Page 11 of Someone to Watch Over Me

I’m such an emotional mess that her words make me weep with relief. Four days off is just what I need to recover from last night’s trauma, to make sure Tom is okay and to see to whatever he needs going forward.

Wait.

Stop.

That’s not my job. I’m not his wife or even his girlfriend. I don’t need to see to anything.

Ugh, I’ve been awake for fifteen minutes, and I’m already spinning.

I get up, shower in the adjoining bathroom and get dressed in yesterday’s clothes, which bear the antiseptic scent of the hospital. Awesome.

Downstairs, Iris is seated at the table with her laptop and a cup of coffee.

“Morning. How’d you sleep?”

“Morning. Surprisingly well. Thank you again for taking me in. I’ll be out of your hair soon.”

“No rush. Have a cup of coffee and some breakfast.”

“I’d love some coffee, thanks, but I don’t think I can eat anything.”

“Not even one of my famous homemade blueberry muffins fresh out of the oven?”

My mouth waters. “Um, yes, please.”

“Coming right up!”

“Did you bake for me?”

“What if I did?”

“You’re too much, Iris. What would we do without you?”

“Aw, thanks. Taking care of everyone is how I take care of myself.”

“You’re the absolute best friend any of us has ever had.”

She brings a plate with muffins to the table. “You’re going to make me cry.”

“It’s true.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“I don’t think you fully understand…” I shake my head when words escape me. “I don’t know that I would’ve survived the loss of Jim without you and the group you founded and the love, support and understanding I’ve found with each of you. But you… You’re the heart of the entire thing.”

She fans her face as her eyes fill. “You guys give me back ten times what I give you.”

“That’s not true.”

“Yes, it is!”

“Okay, whatever.” I take a bite of muffin, and the flavors explode on my tongue. “Holy shit, that’s good.”

Gage comes into the kitchen and goes directly toward the plate of muffins.

Iris lunges for the plate. “You already had three!”

“One more. Come on… I’m a growing boy.”

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