My honesty’s rewarded with her twinkling eyes. I’m quite sure she’s smiling underneath that face mask. I wish I could see it.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m proud of you for trying, Levi. I promise, you won’t be sorry.”
“We’ll see,” I tease. Now that the world doesn’t feel so tilted, I can breathe easily. “Thanks for the food, by the way, and the mail. Mind if I eat?”
“Sure, but let me warm it in the nurses’ microwave. I’m sure it’s too cool now.”
She jumps up with the container and leaves the room. When she returns, she demands an update on the infection and surgery. She appears to relax upon hearing my relatively good news.
“I should be sprung in three more days.” I look at the IV bag. “But I’m gonna be on these antibiotics for a long time.”
“This time you’re staying at my house and we’re renting a hospital bed.” Her expression warns me not to speak. “No more taking chances. I’ll be keeping a closer watch from now on.”
Considering the miserable sixteen hours I’ve spent wondering if she’d be returning, I agree. I won’t risk pushing her away again.
Plus, I’m curious to see the inside of her house. I know it’s a rental, but I suspect she’s particular and took her time to pick something she’d feel at home in, even temporarily. It’ll be interesting to live with someone for a while. Ironically, I haven’t had a roommate since Dan, in Florida.
Lindsey
Elena visited Levi twice during his stay at the hospital. Her obvious lust only pushes him further away. I’m tempted to tell her the truth, but he’d probably kill me. No doubt she’ll be stopping by once he’s settled in my house.
He’ll be wearing a PICC line to administer intravenous antibiotics during the next several weeks, so he’s hiring a nurse to check him twice a week. Thank God. A trained set of eyes will recognize the signs of infection better than mine would.
The hospital bed arrived yesterday. It’s set up in the living room by the sliding doors to provide Levi a nice view of the ocean, and easy access to a bathroom and the kitchen.
Under other circumstances, I’d be perfectly comfortable moving him in during his recovery. However, I haven’t confessed the truth about my new roommate to my parents. I hate lying to them but don’t want to go to war over it, either. I guess I’m a coward, or maybe simply pragmatic. I’m a grown-up and am entitled to some privacy anyway, right?
On the ride home from the hospital, I thank God the doctors were able to control the infection. Levi’s still weakened, but his color’s better, and the rash and fever have receded. When we arrive at my house, he postpones the tour and crawls directly into the bed.
Once he’s comfortably stretched out, he scans the living room and grins. “It’s cheerful in here, Lindsey. Suits you.”
“When I saw it online, it looked perfect.” I survey the living room in affirmation. “I really love it.”
“Thanks for sharing your space with me. I know it’s an imposition.”
“It’s fine. Of course, if you don’t cooperate, then I’ll ship you off to Elena’s!” I laugh but am inwardly ashamed for picking on her. She’s a lonesome woman, like me, trying to improve her life.
“She’s persistent, that’s for sure.” He shakes his head wearily. “Not sure how to deal with her.”
“Well, if you can’t be honest, then tell her you have a girlfriend. That should stop her from hoping.”
“She’s never seen me with anyone more than once, not ever.” He stares out the window, considering my idea. “I reckon she’d know it’s a lie.”
“Tell her it’s me.” As the words pass over my lips, my body temperature spikes. What the hell am I thinking? In a second moment of stupidity, I plunge further, hoping to make light of it all. “She’ll believe it; she suspects it anyhow. I’ll play along. But make sure she knows she’s welcome to visit and be your friend.”
A seductive smile plays on his lips. “How far are you willing to play along?”
His grin and flirtatious invitation make me tingly all over. Having him live here might be more than I can take. Is he teasing or testing the waters? Which do I want to be true? I can’t decide, but one good turn deserves another. I’ll not be the only one dancing on a hot tin roof.
“Well, I guess you’ll have to wait and see,” I pose coyly, then head for the hills. “You rest now. I’ll run out to pick up some things from the store. Be back in an hour.” I snatch the keys from the counter and bolt from the room before he notices the color in my cheeks.