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She reaches for a nacho and eyes me. “You’re thinking about something.”
“Uh—yeah. The heart thing.”
“Oh yeah?” She casts a doubtful look. Sheknowsthat’s not what I was thinking about, but she’s going to let me get away with the lie.
I clear my throat. “It’s just mild hypertension at this point. But still, embarrassing. Since I’m a doctor, you know… I guess I feel like I should know better.”
“So, what do you do?”
“I try to do things that feel relaxing. I do projects with my hands. Sensory work, to get me out of thought loops.”
“Interesting. You mean, like knitting?”
“Carpentry, actually.”
“You’re kidding. How? Where?”
“I bought a house. A fixer-upper.” I scoop up a blue corn chip dripping with cheese and eat it. Then I push the plate farther toward her. “These are for both of us, you know. I can’t eat the whole thing. They’re not as good as ramen, but way up there.”
“I thought maybe this was your dinner. Part of the post-work routine.”
“Nope. I ordered these because this is a special occasion.”
A smile flickers on her lips, quick as a flash, then it’s gone.
But it was there, and that’s satisfying. It feels good to see some of her earlier sadness abate. Sounds like she has a lot going on and none of it’s good.
I wonder again about her situation out in LA as I sip my beer. What kind of legal situation is she in? One bad enough to get her adrenaline and cortisol up, apparently.
“A house, hm?” she says. “Come on… thatmustmean you have a special someone in your life, if you’re going that direction. Or at least your eye on someone.”
“Nope, this was a solo move. A thirtieth birthday present to myself.”
“You bought yourself a house?” Her dark eyebrow inches up toward the slash of glossy bangs again. “Wow. Bold move. Where is it?”
“State Street.”
“Oh, wow. Must be one of those big Victorians?”
“Yep.”
“And you bought it even though you’re not married?”
“Right. Way to make it sound weird.”
“No, no… it’s just, that’s usually a post-marriage thing. Buying a house. You know, the usual order.” She holds up a hand and ticks off her fingers. “Steady job, engaged, married, starter house, kid number one, bigger house, kid number two…”
“Maybe the usual order didn’t suit me.”
‘“It’s not for everyone. Not for me, apparently, since I’m O for seven on that check list. Well, congratulations, that’s great. Those places are massive. Steve was just telling me lots of them are rentals these days. I’m looking for a temporary place, and he thinks I could try to find one of those—a roommate situation.”
“That’s right. You said he was giving you housing tips. I can’t believe you’re going to live in town.”
“Temporarily.”
The thought of having Maddison back here in Stillwell makes me feel… weird.
Excited and happy, maybe, but the emotions are unwarranted.
