When she doesn’t argue the point, I know it was the right move. At least I hope it was.
At my door, I pull up the screen and step inside and head straight for the couch. Sitting, I keep hold of her so she’s on my lap.
“Can I get you anything?” I brush a few strands of hair from her face. “Want some water?”
Colette shakes her head. “No. I’m good.”
I run my hand over her hair again then let it rest on her waist. “Tell me.”
Using her sleeve, she wipes at her face and nose. “I’m not sure where to start.”
I know I’d like her to start the day of the laundromat. “The day you did your laundry, maybe?”
She nods. “My dad had a heart attack.”
“Shit.” I pull her close. “Is he okay?”
“Yes. It was blockage. He’s doing much better now.”
I wait for her to continue.
“Then, I got the flu.”
“Oh, sweetheart. You should’ve told me.”
She arches a brow and I know from that I should shut the hell up. For now.
“My sisters were angry with me. They thought I was pouting.”
“About your dad?”
She nods. “They told me, at the hospital…” she sighs. “It’s a long story, but they told me that my dad had an affair.”
“Fuck.”
“It was a long time ago.”
“Why’d they think they should tell you now? While your dad was in the hospital.”
“I don’t know.” She shakes her head. “I mean. I know how it got to that, but I wish they hadn’t said it there.”
“So, you didn’t want to see them?”
“No. But I really did have the flu.”
Honestly, I can tell she was ill. She’s lost weight and she’s pale as shit. “Next time, knock on the wall. I’ll take care of you.”
“I can take care of myself.” She snaps a little then softens adding, “Thank you, though.” I feel her hand run over my chest and I glance down. I love her hands on me. My entire body feels charged when she’s near and like this, well, I’m fucking electrified. “When they barged in the other day, they had more to say, I guess.”
“Weren’t they worried about you?”
Colette rolls her eyes. “Sort of.” She nods. “Yes. They were worried and also angry with me because I hadn’t been by to see Dad.” She pauses. “There was some other stuff, too, but…”
“But what?”
“Nothing.”
“Surely, once you told them you were sick…”
