Having been distracted by my surroundings, I’d almost forgotten how tired I was until I saw the thing, but once I reached it, I plopped down gratefully.
“Thank you. Again.”
“Of course.” Bette’s smile was so sweet it could only have been described as angelic. “I did say you could call for anything. I meant it.”
“I can tell.”
She ran her hand over her round stomach. “Can I get you anything?”
“Honestly? I think I just need rest.”
“I get it, and that’s fine. Your body has been through a lot.”
I was thankful for everything she’d done, but with sleep already trying to pull me under, I couldn’t focus enough to tell her. Instead, I kicked off my shoes, curled up, and closed my eyes. I couldn’t even crack one when a second later, Bette laid a blanket over me. That was the last thing I remembered before sleep overtook me.
The room wasdark by the time I woke, and between my unfamiliar surroundings and groggy brain, I had no clue where I was or how I’d gotten here. Or even why. It wasn’t until I sat up and noticed the picture of a smiling couple on their wedding day hanging over the fireplace that it all came rushing back. Thecall from Hilary, learning I needed a D&C, asking Bette for a ride when I couldn’t get in touch with Trevor.
Trevor.
Hours had passed since I’d left him a text asking for a ride. Had I checked my phone after the surgery? I couldn’t remember but doubted I’d been with it enough to even consider it. I had no idea what time it was now, but he’d most definitely tried to get in touch with me since then and was probably out of his mind with worry.
The lump in my back pocket told me my cell phone was there, and I shifted so I could pull it free. I had two missed calls from him – he hadn’t left voicemails – and even more texts, each one sounding more panicked than the last.
I WAS IN COURT. IS EVERYTHING OKAY?
Then twenty minutes later.
YOU’RE SCARING ME. WHAT’S GOING ON?
Then a little after that.
SERIOUSLY, ARA. WHAT IS GOING ON? I CALLED YOUR WORK AND THEY SAID YOU’RE NOT IN. TEXT ME BACK BEFORE I FREAK OUT.
There were two more that pretty much said the same thing.
My fingers were flying across the screen, typing out a quick text, when footsteps thudded in the hall, heading my way.
SORRY. I WAS ASLEEP. HAD TO HAVE SURGERY TODAY BUT AM OKAY. LONG STORY. CALL YOU IN A BIT AND TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT.
I hit send just as Bette appeared in the doorway.
“You’re awake,” she said, her face breaking out in a smile.
She looked as fresh as always, her hair and makeup perfect. Between her soft southern twang, refined beauty, and impeccable style and manners, Bette fit with this house perfectly. Unlike me.
“Just woke up.” I shoved my phone back in my pocket and raked my fingers through my long, dark hair self-consciously. “Thanks again for this. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s no problem, really.” She waved dismissively. “I didn’t have anything else going on today, and you needed help.”
I took in my surroundings with eyes fresh from sleep. It really was an amazing house, but being here made me uncomfortable, especially because I had no way to get home, and I didn’t want to overstay my welcome. But I also didn’t want to ask Bette to drive me somewhere yet again. Maybe Trevor could come get me...
When I was once again looking at her, I said, “A friend can come get me any time. I mean, I don’t want to overstay.”
“Absolutely not!” Bette sounded appalled by the idea. “You just had surgery and you need to rest. Plus, I’m making dinner. Fried chicken.”
It was such a stereotypical thing for her to say that I almost laughed. Instead, I said, “I don’t want to impose.”
“You’re not,” she said firmly. “I insist you stay. Plus, I’m usually alone, and it will be nice to have the company.”
