“Wow. Really?” Matilda sounds surprised, but I can hear her smile. I swear I can. “I’ll text you some names and numbers of people you could contact. I bet there are places in Killeen, if you want to get a jump on it.”
I hadn’t considered that. “I bet you’re right.”
“Would you want to come home… to Chicago?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good.”
“Is it?”
“Sure. Your family is here.”
And you. But I keep that to my damn self. “Which reminds me. I talked to Anthony. Told him to crawl on his knees and beg forgiveness.”
The tinkling laugh makes me smile.
“You didn’t tell him I told you, right?”
“Nope. Said it was Vicky’s uncle.”
“Oh shit.” She laughs again. “I give it less than a day before they all figure out it was me.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. Maybe it’ll work and they’ll thank me?” She doesn’t sound convinced.
“Hope so. If they give you shit, blame it on me.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
No, I don’t think she would. “Do it. I can take it.”
“So can I, mister.”
I’ve found myself on my back, old sofa pillow beneath my head. I feel relaxed, more than I have in a long time. Something about this woman eases me. “I know you can take it, tiger.”
That earns me another laugh, but then she gets serious. “Will you tell me what happened? To your partner?”
I’m not surprised she asked. I’d want to know too. I tell her. Afterward, she’s quiet. “You there?”
“Yes, I’m here.” Clearing her throat, she goes on. “I’m sorry about Ben and the poor woman, but I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Thanks.”
“Did the doctor give you any indication on his recovery? Did they say he’d be paralyzed?”
“Didn’t have to. It was implied.”
“I’m so sorry, Alec.”
People say shit like that all the time, and it means nothing. Except when Matilda says it, she means it. I can hear it in her voice. “Wish I was somewhere else.” Or she was here.
“I wish for things like that too. Whenever I do, I put in an old movie and zone out.”
“What kind of old movie? I mean, give me a title.”
“You aren’t going to like my favorite movies.”
