Page 44 of Between Love and War
“Too late,” Richard chimes in, gleefully holding up his phone. “Group chat’s already buzzing. Lila texted:‘Michael Lee injured, Ate Kate probably comforting him rn.’”
Ryan tapes the bandage neatly, completely indifferent to the gossip around him. I aim to be this unbothered. “There. Just don’t use it today. Wash it tomorrow. If it still hurts, slap on a regular band-aid.”
I thank him. “Do you always do this for the residents?”
“Yeah,” Ryan says, standing. “Bon’s very dramatic when someone gets hurt.” He leans down and kisses her temple, murmuring, “I’ll be back after lunch.” He waves goodbye to everyone as he leaves for a surgery he’s performing.
As he steps out, my phone buzzes.
Katie: You okay? Everyone's worried.
I stare at the screen longer than necessary, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. Everyone’s worried. She’s worried?
Michael (Me): Thanks for worrying, but I'm fine. Barely a scratch.
Three dots appear. Then vanish. Then appear again.
Katie: Guess I'll return the 'Get Well Soon' balloons I just ordered.
I laugh, then quickly try to hide it. Thankfully, Bon and Haley are busy talking, and Richard’s eating in the kitchen. It’s not lost on me that even without Kate, I still feel like I belong in this weird little group.
Michael (Me): Haha. Where are you anyway??
Katie: Buying baking supplies. Why?
Michael (Me): Nothing. Just making sure you're safe from metal posts
I stare at the screen even after the chat ends, thumb hovering like I’m waiting for her to say more. Which is stupid.
I’ve never even been a texter. I even leave people on read, reply three hours late, and forget birthdays unless my calendar screams at me.
I guess this town’s really growing on me.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Michael
Ijog to Lily’s just in time for Kate to drop off her cookies. Seriously, these are the most addictive cookies in the world.
“I should start charging you for that,” Kate says as I swipe one off the top of the box.
“Or,” I say, already biting into it, “you could finally just give me the recipe and set me free.”
Kate raises an eyebrow. “Free to what? Burn down your kitchen? Please. You don’t even own measuring spoons.”
“You don’t need measuring spoons when you have passion,” I say, hand to chest, dramatically. “Besides, I’m a man of many talents. Baking could be one of them.”
I help her carry the boxes to Lily’s, and we arrange them in the lounge. It’s almost been a week since my hand ‘injury,’ so I can easily use my hand now.
“I’m serious though,” I add. “You should monetize this. Open a cute little shop. Sell out in a day. Get discovered. End up on a Netflix show. Boom. Meet your future husband.”
She slaps my arm. “Shh!” She still chuckles, though, as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
She adds, “Because men are definitely lining up to commit based on cookie quality alone.”
“Are you kidding? One bite of these and any decent guy would never leave your side.”
“Kinda like what you’re doing now?” she shoots back before she can stop herself.
