Page 41 of Twenty-Three Years of Longing

That wasn’t going to make me want to help her find a car any faster. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Raya. And if she had her own car, her own place, what would she need me for? Nothing. I wasn’t trying to hold her back, but damn, I wasn’t trying to help her run from me either.

“What do you like to eat for breakfast?” I asked. “Besides coffee that is.”

“You’re going to laugh,” she said.

“If you say pizza, you’re right,” I teased, knowing now that it was one of her favorites.

“I like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.”

Nope. I wouldn’t have guessed that. “I’ve never had one of those. I like both, but together, they sound gross if you ask me.”

“Orion, they are delicious. I make them for Joey all the time,” she said.

Great. I’m going to be eating like a ten-year-old. “Do I mash the bananas and blend them with peanut butter?” I asked.

“Why don’t you just pick me up, and I’ll make breakfast and coffee,” she suggested.

I was more of a meat-and-eggs type of guy, but if she was going to be there, bring on the peanut butter.

“I’ll grab more cream on the way. What time did you want me to be at the resort?” I asked.

“Joey and I usually talk before I leave for work. So, how about you come by at seven? Breakfast won’t take long, and your house is so close to the school so I can spend more time with you.”

“Your house. It’s not mine now,” I reminded her. “And I’d rather not rush through breakfast. How about six?” I suggested.

She laughed. “That works for me, but if you’re trying not to be talked about, you’re going about it in the wrong way.”

“You win. Seven it is.” I didn’t care what they said about me, but they would also be talking about her. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Raya.”

I expected her to say goodnight, but she didn’t. Instead, she asked, “Orion, are you sure everything is okay?”

“Why do you ask?”

“There is just something in your tone that is... different. As though you’re...worried about something. I know work is confidential, and I’m sure that is stressful. I just don’t want you to feel as though you have to make time for me if there are things you need to be attending to,” she said.

How could she pick up on that? Was she that attuned to my feelings? If so, what else was she picking up on?

“It’s not work,” I replied.

“Anything you want to talk about?” she asked.

Why not? She was only going to wonder what was so bad that I wouldn’t tell her. “I was talking to my grandmother before I called you. She sounded very tired.”

“And you’re worried about her. That it might be something...more?” she stated.

“Yes. It’s not like her to complain about being tired. Hell, I think this is the first time she’s ever ended the call, instead of me coming up with a reason to get off the phone.” And I am worried.

“Did you want to go and check on her?” she asked.

“I do, but if I show up and she is okay, she’s going to give me hell for disturbing her,” I stated, honestly.

“I don’t want to intrude, but if you’d like, I can go with you. You know, as a buffer. Maybe she won’t yell at you if I’m there,” she explained.

“I thought you had a lot to do,” I reminded her.

“By a lot, you mean reading more of your detailed notes? Then, yes. I’m very busy. But seriously, Orion, I will be happy to go with you if you’d like.”

“It really could be nothing,” I said. “I don’t want to waste your time.”

---