He scrubs his hand down his face as his eyes darken. “I, uh, I’ll be right back. Just going to run to the bathroom before the movie,” he says.
“You okay?” I ask.
“I’m fine.” He walks down the hall, and I hear a door open and close.
I feel like he’s lying to me, but I shake it off and try to find a movie to watch. My attention catches on an older movie calledThe Parent Trap.A movie about twins switching lives. I can’t think about anything along those lines, so I keep flipping and find another one calledShe’s All That.
I feel like I remember this one as I read the description. I pick up my glass and take a sip and frown. Hendrix walks back in at the same time.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“This is root beer. I hate root beer,” I tell him.
His complexion pales before he sits beside me again. “Sorry, I must’ve swapped the glasses when I set them down. Here’s Coke.”
He swaps the glasses, and I try it and close my eyes. “Much better.”
I set my glass back down and look at Hendrix. “Do we need to talk?”
“Why?” he asks.
“About the kiss.”
“Oh, no. It’s all good.” He smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“What are we watching?” he asks while grabbing a handful of popcorn almost like he’s avoiding the kiss entirely.
I study his profile for a few seconds before facing the TV again.
The rest of the night is nothing but light-hearted conversation meant to steer clear of my accident or my identity. But still, I feel the burn of his kiss on my lips.
And my gaze continues to drift toward the kitchen, and even more so, the desk off to the side making me wonder what else I’ll remember about myself in this apartment.
5
“Can I do anything to help you get ready before I leave for work?” Hendrix asks after spending the night on the couch.
“Uh, I think I’m okay. But thanks.”
He stares at me before switching to doctor mode.
“Are you doing your breathing exercises?” he asks.
“Yes. Of course.”
He nods. “Good. And your first outpatient PT appointment is today?” he asks.
“It is,” I say as I tap the armrests on my wheelchair.
“I’ll try to check in on you while you’re there…if it’s okay with you,” he adds.
“That’s fine.” I smile and he starts to leave my room.
I call after him. “Hendrix.”
He faces me again with a hand on the doorframe waiting for me to speak.
“Thank you.”
