Page 40 of Derecho

Let me know how it goes.

He’d sent it ten minutes ago, but I still responded.

It went fine.

Three dots immediately lit up my screen as Birdie pulled out from the parking lot.

Fine…what does fine mean?

Everything’s good. My blood pressure was a little high, so Birdie’s going to bring me to the pharmacy to get a monitor, and I’ll just check it every day. Nothing to worry about.

Doesn’t sound like nothing to me.

Careful. I’ll start to think that your gruff exterior is really just a cover for caring about me.

Not a cover. I’m grumpy.

Three dots filled the screen for what felt like a lifetime.

And I care.

My chest filled with a warmth that shouldn’t be there.

Are you holding up your end of the deal?

I’m already pacing the porch, waiting for you to get back.

Can’t wait to see the horses. It’ll be a good distraction before we go see Jess.

“Lain?” Birdie’s hand landed on my arm, making me flinch. “Sorry. You just went really quiet. And we’re…here.”

“Right.”

Birdie paused before asking, “Is there…”

“What?”

Birdie’s eyes dropped down to my phone, then quickly back up to my face. “Is there something going on between you and Lachlan?”

I sighed. “I told you last week; I just didn’t want you to feel like you had to figure everything out for me. He’s my…”

“Your?”

“Friend. He’s my friend, and he came for me. I just…”

She smiled, probably knowing exactly what I was trying to say even as I struggled to find the words. “You don’t have to explain more. I understand.”

“You do?”

“Maybe not completely,” she smiled, “but I don’t have to push. I should have before, with Greg.”

“It’s fine. I told you, I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t want anyone to know.”

“Well, I’m glad you had Lach. That you have him now. But you’ll always have me, too. Don’t forget that, okay?”

“I won’t,” I promised. And I meant it. Repairing my relationship with my sister was something I was prepared to work really hard at.

“I’ve got a couple things I want to pick up for Juniper while we’re here. Do you mind if I…” Birdie looked over her shoulder at the baby supply aisle a few minutes later while we stood in front of the three choices of blood pressure machines the store offered.