Page 26 of Too Old for This
“That’s a bit disconcerting.”
“It’s not against the law to walk away from your life,” she says. “Adults have that right.”
I pretend to consider that. It’s not new information to me. “I suppose that makes sense.”
“It does, but it can be frustrating. That’s why I’m here on my day off, trying to gather information while it’s still fresh. Because I hate to think Plum might be out there, in trouble or hurt or being held against her will, and all we’re doing is staring at our computers.” Kelsie throws her hands up in frustration.
She reminds me of Plum. All that persistence.
CHAPTER 14
It’s possible Kelsie and I were raised with different manners. For example, I learned that when visiting someone’s house, it’s customary to consume the drink you are offered and then leave, unless you are offered a second helping. I did not make that offer to Kelsie.
“This coffee is so good,” she says.
“Is it? I think it’s Colombian, but I’d have to check.” I don’t move. Kelsie has eaten two of the not-so-tasty cookies, and she reaches for a third. “I could text you the brand, if you’d like.”
“That would be great! Do you mind if I have a little more? Half a cup would be perfect.”
She stands up and gets it herself. I watch as she pours, her eyes scanning the kitchen counter and sink. Nothing interesting to see there.
“You know, I never have enough time to make myself coffee at home.” Kelsie sits back down and blows on the coffee before taking a sip. “I always get it at the station.”
“Is it good?”
“Terrible,” she says. “But it has caffeine, so it works.”
“I remember the first cup of coffee I ever had. My mom used to make a whole pot. And one day, when I was in high school, I poured a little into a mug and…” I ramble on, continuing the story while keeping an eye on her reaction. Boredom and frustration are common reactions. Nobody wants to listen to me for that long. Our stories are not as fascinating as we think they are. At least, not the ones we choose to tell.
“My first reaction to caffeine was like that, too,” she says. “My mind was so alert and awake, and I studied for hours. I think I’ve been hooked ever since.”
“Things do change a bit when you get older. I drink far less than I used to.”
“But you still make a full pot?”
I look away, like she caught me doing something wrong. “Silly, isn’t it? Old habits die hard, I suppose.”
“Have your sleeping habits changed? I remember my grandmother used to go to bed very early. Even when I was a kid.”
In my head, I do the math. Biologically, it’s possible I could have a twenty-nine-year-old grandchild. “My habits have changed a few times over the years.”
“When Plum came to your house, was that late for you?”
“Let me think…It’s been a couple of weeks. Okay, when she came by, I was still watching TV, so I wasn’t in bed or anything. It was before nine o’clock.”
Kelsie nods. “That’s your bedtime? Same with my grandma.”
She is testing me for something. I’m willing to play along and figure out what. “You know, I just wish I could remember if she said anything that would be helpful.”
“Plum really never said where she was headed?”
I shake my head in frustration. “If she did, I can’t remember it.”
“But you remember that bruise? You’re clear about that?”
“Yes. It was so striking, and so odd. That really stuck with me, because I thought she might be hurt,” I say.
She taps her thumb against the teacup. “I spent a long time at the airport yesterday. Last night, too.”
