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“Not until Saturday. When are you off again?”
“Tomorrow night,” I answered.
We hadn’t gotten together on a weeknight since Christmas. What would that be like? I imagined packing my little overnight bag with frilly things just for Flynn. I waited for the invitation.
“Wow. I’m going to jump right in. Are you ready for a sleepover?”
“I’ll feel like a ho if I plan it,” I said, snorting.
So far, all the lovemaking we’d done had been spur of the moment, on his couch or in my bed when my roommates were gone.
“No way. We’re in love. There, I said it. We’re in love. We’re lovers.”
“We’re definitely lovers,” I whispered. “I feel so lucky, Flynn. How did it happen that we’re together? Is it just fate?”
“I’m not sure if we were meant to be or it was accidental. I don’t know about any of that spiritual stuff anymore. I’ve seen too much pain to think there’s a divine plan. I hope that isn’t a problem for you.”
“I stopped believing a long time ago,” I said, and the minute the words were out of my mouth, I wasn’t sure they were true. “Anyway, I would consider myself a seeker. I want there to be more. I want to think that what became of my sister wasn’t in vain. But I’m afraid to think it was just something crappy that happened to my family, that her life didn’t have any meaning. Maybe that I’m ahoperis a better explanation. I’m hopeful there’s more.”
“I’ll hope with you,” he replied. No one spoke for a moment. “Can I say something?”
“Yes.”
“When we met, the way we met, I felt like it was intentional, that we would embark on a journey together.”
“That’s so true already, Flynn.” I thought about how charmed his life had been in contrast to mine. “It doesn’t seem fair that you have to go through any of my crap.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m far from being healed from the loss of Lucy. But something clicked in my brain, coinciding with meeting you, that helped me to see that I can help my parents get through this just by being present. And by being present, it’s helping me move forward. I couldn’t pass the state board, and then you came into my life and pow! I passed it. I’m almost afraid to look at that more closely.”
“I’m not sure why the positive changes, but I’m happy to go on this journey with you, Bella. I’m ready to take the good along with the bad. I’m sure I’ll have my issues you’re going to have to deal with.”
“You’re about as perfect as they come,” I said, meaning it.
“Did Cindy tell you what I’m like at the OR table?”
“No, but I can imagine. I’m sure you’re professional.”
“I’ve been told I’m anal retentive,” he said.
“I want whoever is working on my face to be anal,” I said firmly. “I’ll be the same way! I can’t wait to tell people to stay away from my sterile field.”
“Using the lingo already!” he said, laughing into the phone. He didn’t speak for a moment. Then he said, “I love you, Bella. Knowing you has given me a new excitement for life and my work. Thank you for that.”
My heart did a little flip, and I waited to respond, fear that I’d cry keeping me from telling him what I felt completely. “Flynn, that makes me so happy. Hopefully, we’ll just keep growing together.”
“I’d better finish up charting so I can get out of here. Medical Records is about ready to suspend me if I don’t get caught up. I’ll call you when I’m on my way home.”
“Okay. Have a good rest of your night.”
After we ended the call, I sat back with my eyes closed. When I opened them, the order for the half dozen bras was still pending, so before it finalized, I canceled it. I took a deep breath. Maybe I was truly on the road to health!
Wednesday was the day I was going to be honored at City Hall. My roommates started the day off by giving me breakfast in bed on a tray decorated with flowers and a card that readMy Hero.
“You guys!” I cried, sitting up. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“Yes we did,” Casey said. “And just for your information, the satellite trucks are back.”
