Page 107 of How You See Me
Mom:No. Chemo wiped her out.
Mom:Although, all the talking she did might have been the culprit. You were the preferred topic of conversation today. If needed, she has a few nurses lined up for you when you get back.
Me:Not necessary.
Mom:Does that mean your talk with Josie’s brother went well?
Me:It did. Apparently, we were stupid to worry.
Mom:And . . .
Me:I think Josie and I are officially together.
Mom:Think?
Me:We haven’t exactly said the words.
Mom:Young people these days. If you’re not seeing other people, you’re together. Simple as that.
Me:Some stuff happened recently, and I don’t want to push her.
Mom:Ah. “Stuff.” I know what that means. Say no more.
I’m so glad this is a text conversation, so I can detour without backlash.
Me:Any idea when Ava will bedischarged?
Mom:Doctors say maybe tomorrow if she doesn’t have any unusual side effects.
Me:That’s good. Keep me posted.
When Josie makes her selection, we meet at the register. The cashier bags the camera and a thick envelope, handing it all to me.
“What was that?” Josie asks, eyeing the envelope.
“Your pictures.”
“You brought the card?” Tears swim but don’t spill. “Thank you.”
“Now, you can finish the waterfall painting.”
Once we hit the sidewalk outside, she rises to her toes, planting a kiss on me to rival the one I got in the tub.
“Take me home, Hot Stuff. I’d like to thank you properly.”
???
Lying in bed next to Josie might be the best kind of peace I’ve ever known.
“Do you feel appreciated?” she purrs, draping one leg over mine, her fingertips trailing over my jaw.
“Thoroughly. But as much as I’d like to stay here, I’ve got one more thing to show you.”
She groans. “Another surprise? I swear, my heart’s going to explode.”
“Today was about you, and it’s not over.” I check the time. “Get dressed.”
“Wow. That’s something I didn’t expect you to say.”
