A Five-Minute Life

“Woah, be cool, man. Honest mistake.” He held up his hands and walked backward toward the door. “Won’t happen again.”

I had no clue if I could believe him or not. I wasn’t good at “reading people.” I stared him down until he was out of the rec room, then hurried to kneel beside Thea.

“Hey,” I said gently.

She looked at me fearfully, her breath coming in short gasps. “How long has it been?” she whispered.

“Two years,” I

said. “The doctors are working on your case. They’re going to figure it out.”

And if they’re not, I’m going to make them.

She nodded and sucked in a few deep breaths. “I’ve been away. But I’m back now.”

“I’m glad you came back,” I said.

A slow smile broke over her face, like a sunrise. “You’re the first person I’ve seen.” She offered her hand, her voice strengthening. “I’m Thea Hughes.”

“Hi, Thea. I’m Jimmy.”

Her friendly expression was back. “Jimmy,” she said. “That name fits you. You have kind eyes.”

I smiled. “So I’ve been told.”

I found Alonzo outside on a bench, smoking a cigarette.

He held up his hands. “I know, I know. I heard everything. Brett apologized. He couldn’t believe Miss Hughes’ situation and took it too far. It won’t happen again.”

“You’re not going to f-f-fire him?”

Alonzo’s eyes widened slightly, and humiliation crawled over my skin like red ants, making my face burn. The goddamn stutter stealing away any authority or clout I might have had.

“I thought Delia was just being rude the other day,” Alonzo said, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it. “You could have told me.”

I stiffened. “I don’t tell anyone. Why would I?”

Alonzo watched me almost sadly a moment, then waved a hand. “Never mind. Brett’s on notice. Any more antics and he’s out of here.” He gave me a dark look. “I heard you got pretty rough with him.”

My chin lifted. “Thea had a seizure.”

“Christ.” Alonzo blew smoke out. “Look, I’m getting old and I’m tired. We need Dodson. I’ll put him on the night shift for a few weeks where he can’t talk to anyone, how’s that?”

I crossed my arms.

Alonzo sat up and jabbed the two fingers holding the cigarette in my direction. “Don’t give me that look, Whelan. I’m this close to putting you on the night shift too, you got me? Brett was out of line but so were you. You can’t be getting in pissing matches over Miss Hughes. It’s unprofessional, for starters. Moreover, she’s not yours.”

My shoulders tensed. “I know she isn’t.”

“Do you? I hear you want to buy art supplies for her.”

“They’re bought.”

“Lord above, did Delia approve that?”

I said nothing.

“That would be no.” Alonzo sighed. “I knew it. You’re falling for the poor girl.”