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I almost don’t feel different at all.
Almost.
I take a quick shower, hurrying through the process even though the temptation to linger under the steamy spray is strong.
I dress in jeans and a sweater before sitting on the edge of the bed to call Dr. Marshall, holding the check tight to my chest as the line rings in my ear.
It goes to his voicemail so I have to leave him a message. “Hi, Dr. Marshall. It’s Paisley Davis. I just wanted to let you know my mother and I will see you bright and shiny Monday morning.”
I’m still smiling as I tuck the check into my pocket on my way to check on my mother. She and LaShawn are laughing when I walk in and I can’t help but smile along with them even though I have no clue what’s so funny. I’m just happy that my mom’s happy.
Safe.
Cared for.
“Good morning.” My mom gives me a sly grin. “Someone must have been out late last night.”
“Yup.” Andre and I were actually home before the bars shut down, which I would consider a decent hour after working at Platinum, but I don’t really feel like explaining what really kept me up late last night.
Not that I shouldn’t have still been up early. Even after my latest nights at Platinum I was still usually moving around before seven, checking on my mother and taking care of all the things I had to manage. Sleeping in wasn’t anything I had time for.
“What are your plans for today?” My mother’s color seems better than normal as she pats the bed next to her. “Come tell me about all the excitement you have coming up.”
“I’m not the only one who has excitement in their future.” I carefully sit on the bed, making sure I don’t jostle her around too much. “Your new treatment starts Monday.”
Her smile slips a little. “I was really hoping the person who dropped out would change their mind.”
It was the first lie of so many I had to tell, and I still don’t feel bad about it. “I bet they were able to get into the next round of trials.”
My mother’s smile takes on a hopeful edge. “I hope so.”
I want to sit with her longer. Spend more time at her side, but I need to get to the bank before it closes, and right now I’m cutting it really close.
I slide off the bed. “I have to run some errands. Do you want me to pick anything up for you while I’m out?” I wiggle my brows. “Maybe a milkshake?”
My mother presses one hand to her stomach. “I don’t think I can fit anything else in me right now. Oliver made me an omelet with cheese and ham this morning and I ate the whole thing.”
LaShawn’s brows lift and her mouth presses into a questioning line, but she doesn’t rat my mother out.
Seems like I’m not the only one telling a few lies.
“Maybe I’ll get you one anyway.” I pause in the open doorway. “I can stick it in the freezer until you’re ready for it.” I scoot away before she can argue with me, waving as I go. “I’ll be back soon.”
I strap on my boots and go to the closet just off the entry in search of my coat.
I see a few of Andre’s, but the belted wool pea coat I picked up at the thrift store three years ago is nowhere to be found.
There is, however, a brand-new camel-colored coat that’s most definitely not cut for a man. A black scarf accented with crisscrossing white lines is draped around the neck of the coat, the soft fringe along the hemline making it even more obvious that this is not one of Andre’s coats.
I pull it out so I can get a better look.
It’s certainly not a men’s coat, and even if it was there’s no way it would fit Andre. It’s much too small. It’s more…
My size.
I run one hand down the front of it. The difference between the felt of this wool and that of my old coat is night and day. This one feels buttery and soft.
Mine felt like it would be able to wash dishes.
