“That’s exactly what I’m gonna do. Do you have a problem with that?”
“No, ma’am.”
She cuts off a piece of meatloaf with the spork, then uses the plastic knife to deposit mashed potatoes on the meatloaf and, finally, dips it into the gravy.
“Open up.”
I have no problem taking orders from this woman.
“See,” Penelope says, “much better. This is more efficient.”
A slight accent in her voice makes it apparent she grew up in a Spanish-speaking household.
I stare at her intently.“I agree. We make a good team.”
She wrinkles her forehead and looks at me. “Well, if this is a team, then I am definitely the MVP. Your job is easy.”
“Hey, I’m happy being a role player. I don’t need the spotlight.”
“Is that right? So you’re telling me you didn’t become a firefighter for the attention?”
“Why, do I seem like that kind of a guy to you?”
“What kind is that?”
“Attention-seeker.”
“Hmm, I don’t know . . . you did fall through a roof and into a burning building. And you’re definitely the center of attention at this hospital. The nurses can’t stop talking about you.”
My laugh initiates a coughing fit.
“Easy there,” Penelope says, placing a hand on my shoulder. She looks into my eyes with genuine concern.
“You know,” I say, my voice still shaky from coughing, “I might make a habit of falling through roofs, if it means I get to have you taking care of me.”
“I see the drugs have taken effect.”
“I felt this way before you gave me . . . whatever-dol.”
“Tramadol.”
“That’s the one. Good stuff.”
“Well, when it wears off, we’ll see if you still enjoy talking to me so much.” She delivers another bite of meatloaf.
We sit in silence again while I eat. Somehow, it’s not awkward. It’s like we’ve known each other forever.
“Can I ask you something?” she says.
“Shoot.”
“What was it like . . . you know . . . going through what you went through?”
“What was it like.” I repeat her words, narrowing my eyes for dramatic effect. “It was like clawing my way through the gates of hell. When I hit the ground, I thought I might’ve broken my back. I knew I had to get up but I couldn’t move my legs. So I crawled on the fiery ground. Few more minutes in that oven and I would’ve been toast.”
Penelope’s eyes widen. “Oh my goodness. That must’ve been so scary.”
“Not really. I lost consciousness soon after Jax found me. He carried me out of there. But that’s not a very good story. I prefer my version.”
