“Did she contact you?” she asked.
“No.”
Rosa nodded.
That was it.
No interrogation.
No observation about Annie giving me space.
No instruction to do anything.
She carried the empty glasses toward the counter and began discussing pie crust with Hank.
I had expected interference.
Its absence left me alone with the decision.
My phone was in my pocket.
I took it out and found one message, sent twelve minutes earlier.
Annie:I was trying to give you a quiet day. I’m discovering that restraint involves a great deal of staring at my phone.
I read it twice.
Me:You survived until five-thirty.
Her response arrived immediately.
Annie:Barely. There should be medical recognition.
Me:I can send Captain Pancake’s veterinarian.
Annie:That feels punitive.
I smiled.
Rosa passed behind me with two plates and did not look in my direction, which meant she had already gathered the necessary information.
Me:How was your first day off?
There was a pause.
Annie:I woke at six because my body believes sound check begins before breakfast.
Annie:I reorganized a drawer and found fourteen hotel key cards.
Annie:Rachel called and said reorganizing drawers does not qualify as rest.
Me:She may have a point.
Annie:Please do not strengthen her position.
I ate another bite of fish.
Me:Are you at home?
