“I’m really pleased that the Xanax seems to be helping so much, but I don’t want you to be discouraged if we have to tweak things. As you get used to the medication and grow older, your system may change.”
“Okay,” I reply, even though I don’t want to make any changes.
“Is there anything you’d like to discuss?”
I know from experience that if I don’t bring anything up, he will keep prodding until he finds something to talk about. I settle on the most normal thing I can think of. “I get lonely sometimes.”
He nods, and his face softens, and I know I’ve hit the right cue. “That’s totally expected. Being away from home for the first time—”
“Not really the first time,” I interrupt.
“We can both agree this is different though, right?” I nod. “Moving to your own place can bring up new feelings and emotions, and it’s good to explore those reactions. I’m pleased you’re bringing it up and addressing it.”
“I think it’s just knowing there was someone in the house somewhere, and I’m missing that a little.”
We spend the next thirty minutes talking about how I’m feeling and my new house, and he gives me homework to make a few friends.
I look at the clock on the top of the screen more often than I should, and I think he notices, because he brings the meeting to a close about five minutes early. “Cindy will give you a call or text about the new time and day. I’m proud of you, Waylynn. You’re doing great. You know I’m available if you need anything, so don’t hesitate.”
“Thanks, Maxwell,” I reply, and it’s not lost on me how he said something that sounded similar to Memphis, but the feeling and intensity behind them are so different.
I click back to the delivery website and order way too much food. The wait time is over an hour, but if the guys get here too early, I can always feed Oswald snacks to keep him happy. I add a good tip, hoping the driver will be more inclined to get it here quickly, and give instructions on delivering to the backdoor.
Once I get the text confirmation on my phone, I close my laptop and climb off my bed. When I got home, I changed into joggers, but when I look at the jeans I had on earlier hung over my chair, I can’t bring myself to put them back on, or any others. The desire to be comfortable outweighs the need to look put together. It would be different if we were going out.
While I’m waiting for them to get here, I check all the bathrooms to make sure there’s soap and toilet paper, and then make sure I don’t have any clothes on the floor in the laundry room. When I’m done, I still have plenty of time to turn on the TV and pretend like I’m not anxious for them to arrive.
By quarter after six, I’m starting to wonder if I should text them, but I decide against it. I do wander into the kitchen so I can watch the driveway. About twenty minutes later, a black car slowly pulls in, and I let my disappointment sink in.
It’s nearly seven, and I haven’t heard from either of them. I open the door as the guy hops out of the driver’s seat. “Hey,” he calls and jogs around the car to the passenger backdoor. When he steps back, he has a large cardboard box in his hands with plastic bags billowing out the top. He looks at me then past me, probably noticing there’s no one else coming to help. “It’s heavy, want me to bring it in?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” He gives me a smile as I hold open the door for him. “Is here okay?” He’s standing near the island.
“Perfect, just one second.” I hold up a finger and rush over to my purse to grab a few extra dollars for his trouble.
“Who the hell are you?” Memphis’ voice cuts through the room. Oswald steps up right behind him and glares at the delivery man.
“Garrett.” I would be a mess if Memphis looked at me the way he glares at the poor guy. “Just dropping off the food.” He steps to the side, revealing the large box on the counter.
I fold a twenty and walk past Memphis and Oswald so I can hand it to Garrett. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s good.” He pockets the cash and pivots toward the door Memphis and Oswald are still crowded around.
“I’ll move the truck.” Oswald backs out the door, and Memphis steps to the side to let Garrett leave, but he continues to glare at him.
Memphis strides over to me and pushes into my space. “Why did you let him in? What if we didn’t show up when we did?”
“He offered to bring in the box,” I defend, but it’s weak.
“Did he know you were here alone?” He’s even closer now. I have to lean back so I can see his face.
“No, and I don’t think he thought I was eating all that.”
Memphis’ shoulders relax before he reaches up and curls his fingers around the side of my neck. “You don’t even need to open the door. They can leave it on the porch.”
“I know. I’ve done that before,” I reply.
