Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY

Something is bothering Ryan, and it's becoming painfully obvious that he's hiding it from me. "Are you sure you don't want to tell me what's bothering you?" I asked for the umpteenth time since we left for the airport. His response was that same practiced smile-the kind that doesn't even reach his eyes. "It's nothing you need to worry about," he lied, leaning over to kiss my temple. "Just some stress at work, nothing more."

I knew he wasn't being truthful, but I decided to let it go, at least for now. If he wasn't willing to share, there wasn't much else I could do. Silence hung in the car for the rest of the ride as I stared out of the window, lost in my thoughts.

At the airport, the boys were reluctant to say goodbye to Ryan. I could see how much they didn't want to leave, and it made my heart ache. He kissed me as well, but the kiss lacked warmth it was routine, without the love that should've been there. And truth be told, my heart wasn't in it either. How could it be, when I knew my husband was keeping things from me? The last time he acted like this, it ended with Stephanie showing up and us getting divorced. So forgive me if I'm more than a little worried. Finally, I boarded the jet, and it took off.

***********

Life resumed on Monday morning, and things slowly returned to normal. It was slightly different in the sense that Ryan and I actually said a few words before I drove the boys to school.

After dropping the kids off, I made my way to the hospital and pulled into the parking lot. Walking toward the elevator, I had my eyes glued to my phone, scrolling through the news on the internet.

"Welcome back, Ms. Williams." A familiar voice startled me, and I looked up to find Dr. Amell, his lips quirked in amusement. "Do I need to remind you about the dangers of walking around with your eyes glued to your phone?" he asked, clearly enjoying himself. I gave him a pointed look, choosing not to dignify that comment with a response. I stepped into the elevator, and he joined me.

"Are you ignoring me after I saved your life?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sliding my phone into my purse, I folded my arms across my chest and regarded him with suspicion. "You made it very clear that we weren't friends, Dr. Amell. So what is this behavior?" I questioned, genuinely curious.

He offered a small smile. "I saved your life," he repeated.

Rolling my eyes, I sighed. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that part of your job description?"

He chuckled, clearly amused by my irritation. "What is?"

"Saving lives," I deadpanned.

He shrugged casually. "Doesn't mean you shouldn't be appreciative."

I gave him an incredulous look. "I've thanked you numerous times already. What else do you want from me should I prostrate myself?"

The elevator pinged, and I let out a sigh of relief as the doors opened. I was just about to make my exit when he grabbed my forearm, stopping me in my tracks.

looked back at him, exasperated. "Am I expecting an apology right now?" I asked, arching

again. "More like

aback. "I beg your

need your help with something," he said, his tone losing some of its earlier playfulness. "Consider it as you showing gratitude for saving your

ego that truly needed studying. "Or we could just call it what it is-you asking for a favor,"

his head. "I hate owing people favors, so

it's something I

and he smiled widely. "Thank

held up a hand in warning. "But don't come empty-handed. If you're taking up my lunch break, you owe me at least

salute before turning and walking away,

********

few minutes

me know that Dr. Amell had arrived. I sighed, preparing myself for whatever absurd request he was about to make, and told her to send him in. He walked

told me not to come empty-handed," he said, lifting the

the seating area. "So, what exactly do you

of pasta with a fork. "I ordered

thanks, twirling some pasta onto my fork. "Thank you. Now,

back home after a long time-thirteen years, to be exact. I want to do something special for her: redecorate her room, get her a

frowned slightly, unsure of my role in all this. "And

a complicated relationship over

raised an eyebrow. "And what is my involvement in

a

of her likes and dislikes. And I'd also like you to help me pick out a gift, and maybe

I can help you pick out

is the only family I have left. She's been away for thirteen years, so she doesn't have

"What about your

don't really have friends. I prefer to keep my

makes two of us. I don't have anyone