He waits, holding me hostage with a look of pure adoration.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

I can’t believe I’m doing this, but Jack was right. I was scared. I’d fallen for Meera, and I didn’t know what to do with that. But I won’t hide anymore. I’ll face these feelings head-on, and if Meera doesn’t feel the same way, then I’ll deal with that later.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“I need to say something, but I don’t want you to panic.” I’m already panicking enough for the both of us.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

I’d never been invested enough to fall in love, but maybe that’s because I hadn’t met the right person.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

I can’t take it any longer. If he tells me he’s not done one more time, I’m going to lose it.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“But this morning, when you wouldn’t wake up, when those paramedics stabbed you with that glucose pen and you wouldn’t respond… the fear I’d been running from? It was nothing compared to what I felt then.”

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“If I get obnoxious, I give you permission to put me in my place.”

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“You’re staying with me until the cops have Tom behind bars.”

When I huffed at his ridiculous suggestion, he grabbed a bag from the top shelf of my closet and pulled out a drawer, ready to pack the damn thing himself. With a frustrated huff, I pushed him out of my way and tossed clothing and my toiletry bag into the duffel he refused to set down.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

I can’t help but feel a bit of pride when she repeats that last part. Because she took my advice, and that might have been what saved her life.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“Did he hit you?”

This is when Meera grows quiet. I know this kind of silence. I’ve seen it before with my mom.

“Ask her that in a different way,” I say.

Meera and both officers turn to me in unison.

“She doesn’t want to lie to you. She won’t say he hit her if he didn’t actually hit her. But ask her if he hurt her. Look at her wrist. Look at her throat.”

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

He places his hands on either side of my face and dips his head, brushing his nose against mine. “I’m going to kiss you right now. Please don’t pull away.”

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Stop that shit. Every time you say those words, you’re taking responsibility for something, and you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

My response to Gabe wasn’t a lie. I am okay. I’m in my apartment with my door locked, and I’m breathing.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

And there it is. The first memory. When she sauntered through the front door to the Tipsy Brew Garage three years ago. That’s the moment I lost the ability to think straight. Ever since that day, I’ve been a fucking mess. Except it’s actually the day I cleaned up my mess. Because three years ago, I feel for a woman I didn’t even know. Because breathing the same air she breathed made me want to be a better man. And her presence in my life again after all this time might mean I finally have the chance I missed out on then.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

“I’m sorry,” I start. It’s as good a place as any.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.

Every time, I assumed she didn’t want to inconvenience me. But I realize now that it was never about that. She wanted to learn how to do things on her own. She didn’t need me to do those things for her. She just needed the support.

Nothing Between Us by Manda Mazanec.