Chapter 6: Evan Sterling's POV (Present Time)

“Estie—you are still here…” I said in a low, deep voice ridden with feelings.

“Yes…” she said in almost a whisper.

“Small world, huh?” I said, letting out a pitiful chuckle.

“Evan…” she said and looked as if she wanted to say more, then stopped.

“Were you really going to run off without as much as a word to me, baby?”

“I don’t know. You scared me!” she replied in an emotional tone.

“Please… please tell me you went ahead and went to med school.”

“I'm in my intern year!”

“Then why the hell, Estera, are you in that getup, acting like a fucking stripper? What is that about? Do you need money?”

“No, I don't need money. I’m doing this for a friend.”

“How much?”

“No, Evan. No. Just leave it be—” she said, still standing so far from me. I felt like I was in some bizarre dream and the need to touch her to assure myself it was real and she was actually there overtook me.

“Come to me, Estera,” I said in an intense, commanding tone.

“I shouldn’t… Evan—”

“Don’t make me beg,” I said p