Harriet clicked her tongue as Vien entered her office, a smile plastered on her face. Rolling her eyes, she let out a frustrated sigh and leaned back against her desk.
"What are you doing here?" Harriet asked, her tone serious. Vien closed the door behind her and approached, a casual confidence in her step.
"Nothing much. Just wanted to have a little chit-chat with you," Vien replied, standing directly in front of Harriet.
Harriet scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "You've gone too far, Vien. This is outrageous," she said, locking eyes with her.
Vien reached out, grabbing Harriet's collar and tugging her closer. "Outrageous? Isn't this convenient for you? You can see Sophie alive, and we can be together. Isn't this a win-win situation?"
Harriet jerked back, forcefully removing Vien's hand from her collar just as the door swung open.
"Harrietâ" Zoey stopped short, stunned by the sight of Harriet with Vien. She gulped, glancing between the two. "Sorry, I didn't realize you were with someoneâ"
"Stay," Harriet called out, lightly pushing Vien away. "Just close the door behind you, please," she mumbled, taking a deep breath.
Zoey exchanged glances between Harriet and Vien before obediently closing the door. Harriet stepped toward Zoey, intertwining their fingers as she turned back to face Vien.
"I could never be with anyone who looks like Sophie, Vien. And I can't be with you, because I've moved on. I've moved on from loving Sophie, and I have a girlfriend now." Harriet squeezed Zoey's hands tighter. "Zoey's my girlfriend, so please, just stop this nonsense."
"What?!" Vien exclaimed, disbelief evident in her voice. "You told me before that you wanted Sophie alive because you loved her! Now that I'm using her face, you're telling me you have someone new? Are you crazy, Harriet?!"
"Hey!" Harriet clenched her fists, feeling the tension rise. Zoey tightened her grip on Harriet's coat, trying to calm her. "You were there when I was at my lowest, Vien! You know how I grieved for Sophie's death. I couldn't even attend her wake because I was comatose for a year. And now that I have someone newânow that I have Zoeyâyou're questioning my sanity?"
"Harriet..." Zoey murmured softly, concern etched on her face.
Vien scoffed, her voice rising. "Don't you see how much I've sacrificed for you, Harriet? I've risked my own face!"
"And I never asked you to do that!" Harriet retorted, frustration bubbling over. Zoey bit her lower lip, sensing the escalating conflict. "Just drop this, Vien. Stop and leave."
Harriet sat sideways beside the full glass window, absentmindedly plucking her guitar. She had taken a week off, shut her phone, and stayed offline, savoring the silence. With her eyes closed, she heard the soft chime of her door notification. She hesitated, gulping.
"Harriet?" Zoey's voice broke the stillness as she stepped into the spacious living room. Harriet smiled, grateful Zoey had been staying with her. Zoey sighed and jogged over, settling beside her. "Not up to anything reckless, I hope?"
Harriet shrugged lightly. "I've been clean for years now. The last time I even tried something reckless was the day I woke up at the hospital with you," she replied, smiling at Zoey.
"Good." Zoey gave her a playful nudge. "But you know, maybe you could turn on your phone once in a whileâlet me at least check in on you when I'm at work."
Harriet laughed, continuing to pluck at the guitar strings. "Alright, I'll keep it on then," she promised, smiling at her.
"What were you playing?" Zoey leaned in, watching Harriet's fingers dance across the strings.
Harriet shrugged again. "Just some random notes," she murmured, letting her fingers wander.
"Play something real," Zoey urged, her eyes lighting up. "I'll sing."
Harriet paused, surprised. "Waitâyou sing?"
Zoey chuckled, nodding. "Of course I do! You just never asked."
A soft laugh escaped Harriet. "Alright then. Name a song."
Zoey placed a finger on her chin, looking up thoughtfully. "Hmm... How about Be My Mistake by The 1975?"
Harriet tilted her head, smiling. "Good choice. Alright, shall we?"
Zoey nodded, turning to face Harriet. "Just sing along if you feel like it, okay? And"âshe pointed a finger at Harriet, grinningâ"don't you dare laugh if I go off-key."
Harriet chuckled, shrugging. "I wouldn't dare. I'll sing with you."
"Alright, Maestro, hit it!" Zoey said, swaying her hand as if conducting an orchestra.
With a smile, Harriet clicked her tongue before starting to strum her guitar. Zoey took a steady breath and began to sing, her voice soft and earnest. Harriet kept her eyes on Zoey, matching her tempo, feeling her heart quicken. How does she sound this pure? she wondered, mesmerized. She started singing along, blending her voice with Zoey's, who glanced at Harriet with a warm smile, never missing a beat.
If she's the one for me, please don't let her leave, Harriet thought, gazing at Zoey. She could feel that magnetic pull againâthe kind that made her want to fall without restraint. Honestly, I'd be on my knees if she wanted, she mused, fighting a chuckle.
As they finished, Harriet strummed the final chords and gave a small clap. "Wow," she said, grinning. "You've got a beautiful voice, sweetheart." She playfully poked Zoey's nose.
Zoey rolled her eyes, pinching Harriet's cheek. "Smart mouth."
"You know, you should come sing with me at the bar sometime," Harriet suggested, waggling her eyebrows. "Or we could even do a duet."
Zoey shrugged, laughing. "I don't know... I don't usually sing in public. Maybe someday, if I'm feeling bold."
Harriet nodded. "No pressure. Just know, singing for me every day would only make me fall harder." She laughed, eyes twinkling.
"Oh, don't worry," Zoey replied, feeling her heart skip a beat. "I'll make sure you fall so hard you won't be able to get up."
"Yes, please do." Harriet's voice softened. "I love you."
Zoey's breath caught, but she smiled, cupping Harriet's cheeks. "I told you not to catch me off guard like that." She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Harriet's lips. "But I love you even more."
Harriet clicked her tongue, shaking her head with a laugh. "You always make me want to tap into my softer side."
Zoey grinned. "You know you can be whoever you want with me. No judgmentâas long as you're comfortable," she chuckled, nudging Harriet playfully.
Harriet sighed, setting her guitar down before wrapping her arms around Zoey's waist and pulling her close. She rested her chin on Zoey's shoulder. "So, what do you think about moving in here with me... permanently?"
Zoey tilted her head, chuckling. "I thought you wanted to stay at my place?"
Harriet shrugged. "Whichever makes work easier for you. I don't want you wasting time in traffic, and honestly..." She tightened her embrace. "I just want to stay this close to you."
Zoey bit her lip, laughing softly. "You're getting so clingy now, Doc."
"Guilty," Harriet admitted, smirking.
Zoey leaned into her, her smile warm. "Not gonna lie, I love it."