Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

"Thank you for saving me the other night." I smile at Zayan, who looks at me with a confused face.

I was afraid for my life, and now I realize my biggest fear is dying and leaving my young son. God, that wrecked me more than the cold did.

I was lucky to have been found early, and after lan did the scans, he discharged me, and I'm back at work.

"You had some concussion, but I'm glad it was temporary and all is good now. Don't stress and I'll also move you from ER for a while untill you're better." He had said.

I would have argued but that would have been selfish. So I reluctantly agreed.

"Saving you from what?" Zayan pulls me back.

I laugh.

Typical Zayan.

"I know you don't like it when I say thank you but truly. I appreciate you."

"Athena. You're confusing me. What are you talking about?" He asks as the waiter places my plate of steak, which Zayan picks up and cuts into small pieces before giving it back to me.

"Are you serious right now?" I ask, setting my fork down.

Zayan's brows furrow, his hands resting on the edge of the table like he's trying to solve a puzzle.

"What happened?" He asks.

My heart skips a beat, and I just stare at him, trying to read his face, trying to piece together the truth.

If not him... then who?

I search my mind, but everything from that night is still a blur. Cold rain, the impact, and the feeling of hands around me. Strong, warm hands. Someone blowing my hair. And a voice. A voice that now that I think about it doesn't sound like Zayan's.

But I shake my head and force a smile.

"It's nothing," I say, brushing it off like it doesn't matter.

Zayan watches me, his gaze studying me but quiet. Like he knows I'm hiding something. Like he wants to push, but won't.

happen, you can talk to

nod, forcing a tight

our food in

of steak,

Again. And again.

him staring, then he quickly looks away, pretending

his water

and lift it to

He's still watching me.

a clink and narrow my eyes at

What

He blinks. "What?"

grown a third head. If you have something

lips curve into a slow,

I raise an eyebrow.

leans forward slightly, his fingers curling around the edge of the table. "I've been meaning to say this for a while now, but I wasn't sure if the timing

heart skips a beat because I know that tone, and

some person you run into at cafes or call when you're bored." He gives a soft, dry laugh. "I know you have a lot on your plate and I know you've been hurt.

you, and of course you're not just some friend I call when I'm

to the joke. His eyes remain serious as

hand and placing it in the middle

I've let on. I know

than just

But want to be more just a familiar face in your life. I'm risking it

My breath catches.

someone you can count on, not just when things fall apart, but when they're good,

man."

s

feeling a strange weight press on my

Maybe it's time I stopped chasing ghosts and

I'm ready," I admit quietly. "I've been

says. "That's why I'm asking now because I'm not expecting perfection. I just

searching his face. There's no pressure in his

part of me is tired

"Okay," I whisper. "Yes."

lights up instantly.