Perfectly Adequate

“You should sleep. And I haven’t been home yet, so lots to do before work tomorrow.”

“Like masturbate?”

“What? No!” She releases my hand and curls her hair behind her ears again.

“Rumor has it I could be in this joint for another week. Think you could smuggle in a pizza some night?”

There it is … that smile. God, it’s oxygen. “Maybe.”

“Drive safely, Dorothy.”

She nods, lips twisted as her gaze makes a slow inspection from my toes to my head. Then she leans over and kisses my cheek. “Goodnight,” she whispers.

I take a slow breath as she walks to the door and close my eye when she disappears around the corner.

“Eli?”

I open my eye again.

She peeks her head around the corner, teeth planted into her bottom lip.

“Yes?”

“I do too.”

“You do too?” I ask.

“Love you. I think I love you too.” She shrugs. “So now you know, just in case you don’t wake up in the morning.”

How incredibly morbid … and … perfect. Three words don’t fit Dorothy. A simple “I love you” would not feel right coming out of her mouth in this moment. Nope. It has to be six. Six is infinitely better than three.

I think I love you too.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Homebound

Dorothy

I keep my routine for the most part. I need routine, especially with Eli in the hospital and his family visiting at randomly different times. Several times I consider suggesting we make up a schedule so his room isn’t stuffed to the limit with visitors. But they seem to enjoy the large gathering, and so does Eli. So I never get the nerve to say anything.

On his last night in the hospital, I stop by after my shift, assuming—hoping—the later hour will grant me some alone time with Eli.

No such luck.

Instead, his parents and Julie are here, discussing his home care. They smile when I slip into the room, even Julie’s smile looks a little more genuine.

“Hi, sweetie.” Lori smiles.

They continue discussing who will take care of Eli until he can get around on his own.

As I take a seat in the corner of the room, Eli winks at me before returning his attention to his mom.

“I’m taking off two days a week to be with you. Your dad will take a day off too. Molly is going to see about taking one morning, but she’s not sure yet. I really think we should consider an in-home nurse just during the day. And I’ll stay over during the nights.” His mom brushes his bangs away from his face.

“I can do two days. And I’ll do nights and weekends too,” Julie announces.

“Jules …” Eli starts to speak.

“It’s fine. I’ve already arranged for two of my colleagues to cover some days for me until you’ve recovered. Then my mom can have a break from watching Roman. She and my dad have been wanting to take a vacation anyway. And Roman can take a break from daycare.” Julie rests her hand on Eli’s arm.

As for me … I want to slink out of the room before anyone looks in my direction.

Too late.

Eli studies Julie with an unreadable expression before sliding his gaze in my direction. “Know any good in-home nurses?”

“Oh—” I do. I know several.

But Julie cuts me off. “Eli, don’t be ridiculous. Why would you want that? I’m giving you more time with Roman. Quality time. It’s the perfect solution, but you’d rather have some stranger help you to the bathroom? In and out of bed?”

Yes. I indeed need to get out of here. I like Boss Bitch. I love world renowned Dr. Hathaway. But Julie, Eli’s ex-wife, doesn’t make my favorite people list with her offer to help him to the bathroom and in and out of bed.

His parents and Julie follow his gaze, which happens to be on me like I’m the one with a decision to make. I don’t even want to be here, let alone weigh in on decisions.

“Thoughts, Dorothy?” Eli asks me.

Wow! No pressure.

“Roman would love spending more time with you.” I make the mistake of giving Julie a quick glance. “Both of you.” My grin feels extra toothy. Extra everything. Do they notice my level of get-me-the-fuck-out-of-here discomfort? “I bet he’ll find it really fun. Lego time. Watching Kratt Brothers. And whatnot.”

Okay! Is everyone happy? Great. Can I leave now?

I hate conflict, so much so I have a terrible track record of putting myself in really uncomfortable positions to avoid dealing with certain situations. My parents find this particular trait frustrating. They think I constantly give up my own happiness because I don’t want to risk the chance of conflict. What they don’t really understand is avoiding conflict makes me happy.

“Do you want to talk privately about this?” Eli asks me, therefore three sets of eyes are on me.

“Not particularly.”

“Can you give us a minute?” he asks.

Lori and Kent don’t blink, they just nod and make their way out of the room. Julie … well, she shows a bit more reluctance to leave. Or maybe her hand is stuck to Eli’s arm.