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“That’s the plan,” I said.
“If anyone can turn things around, Atkins, you can.”
His confidence in me in all things lifted my spirits.
As I pulled away, my phone lit up with an incoming call. The caller’s name always brought a smile to my face.
* * *
Catherine Cole was at my apartment waiting for me just as I knew she would be.
Her hands were wrapped around a basket.
“What’s that?” I unlocked the door and opened it for her.
“Just some muffins, cookies, fruit.”
I took a peek. “Are those your oatmeal cookies?” My mouth watered at the thought.
“And chocolate chip. You look good,” she said.
“Don’t lie.”
“I’m not.”
“I’m sweaty and a complete mess. It’s okay to admit that I look like someone in dire need of a makeover.”
She passed me the basket and said, “Stop it, you're fine.”
I groaned, hating that I was so miserable.
“I’m glad things went good at the hospital.” She was referring to Vargas. “You must be relieved.”
“It’s good for the case.”
“It’s good for you too.”
I shrugged, perusing my options. “I guess.”
“I thought you’d be a little happier. What’s with the doom-and-gloom attitude?”
I smelled the cookie I picked out and grinned in gratitude at the heavenly scent. “You don't get it, what it's like to fail. Over and over. You’re successful at everything you do.”
“I’m gonna let that one slide. You know that’s not entirely true.”
“Well, for the most part,” I said.
“I’ll accept that,” she laughed.
“That’s what I love about you. Your optimism and modesty.”
“Why thank you,” she said with a little bow.
“Be right back. This outfit is a metaphor for everything that's wrong in my life,” I said, popping the cookie into my mouth and heading to my room to change into sweats and a sweatshirt. I joined her on the couch and grabbed a muffin from the basket.
“Nice socks,” she commented. I shoved a massive chunk of blueberry muffin into my mouth and looked at my feet clad in socks that didn’t match. I didn’t care. “How are you doing?” she asked.
My shoulders rose and fell. “Shitty,” I answered around a mouthful of muffin. I’d already filled her in on what happened the other night.
