Page 56 of Revive Me

Liliana: Right?? I have to guard my morning coffee because he’s slick about stealing it

Roman: And based on the way I’ve seen you clutch your coffee, I’m assuming the cat stealing it doesn’t put you in a very good mood.

Liliana: Rude. I love coffee the same amount as the average American. I do not “clutch” it.

Roman: I saw you once steal your coworker’s favorite pen because she took the last pod of your favorite Keurig flavor

There’s a long pause before her response text comes through.

Liliana: Should I be flattered that you noticed that, or concerned?

Roman: You wear your emotions on your sleeve, Liliana

This pause is even longer.

Liliana: Yeah, I’ve heard that before…

I’m not sure what to say without making things too serious. I want to send another random question, something lighthearted, but I’m not entirely sure how to do that without making it obvious that I just want to keep talking. Which is odd in itself, because I’ve never been a big texter. But I can’t exactly talk to Lily like this during my sessions at the clinic, so?—

In the end, she makes the decision for me.

Liliana: It’s late, I should head to bed. This is already way past my bedtime.

Roman: Ah, sorry. I’m so used to my night owl hours that I didn’t think about that.

Liliana: No, it’s okay. I’m glad you texted me.

Roman: I’m glad I did too

Roman: Goodnight Liliana

19

LILIANA

“Alright, babe, I’m out,” Tina calls as she grabs her bag for her night shift. “Don’t throw a rager while I’m gone!”

I roll my eyes at her from my spot on the couch, Garfield already planted in my lap. “I have no idea who you’re talking to. My plans tonight consist of Chinese takeout, a laundry list of movies to watch, and Garfield as my snuggle buddy. I amset.”

At that, Tina sighs. “Okay, yeah, that does sound nice. Now I’m kind of jealous.”

I grin and lift Garfield’s paw to wave her off. “Saybye, auntie!”

“Bye, my beautiful fat nephew,” Tina says, blowing a kiss. “See you in the morning!”

When the door shuts behind her, I start my scroll through Netflix, Prime, then Hulu, looking for the perfect movie to watch. And maybe it’s because I was with Roman at the clinic a few hours ago and so he’s still on my mind, but I find myself flipping over to the horror genre.

The buzzer for my takeout sounds just as I come across the movie he recommended all those weeks ago.Hereditary.The one I said I’ve never seen.

In the time it takes me to collect my food, set it out on a tray, and settle back on the couch, Roman stays on my mind. Because of the movie, but also because of how things have been between us lately. He’s slowly but steadily making progress with his recovery, even more than I could have hoped for. And during his sessions, our banter is still just as easy. We bicker, we tease, I give orders and he bites back. Easy and pleasant, and honestly, I have fun working with him.

We also text after-hours sometimes. Not a lot, but occasionally, when something reminds us of the other.

As I click play on the movie and dig into my food, I find myself wondering what Roman is doing tonight.

Ten minutes and an old woman jump scare later, I’m scrambling for my phone and typing out a text.

Liliana: I hate you

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