“Shit, I’m sorry, I thought I got all of them in here.” Reese all but jumped to grab up the bottle before racing to a nearby bulging trash bag. “I’m so sorry. I know you’re in recovery.”
Matty waved her off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m in a good place. An empty bottle is fine. Besides, alcohol wasn’t the biggest thing for me. I’d drink it, but I preferred pills mostly. Well, and pot.”
The confession seemed to ease her a little. It was a topic she felt comfortable with. “So, depressants but not alcohol?”
“Yep. Never been a fan of hangovers.”
“If you drink long enough, you don’t get them anymore.”
“Funny what the body will adapt to, huh? So, take me to the shower.”
Reese raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on her lips.
“Oh, in a platonic way. Playing in the shower loses its appeal if there’s no water. So check back in once it’s running.”
“Jesus, Matty, you’re such a mess." Reese rolled her eyes before looking shy. “I’m sorry it’s so bad. I swear I’ve been working on it.”
“Hey, don’t keep apologizing. It’s a huge task you’ve been stuck with. And I can definitely tell there’s been work done.”
“Thanks, Matty. I was fully prepared for you to run right out of here.”
“Nah, takes a lot more than this.”
Matty noticed the difference in the spaces Reese inhabited, clear as day. The stairs were free of debris, and the room she lived in was tidy.
“There’s only one bathroom. This is my room. I stay holed up in here unless I’m cleaning.”
The light purple walls were welcoming, and the smell improved instantly as she ducked in. The bed was neatly made. A little food area was on a folding table. On top were a microwave and an air fryer, along with a little coffee maker. Underneath was a small dorm-room-sized refrigerator. A wash tub sat beside a pile of clean dishes.
“You’ve got a nice setup here.”
She spied a television next to what she assumed was a closet. The carpet beneath her boots was clean, and she momentarily worried she would track dirt over it.
“I’ve tried to make it as comfortable and usable as possible, and I’ve accomplished as much as I can outside of cleaning the hoard or asking for help, which is where you come in. I need a fully working bathroom. I don’t think I can mentally keep this up. I worked so long yesterday. I was filthy, and all I could do was try to get as clean as possible using the sink. Not to mention I was supposed to be able to take a shower at my best friend’s house today, but she’s extended her time out of town. I have to work tomorrow. I can’t—”
She stopped as her lip began to tremble. Matty’s heart leapt into her throat. This was taking a toll on her.
“I’ll get in, and we’ll fix you up. If it’s something major and will need more than today, then you’ll come home with me and shower, but we’ll definitely get this fixed.”
Shiny eyes met her own. “Thank you, Matty. Come on, I’ll show you the bathroom.”
Just like the bedroom, the bathroom was clean and welcoming.
“Okay, I’m totally digging the dancing rubber ducky shower curtain.”
Reese laughed. “I thought it was so funny and cute. I had to get it.”
“So, what’s wrong with the shower? Is it just not running water?”
“Yeah, when I turn the knob, nothing comes out.”
“But the sink and toilet work?”
“Uh huh. Nothing wrong with them.”
“Does the kitchen sink work?”
Reese bit her lip, and it was utterly cute but made Matty acutely aware of how small the space they were in was. “I don’t know. I haven’t gotten that far in the hoard.”
