Page 31 of Hearts & Embers

"I'm taking the side supported by evidence."

The conversation continued for several minutes before drifting toward easier subjects. Since leaving the hospital, we had spoken multiple times each day. Some conversations lasted only a few minutes while others stretched considerably longer. The frequency should probably have surprised me. Instead, it felt natural. Talking with Aurora had become one of the highlights of my day without either of us consciously deciding it should.

Three days after my discharge, she called during the late afternoon while I was attempting to prepare dinner one-handed.

"How attached are you to your current plans tomorrow night?"

I looked suspiciously at the sandwich ingredients scattered across the kitchen counter.

"That depends."

"On what?"

"Whether you're about to improve them."

"I am."

The certainty in her voice immediately made me smile.

"Go on."

"I'm cooking dinner."

"Congratulations."

"You're coming over."

The statement wasn't phrased as a question.

I leaned against the counter.

"Am I?"

"Yes."

"What if I already have plans?"

"You don't."

The confidence proved remarkably difficult to argue with.

"What if I do?"

"I’m reasonably sure you’re standing there making sandwiches for dinner because that’s all you can manage and I’m also sure you could do with a decent meal."

I stared at the phone.

"That's a little insulting."

"I’m guessing it's also accurate."

A laugh escaped before I could stop it.

"Possibly."

The discussion continued for several more minutes before I accepted defeat. Aurora informed me what time she expected me the following evening and disconnected before I could offer additional objections. She and Cody were becoming alarmingly similar in their ability to read me.

The following evening found me standing outside her apartment carrying a bottle of wine and wondering when exactly anticipation for a night out, or in this case—in, had resurfaced.