“If you want. Work closes at five.”
“Where do you work?” Was it close? “Sorry if I’m supposed to know that. My memory is a bit spotty.”
“A thrift shop near Bas’s house.” She stood to show her outfit. “I get first dibs of the finest couture. This is Ann Taylor and still had the tags.” It was a dress or jumper of some sort, in a sage green.
“It’s cute. Looks good on you.”
She beamed, and sat back down.
“You came all this way for me? Did you actually eat before you came?”
“I did. Dane left me fresh baked bread and packages of chili to warm. He promises to restock everything while they are here the next few days. I’m not the most patient of cooks.”
“I can cook okay,” Tommy said. He used to cook for Ru all the time.
“It was either that or live on pizza.”
“And who wouldn’t want to do that? I love pizza, but even a frozen one is a lot of food for me all by myself. A box arrived today with Bas’s name on it. It’s an air fryer. I was like guys, what do I do with this? Dane told me to unpack it and wash it as it says in the directions. Promises it’s an easier way for me to heat up the meals he makes for me. I looked it up online. I won’t tell him that I’m very excited it’s a super easy way to make French fries and those pop can cinnamon rolls.”
“I used to love both,” Tommy said. “I think they want you to eat healthy.”
“A girl has gotta have some carbs sometimes, yeah?” She asked.
“Me too,” Tommy agreed.
“You’re looking better though. Like maybe you slept a little?” She reached across the table, stopping just shy of touching him. “Less bags under your eyes?”
“I did sleep a little.”
Paige clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful.”
He had lingering anxiety over the idea of sleeping again. Like it had become such a battle that the thought of lying down to try to sleep had become a war to wage. Derek reappeared at their table.
“Uh oh, the fun police!” Paige teased.
Derek gave her a huge smile. “I guess I will accept that title. Visiting hours are up. I’m sure Tommy will be happy to have you visit again soon.”
“I would love that. Thanks for coming,” Tommy said. “And the coloring book.”
Paige got up from the table, straightening her skirt and gathering up her little hoop of needlework. “See you tomorrow, Tommy. Sleep well.”
Tommy felt a little lighter as Derek took him back to his room. “What’s the plan for the next few hours?” Derek asked him. “Early bed?”
“Can we get Brave on the big TV? The Disney movie?”
“I think so,” Derek said. “I’ll refill your electrolyte water if we’re going to be sitting in the media room. Let me get you settled.”
“I don’t want to take you away from other patients.”
“You’re my responsibility right now, Tommy.”
“Okay,” Tommy agreed. “Can you show me how to work that box in my room too? The one with the voice? I think that body scan thing helped last night.”
“Of course.”
