes slowly, my mind occupied with Sharon, Emma, and my patients. I can't shake the fact that Sharon is back in town. I avoid Emma the rest of the day, unable to trust myself. As much as my mind may fight it, I don't know if I'll be able to control myself around her. I decide it's better if I avoid her as much as I can. A relationship is not something I want. I'm not good for her. I won't be able to give her what she wants.

My last patient left and I pack my bag, my stomach growling in protest. I shoot Jane a quick text and we agree to meet at one of our favorite Italian restaurants in the north end. I arrive with a few minutes to spare, the delicious smells of tomato sauce and garlic bread filling my nose.

I spot Jane in our usual corner spot and I plop down, my hand immediately digging in the bread basket. "Hey sis, how was your day?" I ask as I butter my bread.

"Hungry?" Jane laughs as she watches me shove a big chunk of bread in my mouth. I nod while I chew.

"It's been one of those days."

"Tell me about it. I barely got anything done today. Lack of sleep will do that to you."

"Mom sure can talk when she wants to."

Jane cocks her head to the side. "Are you just figuring that out?"

I laugh as the waiter approaches. We order a bottle of wine; the house special of the night along with our usual entrees.

"How long do you think Ethan will be in jail for?"

I shrug. "Who knows. What he really needs is a sober house."

Jane nods as she rips apart her bread, popping small pieces into her mouth.

"I wish we could make the whole situation go away. Remember when we were kids? The three of us were inseparable."

Sadness washes over us as the memories come forth, pulling us into the past. Ethan followed us around wherever we went. He was the mischievous one but he had a heart of gold.

Life never turns out the way you expect it to. Who would've thought Ethan would end up this way? Struggling with addiction every day? Sinking our family in deeper and deeper?

Jane wipes her eyes and I frown. I hate when girls cry, especially my family.

"It'll be okay, Jane. I'll make sure he gets the help he needs."

Jane goes to speak but the waiter interrupts us as he fills our glasses with more wine.

"So, Jim saw Sharon last night."

Jane chokes on her wine, a trickle dribbling down the side of her mouth. "What? I thought she moved to Florida?"

"That's what I thought. Apparently, she's back. And, looking for me."

Jane's mouth drops. "You've got to be kidding me. Didn't she learn the first time?"

I sip my wine as I butter my second piece of bread. "You would think. I mean, those last few months were pure hell. I was so sure she wouldn't come back."

"What did Jim tell you?"

I launch into the story, giving Jane every detail Jim had given me. She shakes her head in disbelief through most of the story, her eyes filling with sympathy. "Fuck, Knox. I'm sorry. I pray she doesn't start messing with you again. There'll be hell to pay."

My phone beeps with a message and I glance down.

<Knox, call me later. Love you. Mom. Xoxo>

And, then another right after.

<Don't worry, it's not about Ethan. Love you, bye. xoxo>

I smile at the same time as my stomach drops. I hope everything's okay. Ma has been walking on eggshells since Ethan got arrested and I can't say I blame her much. She doesn't usually text me too often unless something is going on or bothering her.

"Ready for speed dating this weekend?" Jane breaks my thoughts as the waiter arrives with our food.

"Yeah, just my luck, Sharon will be there."

"Don't say that! Go in with an open and positive mind. We'll have a blast." Jane claps her hands together in excitement.

I give her my best fake smile. "Whatever you say, sis, whatever you say."

What did I get myself into?