Wrecked (Dirty Air 3)

I run a hand through my hair. “Yeah. I’m actually taking Elena out today to visit London and see some touristy stuff. The last week was kind of busy for us and we haven’t explored much.”

“I take it things are working out better than you expected with her visiting your family?”

“Well, I could do without my mum becoming attached to her. But besides that, things have been…” I pause, wondering how much I should tell Tom.

He sits in silence, giving me the choice.

I beat back my fear of opening up and go for it. “Things have been great. We found a rhythm with each other.” Both in and out of the bedroom, but Tom doesn’t need to know those kinds of details.

“Does she know about your mother’s condition?”

“Yeah.”

“And does she know about your side of the story?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I might as well be honest, seeing as she can google information about it and find out anyway.”

If Tom is surprised, he hides it well. “You’ve opened up to her. That’s a big deal coming from you. You should be proud of how far you’ve come over the past several months.”

“I’m sure she’s a big reason for that.”

“Have you given any thought about the testing?”

Yes. “No.”

“Do you think not knowing could impact the development of anything serious with Elena?”

Yes. “No.”

Tom nods his head. “Well, if you want to get tested, I’m here to guide you through that process.”

And like it never came up in the first place, Tom continues asking other questions, including what I planned for Elena today.

I’m thankful for the transition. I have thought about genetic testing more times this week than I ever have in the past few years. With Mum struggling and Elena challenging my beliefs, I’m tempted to potentially blow my sanity to shit. The idea of learning about my future has the same allure as Elena—unavoidably destructive.

“No one should be this excited to see the Houses of Parliament.” I nudge Elena’s ribs with my elbow.

She shoots me a dazzling smile as she snaps a photo. “It’s Big Ben.”

“I can show you what else is big.”

She covers her mouth to muffle her laugh. “Ay Dios. Ayúdame y dame paciencia.”

“Weird. You confused me with God last night too.”

Elena bends over, laughter bubbling out of her uncontrollably. “Stop.” She smacks my hands away as I pinch her sides. “I can’t handle this version of you.”

“The nice kind? You want me to go back to being naughty?”

She stands straight and smiles at me. “Happiness looks good on you.”

“You know what else looks good?”

Her eyes roll effortlessly.

“You. You look good.” I kiss the top of her head.

Elena runs a hand down her light pink dress. A natural blush creeps into her cheeks, contrasting against her golden skin.