I heard him search through the cupboards before finding a glass, then the tap water turned on. I wanted to yell that there were water bottles in the fridge, but my mouth was dry as a desert, and words didn’t want to form. Of course, I wasn’t sure if this was because of my hangover or the mortification at having my neighbor see me like this. I didn’t want to look in a mirror because I’m sure I looked like a royal hot mess.
He walked back in and handed me the glass of water. I started drinking. I wanted to guzzle all of it but that would be a bad idea, so I took sips. When my mouth was hydrated, I sat up in bed with my back against the headboard. I did my best to look presentable. Not that it mattered. He’d already seen me at my worst.
“So, you’re probably wondering why I’m here,” Kirk said. While I was drinking, he’d sat down again, and his book rested in his lap. I nodded. “Johnny had to go. But he didn’t want to leave you alone, so he asked me to watch over you. Carissra’s out of town this weekend, so I didn’t have any other plans until this evening.”
“What time is it?” I asked.
Kirk rolled over his wrist and looked at his watch. “It’s a little after 9:00 a.m.” He looked at me for another minute before asking, “Want to talk about it?”
“Not really.”
“That’s okay. Johnny filled me in on the basics. He told me to tell you that some guy named Asher dropped by last night. He also said don’t freak out. Johnny handled it.”
“Thank goodness for minor miracles,” I muttered.
“You should probably call Johnny soon. He was very worried about you.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you need anything?” Kirk said, practically jumping out of the chair. “I could make you some coffee? Maybe a cup of soup? It may be a bit too early for soup. I could scramble you an egg?”
I held my hand for him to stop and I smiled up at him. “Thanks for watching over me. I think I have it from here.”
He looked down at me with concerned eyes. “Are you sure? I can stay…”
I inhaled and let out the air before I said, “I’m sure. Yesterday was rough, and I didn’t handle it very well.”
“We all have those days,” he replied, smiling at me. “Again, if you need anything, I’m next door.”
“I’m fine. I officially release you from guardian angel duty.”
He took a couple of steps toward my bedroom door before turning around and saying, “I’m next door. Pound on the wall if you need me.”
“Thanks.”
With that, he left. A couple of seconds later, I heard the door to the apartment open and shut. I let myself lay back down as Bootsy came over and nestled against me. He started kneading my leg. “I love you, too, Bootsy.” I may have slept all night, but I was exhausted. After laying there for a few minutes, I forced myself out of bed. I walked into the living room and found it spotless. Someone had done a great job cleaning up after me.Johnny? Yeah, that wouldn’t happen. Kirk? Oh, I hope not.The idea of Kirk seeing my apartment in the mess it must have been yesterday made me want to hide for the rest of the year.Amani. I imagined Johnny called Amani at some point and he came over. While Johnny watched over me, Amani set about cleaning.
I sat down on the couch and picked up my phone. I wasn’t quite ready to face life, but I had to at least respond to a few people. First, I texted Johnny.
Erika:I’m up and acting like a human. Thanks for last night. And thank Amani for cleaning my apartment.
The little symbol letting me know he was writing me back appeared on my phone.
Johnny:Sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up. I had to enlist Kirk because I had a gig this morning.
Then a second text came right after it.
Johnny:How did you know Amani cleaned?
I laughed at that one.
Erika:Because I know you well enough to know it wasn’t you. Deduction, my Dear Watson.
I then thought for a second about what to type next.
Erika:Thanks for last night.
It was all I could come up with.
