“I’m right, though and your response tells me so. That and the cute blush on your cheeks. Where’s your phone? I’m curious whether it shows a picture of him somewhere.”
“I’m not giving it to you.”
“Ugh, fine. You’ll set it down eventually and I’ll just take it when you’re not paying attention.”
“And because of that, it’ll remain in my pocket until you leave.”
Laughter bubbles out of her. “You’re not very fun today. Is it because you need coffee? Have you had any yet?”
“No.” I shift my feet. “I didn’t feel like burning myself a second time today.”
“Come on. We’ll make some together, and soon you’ll be making it in your sleep.”
I huff a laugh. “Not sure I’d ever need to, but whatever you say.”
“You never know. Always better to be prepared for anything.” Chairs scrape against the floor, wood clapping wood as they’re shoved under the table. “I swear, if that man didn’t leave this place like a damn death trap, you’d be able to move around better.”
“He’s doing his best.” But is he really? I keep wanting to believe he is, but there’s so much evidence lately that proves otherwise. The cabinets he forgets to close, the items in the fridge he keeps moving around, and when he moves my toothbrush behind his.
“So you say.” She’s less convinced than I am. “Okay, I’m at the coffee station waiting for you to get your ass over here so we canstart. I know you can get here from the table easily. We’ve been doing it twice a day ever since you got home.”
“I know.” As busy as she’s been, she’s still managed to show up for me more than anyone else. Helping me shop for more accessible devices and change settings on my streaming accounts. Watching movies looks different for me now, but at least it’s not something I’ll have to give up completely.
With the help of my memory and the tap of her nails on the counter, I make it to where she is in no time. My fingers feel around the counter, my knee coming in contact with one of the bottom cabinets. I open the drawer in line with the espresso machine and pull out a K-cup for the Keurig, not sure what I’m slipping into the slot when I finally land in it.
“So, vanilla latte?” Her voice vibrates in my ears.
“I can be in the mood for that.”
“You know what? Me too.”
“Okay, but you’re making yours.” I laugh.
Her hand guides mine to the side of the machine where the on button is. “Front is on.” She slides my hand back. “Back is off.”
Things I never thought to remember before losing most of my sight. I run my fingers back and forth twice before hitting the on button.
“You have to put a cup in there first.” A cabinet opens and closes. Glass taps glass and the machine starts going.
“Shit, sorry. Should have done that first.”
“It’s okay. I got it there in time. Luckily, this thing is slow as fuck.”
I chuckle, and after we both have our coffees in hand, we step out onto the front porch. Sitting on the wooden swing side by side, we gossip a little, and I tug my hood over my ears whenever the wind picks up.
“You think it’ll snow soon?”
“Hopefully not until you guys reach the cabin for your holiday vacation.”
“Hopefully. Although I’m not sure he still wants to go this year. I bring it up and he changes the subject.”
“Hmm.” Her nails clack on the glass. “You should keep bringing it up anyway.”
“I think it’s all been too much for him.”
“Everything is.” She sips her drink and then plants her feet on the ground, making the swing go still. “I can see your neighbor doesn’t believe in closing his blinds when he’s got company over.”
My eyes widen. “Which neighbor?”
