I reopen my eyes because if she’s going to try and prove me wrong, I’m going to have myself a look, and that thing is definitely see-through. “Just so you’re aware, and I’m not trying to have a bicker-war about it with you, that thang is see-through. I can see every … damn … thing, darlin’.”
She shrugs. “Whatever, stare all you want.”
Relentless. I drop my arms onto the counter and throw my head down because I’m wiped out after working a full day, then taking care of Scarlett, followed by spending the night in a chair. Thankfully, I do have the day free, but I think Scarlett has to work later today at some point. “How’s your head feelin’?” I ask her.
“It’s fine. I don’t feel anything.”
I raise a brow at her statement. “You don’t feel anything, or it doesn’t hurt?”
“Same difference,” she argues.
“No, not exactly.”
“Ugh, why are you so grumpy? Do you need some caffeine or something?” She snaps at me.
“Yes, please,” I tell her.
“I have some spare clothes in the locker room. I’ll grab them for you,” Daisy offers Scarlett. I almost forgot that Scarlett’s clothes were covered in dirt and pig spit. If only I saw what she looked like when she came in. They had her cleaned up by the time I got to the hospital.
“Oh, thank you so much. I’d really appreciate it. The clothes I came in with are sealed up in a bag, and I’m not sure I want to open it … ever,” Scarlett says.
Daisy shakes her head with wide eyes. “That’s why I’m offering.”
Scarlett follows Daisy into the staff room, and I take a seat in the waiting area. I’ve never actually sat out here and looked in at all the action from this angle. Besides the reception desk and the triage area, everyone’s moving around, looking like they’re in a busy train station. If I were a patient, this might make me a bit uneasy.
“Hey bud,” Clara says as she grabs a stack of folders from Daisy’s desk. “What are you doing out here?”
“Waitin’ for Scarlett,” I tell her.
Clara comes over and takes a seat next to me. She slaps the stack of folders down on my lap and sighs. “Don’t let this one go, okay?”
For Clara to say this to me, it means something. We’ve both selflessly wanted the best for each other over the years, and it’s nice to know that mutual feeling is still intact. “You think so?” I ask her.
“You are back to the Austin I once knew … way, way, way long ago when you had a smile that could never be taken away. I’ve waited a long time for that Austin to come back, and it warms my heart to see you like this.”
“I just don’t know if she feels the same, Clara, but I appreciate you sayin’ that. I do.”
“Oh, she feels the same. She’s just showin’ it a little differently.”
“What if she wants to leave?” I ask her as if she might have some magic answer I haven’t thought of yet.
“Offer to go with her. Don’t chase, not like your pop told you to. Just offer. It’s different. Trust me, okay?”
Clara gives me a hug just as Scarlett clears her throat. “I am ready to get moving.”
“What in the hell are you wearin’?” My eyes hurt from the neon colors she’s got on. Pinks, greens, and yella’s. She’s like the damn sun.
“Hey!” Daisy shouts. “Don’t insult my clothing.”
I force a fake smile. “Sorry, it’s just ... so ... beautiful.”
Scarlett thinks it’s funny, so I shake my head and drop the subject. I realize I prefer her taste in clothes over Daisy’s, though.
“We’ll catch you guys later,” I tell Clara and Daisy.
The second we get outside, Scarlett starts some kind of strut and I can’t help but laugh. “What are you doing now?”
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you that you need to be comfortable in your own skin?”
