Dermot: Someone is there, right?
Me: …No?
Dermot: You have a serious concussion. You need someone to watch over you.
Me: Nooo, I’m fine. No one needs to worry about me.
Dermot: Well, I’m worried.
“Aw, how sweet,” I mutter to myself. No one has ever just outright told me they were worried. Except my family. I can’t remember if Jason ever thought of anything other than hockey. Or when I was getting on my knees for him.
Dermot: Can you call someone?
Me: Not really. I mean, I could ask my mom to come back, but once she takes out her contacts, it takes forever for her to do anything. My sister has her boys, and they’re already in bed. Sadie, my other local sister, is out of town. I promise I’m okay.
I wait for a solid five minutes as the bubbles appear and disappear, and I can’t help but laugh. I wish I could see him. I bet he has his nose all scrunched together, his tongue sticking out the corner of his mouth as he types and deletes, trying to find what he wants to say. When he was stitching me up, he had that look. All focused and considerate, but I knew he was listening to me. He asked me questions and made me feel like I was important. All while taking really good care of me.
When my phone chimes, I look down to see his response.
Dermot: Can I come sit with you?
My heart kicks up, and a swooping feeling in my gut has me pressing my hand to my chest.
Me: You want to come sit with me?
Dermot: Yes.
Me: I’m sure you have something better to do.
Dermot: There is nothing I want more than to make sure you are okay.
Well, talk about kicking a girl in the chest. I gasp at his text and feel his words tingle all over my body.
Dermot: I’ll have to bring Kip. If that’s okay.
Now I’m the one texting and deleting, unsure what to say. My house is a mess, but if I’m honest, it’s always a mess, and… I want him to come over.
To watch over me.
Duh.
Me: Well, if Kip is coming, then it’s a hell yes.
Dermot: What was it when it was just me?
I bite my lip as the corners curve up.
Me: My answer would have been Please.
six
. . .
Dermot
Maggie’s housesmells like her.
When I see the sprigs of fresh lavender on her coffee table, I can’t help but smile.
