Page 13 of Do It With Me

“That makes sense. It’s always a big worry for anyone who takes care of a patient with memory issues, and for good reason.”

“Really? It’s just that she’s so far gone sometimes that I worry, but then she’ll come back and she’s her again, and it breaks my heart every time.”

Bree nodded and took a slow sip of her coffee. “I’ve worked with a few patients like that. It’s especially hard when they’re still so young, but it sounds like she’s mostly calm?”

“I’m so grateful for it. Yes. She’s mostly chill and she hasn’t been violent or anything. She’s as sweet as ever. She just makes a lot of coffee. Like, a lot of coffee.”

Bree let out a soft laugh and nodded. “I can handle coffee duty. I worked as a barista for a stint before I started caregiving, so I’ve got experience with caffeine emergencies.”

Her confidence, combined with her light humor, was like oxygen. It made me feel like I could breathe again for the very first time since we got my mother’s diagnosis. This was someone who could help. Who understood. It was such a relief that I felt a bit dizzy, but we weren’t done yet.

“I should also probably mention that I take night classes twice a week. I’ll usually be home before ten, but that’s part of why I need help. Someone I can trust to be here with my mom when I can’t.”

Bree smiled. “What are you studying?”

“Business. I figured it was time to learn that side of things properly if I’m going to keep running the shop.”

“That’s smart,” she said. “I’m taking classes too, but mine are online. I’m working toward becoming a nurse practitioner.”

“Really? Wow. I’m impressed. You must be busy.”

“Always,” she said with a laugh. “It’s worth it, though. I like feeling like I’m moving forward, you know? Even if it’s slow going.”

“Yeah.” I took another sip of my coffee, thinking about that offer Holden had made. “I know exactly what you mean.”

She grinned. “Maybe we can do homework together. You can work on your essays and I’ll try to memorize my anatomy flashcards.”

I laughed. “Deal. I can’t promise I’ll be much help with anatomy, but I can read a flashcard just fine.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not much good with finances either.” Bree finished her coffee. “I think this will work. I can start tomorrow if you want.”

“That would be amazing.”

When she left, the apartment felt lighter, like she’d taken some of the tension with her. I sat down at the table, letting myself enjoy the quiet for a moment before reality crept back in. My gaze drifted to my phone on the counter. I picked it up, my thumb hovering over Holden’s name.

He’d given me his phone number along with ten thousand dollars just to think about it. Well, I’d thought about it and I’d made my decision. I wasn’t going to keep him waiting any longer than I already had.