Page 65 of Revive Me

I canseethat he wants to say yes. But beside the suspicion, there’s also a little bit of nervousness, which he confirms when he says, “Going out in public isn’t exactly my idea of a fun time.”

My heart softens for him, and I’m about to assure him thatit’s okay, it was just a stupid idea, when he sighs, and all those feelings fade. Or at the very least, don’t stop him from saying yes.

“Alright. I’ll go. I still don’t know what you have up your sleeve, but I’ll go. And I reserve the right to leave at any time, for any reason.”

I grin and just barely stop myself from excitedly clapping my hands together. “You’ll love it, I promise.”

After a moment, Roman looks up at me and asks, “Is this a bad idea? I mean, I’m assuming it’s not normal for physical therapists to hang out with their patients outside of the clinic. Are you even allowed to do this?”

I meet his eyes and answer honestly. “No, I’m not.”

But somehow, my brain never takes that thought one step farther to the idea of consequences. Because there isn’t a sliver of doubt in my mind that this is the right thing to do for Roman.

21

ROMAN

Approximately zero percent of my confusion has faded by the time I get to the restaurant on Thursday night.

I have no idea what I’m doing here. I thought for sure Lily would text me after our session this week and sayjust kidding. I didn’t understand what she was thinking when she first asked, and I still don’t now.

I don’t think it’s a date, because there was nothing romantic about the way she asked me. If she had brought it up after a lingering touch, I might think otherwise, but no, she asked after a passionate argument about what I should be doing with my life. It doesn’t make sense.

And yet, there wasn’t a chance I was saying no. The only reason I didn’t say yes immediately is because I was startled and confused by the question. But more time with Lily? And outside of the place that I hate the most? Yeah, she didn’t have to twist my arm. Confusion be damned.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not embarrassed when my Uber drops me off at the bar. I haven’t been to a bar since my injury, or really any public place, because it’s both annoying to do research on whether a place is wheelchair accessible, and frustrating to have to orient myself in a new place once I’m there. It’s easier to just stay home, where I’m at least comfortable.

Lily must have sensed my trepidation because she assured me more than once that she wouldn’t let it be stressful for me. I can admit to myself that her promise was enough, but having her pick a non-weekend evening and seeing on Google Maps that it’s wheelchair accessible definitely helped.

The moment I enter the bar and spot Lily at a table in the back, all of my nerves disappear. I’d fumble my way through any new environment for her.

I try not to move toward her as quickly as my chair will allow. But then she sees me, and a blinding smile appears on her face, and that becomes immediately impossible.

“Hi,” she says excitedly when I reach her.

“Hey,” I return gruffly.

She gestures to the place across from her, where she’s already cleared out the restaurant chair for me. “Perfect timing. I think that’s our waitress is coming with our drinks.”

I settle my chair just as her comment registers. Frowning, I say, “Bold choice, ordering for someone you don’t know.”

She huffs a laugh as she leans back in her seat and crosses her legs, every bit the picture of a self-assured woman.

“Roman, I could put your observation about my coffee preferences to shame. Trust me, I know your drink order.”

I lean back in my own chair as I study her, letting myself accept the truth of her statement, but notletting myself believe that it’s for any reason besides those observations being necessary to do her job.

I spot a waitress approaching our table with a smile and two glasses on her tray. “I guess we’re about to find out,” I muse in a low voice.

The waitress stops next to our table with two red cocktails, the same one for both of us. I squint at it, trying to figure out what Lily ordered.

“Hi, folks, how’s everyone doing?” the waitress says cheerily. “Are we planning on some food tonight, or are we just here for the vibes?”

Lily glances at me, then quickly looks back at our server. “We might get some food in a little bit, but we’re good with just drinks now, thank you.”

“Sounds good, I’ll check back in a little bit then. Just wave me down if you need me.”

Once she’s gone, Lily turns her attention back to me. “Areyou hungry? I guess I just assumed we’d chat over a drink first, but this place has great burgers if you want food.”

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