Zoey gulped as she watched Harriet standing at the kitchen counter, laptop open in front of her. After being discharged from the hospital, Harriet had insisted Zoey stay at her place so she could continue to look after her. A good night's sleep had done wonders; Zoey's fever was gone, though her cold lingered.
"Well, that's not a terrible idea, but... what would the workload be?" Harriet laughed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't want too many cases piling up on me, Mom. You know that," she added, chuckling again.
Zoey leaned against the wall, observing Harriet's expression as she talked with her mom. So, this is what she's like with her family, Zoey mused, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Right, I should probably let Riley know her little secretary still won't be coming in today..." Harriet leaned into the countertop, a faint smile lingering. "Because I said so, that's why." With a wave to the screen, she added, "Bye, Mom. I'll stop by and see you soon. Love you!" Harriet ended the call and took out her earbuds.
"So, the little patient is up," Harriet called over with a smirk as she noticed Zoey. "How are you feeling?" she asked, closing the laptop and walking toward her.
"And since when did you get to decide if I'm reporting to work or not, Doc?" Zoey teased, tilting her head with a playful smile.
"Since right now," Harriet replied, reaching to feel Zoey's forehead. "Good, no fever. I'd say the body heat treatment worked like a charm," she added with a mischievous grin.
Zoey cleared her throat, recalling how Harriet had stayed by her side all night, letting her fall asleep wrapped in her arms. "Well, I guess you're a pretty great doctor, after all," she murmured.
"Of course I am," Harriet said, pulling Zoey into a warm hug. "So, feeling good now?"
Zoey chuckled, hugging her back. "Yeah, a lot better. The cold's still hanging around, thoughâI still sound a little nasal."
"That'll be gone soon. For now, you need some food to help you recover, and remember to keep up your electrolytes, stubborn," Harriet said, gently pinching Zoey's cheek. "Come on, breakfast is ready," she said, guiding Zoey to the dining area.
Zoey sighed, rubbing her temples. Here we go again with all this food, she thought with a chuckle. "You know, I might just get used to this royal treatment of yours," she teased.
"That'd be perfect," Harriet replied, laughing softly. "At least I'd have you around, then." She shrugged, adding a generous helping to Zoey's plate.
Zoey squinted at her, amused. "Are you secretly trying to make me gain weight?"
Harriet scoffed, meeting her gaze. "What's the problem if you do? It's not like I'd stop being attracted to you if you gained a few pounds. It's you I want, whether you're fit or rounderâit doesn't change anything for me. Just be yourself. I'm not looking to change you... unless, of course, you're changing for yourself."
Zoey shrugged, smiling. "There you go again with those sweet words. You're quite the expert, aren't you?"
"I'm only like this with you, Ms. Zoey Foster," Harriet replied, leaning forward, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"As you should be," Zoey said with a smirk. "Otherwise, all your efforts might end up getting you rejected." She clicked her tongue, pretending to disapprove.
Harriet wrapped her arms around Zoey, who leaned back against her chest, comfortable and content. Harriet had taken the day off to be with Zoey, unable to focus on work while knowing Zoey still wasn't feeling her best.
"Why do romance movies always end with a kissing scene?" Harriet mused as the credits rolled on the screen.
Zoey shrugged with a laugh. "Maybe it's that cliché everyone lovesâthe 'perfect' ending, y'know? It's the comforting part."
"Hmm... so maybe we should try it, then?" Harriet murmured, glancing over Zoey's shoulder.
Zoey chuckled, playfully poking Harriet's nose. "We're just getting started, Doc. Already thinking of the ending?"
"Oh, I don't plan on having an ending," Harriet replied. "I'd rather keep loving you until we're both ancient," she added, laughing softly.
Zoey gave her a playful shrug. "Bold words, Doc. So... what next? Should we switch things up with a horror movie?"
Harriet tensed a bit, pulling Zoey closer. "Well, uh... I guess that wouldn't hurt."
Zoey burst out laughing, noticing Harriet's reaction. "Harriet! You're such a scaredy-cat!"
"Hey, I'm just... not a horror fan, alright? But if that's what you want, I'll sit through it," Harriet said, resting her chin on Zoey's shoulder.
Zoey smirked, scrolling through the movie options. "You know, I'm getting used to you being all clingy like this. It's... surprisingly nice."
Harriet leaned in closer, her arms still wrapped around Zoey's waist. "And?" she murmured, voice soft.
"And maybe, in time, I'll have an answer for you," Zoey murmured, smiling as she absentmindedly played with Harriet's fingertips.
Harriet chuckled, but a hint of concern flickered in her eyes. "You're not feeling pressured, are you? I mean, I know we're pushing some boundaries here, and I really don't want you to feel rushed."
Zoey shook her head, selecting a movie on the screen. "Not at all. If anything, it's my choice to be here with you. Besides, we're adultsâwe can't just act on pure impulse anymore. I mean, you're practically a billionaire, and I'm... well, just an average working girl." She laughed, glancing at Harriet's expression.
Harriet patted her head affectionately. "Whenever you're ready to share your answer, I'll be here, no pressure. I just want to keep showing you how much you mean to me. That's all."
Zoey nodded, adjusting herself so she was nestled even closer to Harriet. "I've got plans, actually... ones I'd like to share with you once they're all figured out. Just be sure you'll be around to see them when I'm ready."
Harriet's smile softened, and she kissed Zoey's shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart. So go on, make your plansâI'll be here, waiting to see them come to life."
Zoey chuckled, squeezing Harriet's hand. "But right now, could you please focus on the movie instead of distracting me?"
"Sorry," Harriet mumbled, laughing and burying her face into Zoey's shoulder just as a ghost appeared onscreen. "I can't help it..."
Zoey shrugged and smiled, her gaze returning to the screen. Once I'm ready, Harriet, I'll share it with you, she thought, a quiet determination settling within her. For now, I just need to proveâto myself, and maybe to youâthat I'm worthy of being by your side.