“Nathan, do you like K-pop?”
“I have no idea what that is.”
“Perfect! Fresh blood. Sit there and let me show you the best thing that’s ever happened to entertainment.”
Riley cuts her hand over her neck in an ‘abort mission’ gesture, but I eagerly follow her mentor to the couch and take a seat.
For the next hour, Betty introduces me to the world of Korean pop music and while I don’t appreciate the dancing or the ‘visuals’—as she calls the band members—as much as she does, I find the music appealing.
When it’s time to leave, I give Betty a hug and tell her genuinely, “Remember to send me those song links. I like the slower, R&B songs.”
“I’ve got you, sweetheart. Your ears will be blessed.”
I chuckle and pull away from Betty.
Riley hugs Betty next.
The way that Betty holds Riley a tad longer reveals just how much she appreciates these visits.
“You’ll see me again soon, won’t you?” Betty asks. She’s smiling, but there’s a tremble beneath her words.
“I will,” Riley promises.
Betty grins, relieved, and waves as we leave her unit and close the door behind us.
“Betty likes you a lot,” Riley comments as we take our time moving down the hallway.
“I can’t imagine that adorable old lady being tough on anyone.”
“Oh, she’s changed. She’s practically unrecognizable. Especially now that she’s found this K-pop obsession.” Riley bumps me with her shoulder. “It was really nice of you to act interested by the way.”
“It wasn’t an act. I want to add some of those songs to my Riley playlist.”
“Riley playlist?”
“That playlist you made before I left for college,” I explain. “I listen to it at practice and before games.”
Riley swallows hard.
“By the way, how did you choose those songs? I always thought some of the hip-hop tracks were a little too mature for you.”
“Well, I…” Riley’s eyes dart from side to side.
“Oh my gosh. It’s them,”someone whispers.
I look away from Riley. As usual, when I’m beside her, no one else exists. So I’m surprised to discover that we’re the center of attention.
Riley notices too because she grabs my bicep. “Is it just me or are people staring?”
“Maybe they’re like me and can’t take their eyes off you,” I whisper.
Her eyes glitter at me and her smile is so pleased that I want to say something else to make her grin like that.
“Isn’t she the one…”
“So it’s true? They’re actually together now?”
The whispers get worse when we enter the lobby. Several of the nurses are looking at their phones and then at us.
