“Wow. They seem so happy, though.”
“They are now. However, it was an uphill battle for a while.”
“If he’s paralyzed, did they adopt?” I ask, embarrassed to bring it up.
Shayne chuckles. “As he’d say, the plumbing still works.”
“Oh, Jesus.”
“Freeze is a funny guy like that.”
“I’m sure his good humor must’ve helped him through.”
“Is the older child theirs, too?”
“Oh no, that’s Blanche’s daughter from her previous marriage. Whitney is a great girl. She’s going to college in Virginia, so we only get to see her occasionally.”
It’s all so normal. Kids in school, step-parents, triumphs, and tragedies. He unlocks the room, and we step inside.
“I’ll get someone to come by with clean sheets and towels. I’m sure those are stale by now.”
“You have a maid?”
“Of sorts.”
Aaah, the barter system.
“Sit, I’ll be back.”
Plopping down on the edge of the bed, I take in the barren walls. It saddens me. There are no photos, knickknacks, or personal items in plain sight. This could be anyone’s room. Is this how he grew up? No real attachments? The painting being revealed is a stark one. He returns with a handful of fresh linen and towels.
“Why is your room so bare?”
“Oh, this is sort of a temporary situation. After everything with my father, I didn’t feel comfortable staying in our home, so I moved in here. I should go through things, but I haven’t been in the right head space.”
“So most of your things are there?”
“Yeah, everything I’ve accumulated over the years is there.”
“Have you been back since he died?”
“Not sober. The last time I tried I ended up trashing a few rooms and my brother had to drag me out and sober me up. It was messy.”
“Maybe that’s one of the things holding you back,” I suggest quietly.
“I came here to put it to rest. I have been letting the past screw with me for long enough. My future and my happiness rest with you. Having one foot back then isn’t helping me. I’m ready to face my demons and put it all to rest.”
We finish making the bed. “Will you go with me?”
“Of course … Wait now?”
He nods his head. “When the sun rises it’ll be a new start for us.”
“I want it, too,” I admit.
“Then it’s settled. I can brave the flames of hell if I get my angel in the end.”
I look away, unable to face the admiration shining in his gaze.