Chapter 18

After what had happened the night before, James went up to his room and lay down. He was wide awake, and it wouldn't be long before the sun came up anyway.

The fire had happened because of an appliance that had been left plugged in the bathroom. Probably a hair straightener or something like that. It started there, and quickly caught on the towel next to it, moving on to the curtains and the carpet.

He felt confused. He was furious at Luna's irresponsibility, as that accident could have triggered something much worse. But he was also completely frightened. Portia was safe, Rose was safe, Luna was safe, but...Luna? what if something had happened to her? Because in a way, he felt responsible for her. He had put his life at risk with Angelica. That was all.

Something was happening, though.

He felt interested. No. Or did he?

He was in denial.

Two months had passed since Luna had been home. Two months was a consistent time to trigger affection for her. He considered her his friend. Something platonic.

He was a serious, adult man, he had a daughter, a company, he was mature, he shouldn't be thinking of her that way. Anyway, she was an employee.

Because that's what she was, just an employee.

She put her mind to sleep, and finally fell asleep.

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James slowly came downstairs, he was fully dressed. He wore a black shirt, with black dress pants. He wore black formal shoes, his hair was neatly combed.

Portia was alone in the kitchen, sitting at the center table.

-Hi honey, are you alone? -he asked as he watched her eat her breakfast.

-No. Luna went upstairs to get something.

-Ah...good.

She sat down across from Sam.

-How did you sleep? -she asked smiling.

-I don't know. I had nightmares, did you? -I asked.

- A little bit. - he answered. It had been hard for him to sleep, especially since his lungs kept screwing up his life. Nothing to do with the fire, it had always been like that.

Luckily, he knew what to do in that case. He had only had those attacks about 6 times in his whole life. He was starting to feel short of breath, he was getting desperate, he needed help. Although several years with panic attacks helped him to know that in a case like that, he should keep calm and try to breathe well.

It was horrible. The feeling that you are going to run out of air, completely. His heartbeat was racing and he could feel it hard against his chest.

Luna appeared through the door. Her face looked tired.

-Good morning. - She greeted James.

-Good morning. -She looked at the coffee. Did you make the coffee?

-No, Rose made it for you. - he answered, standing next to Portia.

For the first time in his life, he felt sorry. He felt his cheeks turn red. He picked up a cup of coffee and took a sip. He looked at Luna.

She was totally distracted by the magazine on the table. He had been a little hard on her last night.

"Where was your head at? You could have died, Portia could have been hurt. I don't understand you Luna." he had said to her as Luna lay lying on the stretcher inside the cold ambulance. Nothing had happened to her, thankfully.

"I'm sorry," she replied tearfully, "You know I would never do something like that on purpose. I don't know what I would have done if someone got hurt."

"Nothing. Because you would have died before everyone else. You can't go through life making mistakes like this. I want to take care of you, but I can't do anything if you single-handedly kill yourself and us along the way."

"I'll understand if you decide to fire me."

"Don't say stupid things."

James was really affected, and he was just realizing it. Luna, on the other hand, seemed to be calm, as if nothing had happened. I knew that inside she was too upset to talk about it.

-Luna, can I talk to you later? - he asked. She looked up.

-Of course. - He answered and quickly returned his gaze to the magazine.

Portia got down from her chair.

-Are you finished? -Luna asked.

-Yes, thank you for breakfast. -She said and ran out into the living room.

-I thought you didn't make it. -said James.

-Oh, I made mine and Portia's.

-Good. - He looked down and was distracted for a few seconds by his cell phone, but it didn't take him long to speak again. - Listen, Luna, I'd like to talk to you...about what happened last night.

-I know, I'm sorry. It was irresponsible of me. I don't know how to make up for my mistake.

-No, I mean, we all make mistakes. It doesn't have to happen again, don't beat yourself up about it.

-I just... I don't know what went through my head. I'm not like that, really. I don't make those kinds of mistakes.

- Uh. Well, don't let it happen again. - she nodded. - Also...I wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you last night. It wasn't appropriate, in fact, I was hostile. I'm sorry.

Luna looked at him in confusion. He replied.

- Your anger is understandable, James. I burned down your house.

- I know, Luna. What I mean is...I shouldn't have treated you that way. Forgive me, and if I do it again or you feel I've disrespected you, let me know. I care about you and as Portia...

-Excuse me?

James fell silent. He continued.

-You...matter to Portia.

- Oh...that's all right. I'll let you know.

He nodded. He rose from his seat and grabbed his coat. He turned to Luna.

- I'll be back around four for Portia, we're going to go visit someone. Get her dressed. You're coming too.

-Formal or casual? -she asked.

-Casual, casual. -He said and left the kitchen.