Page 33 of Crash
The execution of my plan has to be near flawless. Precision is key, because if she even remotely suspects anything, it will be ruined. First, I fake the need to go by my place to pick up something for work. I stop by the location and run in to grab a bag Courtney left for me and I stuff it into my work duffle, being sure to snag a uniform to make it look legit.
“I thought you were going to be off with me for a while?” Tessa says, seeing my stuff when I reenter my vehicle.
“I am. But as you get better, or if there is a bad emergency and I’m called in, I want to be prepared.”
“That makes sense. Where are we off to next?”
“I have one more stop. Are you getting tired?”
An alert from Courtney with a thumbs-up emoji lets me know all the pieces are in place.
“No. I’m fine. I was thinking maybe we can run by the studio.”
“Sure, we can go by there. I wondered if you would be interested in going.”
“I was sad for a minute, but I know I can work with my impairment and still be somewhat effective.”
“True. If whoever you have helping you can work the physical, you can provide the instruction. Maybe part of your therapy can be working with a dancing partner.”
“Yeah, that would also help me get back into the right mind frame. Your sister said all of this, didn’t she?”
“No, not really. When you were laid up in the hospital, the nights I couldn’t sleep, I would research all your recovery options so I could be prepared.”
“What is your biggest concern in regard to my healing process?”
“Keeping you happy. Making sure that you smile even if you don’t feel like it.”
“How do you propose to do that?”
I pull into the parking lot of the convenience store that’s about two blocks away from my final destination.
“Here, put this on.” I hand her a silk blindfold.
“For what? Is this some kinky sex play?”
“No, but let’s reserve that idea for later. Just cover your beautiful eyes, and I’ll trust you not to try and peek.”
“Fine.” She ties the fabric to block her vision.
I test her vision with the ‘how many fingers’ routine. Either she truly has her sight impaired, or she’s really good at playing it off. Once I’m satisfied with the results, I continue the drive and after a couple of blocks, park at our journey’s end. I was concerned she would recognize where we were when we stopped, but since I went the back way, far from a normal route, I think it is different enough to keep it off her radar.
“Okay, we stopped. Now can I take off the blindfold?”
“Not yet. I’m going to put you in your wheelchair and take you to something I have planned for you.” Jumping out of the car, I rush to the other side and open her door so she will know I’m watching her. I then take her wheelchair out the back and open it, making sure to engage the brakes before I put her in it. We proceed along the planned route to her surprise.
“Okay, Austin. What do you have up your sleeve?”
“Just a few more minutes, and you’ll see.”
“I hope it’s not a lame dinner for two.”
“Well, seeing how we ate breakfast about an hour ago, dinner wouldn’t be the answer. And I’m pretty sure this isn’t lame.” I swing open the door and guide her in, steering her over the threshold. The emptiness of the building is amplified by the sound of the door closing.
“Okay, so we’re here, wherever here is. Can I look now? Please?”
“Christmas must’ve been a difficult time for your parents. You are so anxious.”
“Austin, come on. What’s going on?”
