Arriving at the clinic, Micah was the first to jump out of the car. His shoes hit the pavement with a sharp thud, and he didn't wait for Clyde to catch up. Shoulders stiff, jaw tight, he strode inside.
Clyde's words from earlier still haunted him. Prying for a definition of their relationship, forcing him to tell others that he was Asena, like it were a simple fact to be dropped into casual conversation.
He was really annoyed. If he could utter those affectionate words easily to Clyde, if he could look at people without his throat clamping shut, then he wouldn't have behaved like an idiot yesterday. He wouldn't have hesitated, wouldn't have tripped over his own pride and fear. He would've stood tall, smiled, and said clearly in front of Jacklin and others: Yes, I was Asena.
No. He couldn't. He was too afraid. Too tangled in a mess, he couldn't guarantee he would come out unscathed.
Micah's strides slowed as he approached the receptionist's desk.
