The Roommate Pact(39)
Whoa. OK, well, I didn’t mean to get all sappy there. I think that’s my cue to sign off.
Hope you have a good day today and we can make out when you get home. I really like kissing you.
Graham
13
Today was June 18.
Her dad’s birthday.
Other than the recurring nightmare Claire often had about his death, she’d successfully avoided thinking about it the three days leading up to today. She worked three twelves in a row, and even though the heavy make-out session with Graham in bed that first night was incredible, she’d been too exhausted the next two nights for a repeat.
Today was her first day off, which would have been nice...
...if it weren’t June 18.
Luckily, she had plans to take Graham to the otolaryngologist later, and as long as speaking was possible, he might be given the green light to use his voice again.
But first, she’d call her mom. They spoke every other week or so, but always talked on her dad’s birthday. Claire figured her mom could use a friend on days like these, and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t benefit from it, as well.
Graham was in his room lifting weights and she used the phone call as an excuse to get out of the house. She grabbed her phone, a doggy bag, and Gertrude’s leash, and the tiny dog came running.
“Is that a tail wag I see?”
The movement ceased.
Claire rolled her eyes and opened the door, anyway. “Let’s go, you little jerk.”
Once they’d descended the porch and Gertrude trotted several feet in front, prancing and sniffing the air daintily, Claire dialed her mom.
“Hey, sweetie.”
“Hey, Mom. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Took the day off. I’m baking.”
“Ooh, baking what?”
“I started with blueberry muffins, and a loaf of French bread is rising on the counter. Thought I’d finish out with some cookies later.”
“I’ll be by in a few hours.”
Her mom laughed.
“I’m serious. I’ll be out your way this afternoon.”
Another chuckle. “I’ll have a package ready to go for you. Will you stay for dinner?”
“Not this time. Graham hurt himself climbing and I’ve been helping him out. He’ll be with me.”
“Is he okay?”
“Dumbass broke his leg.”
“Oh, no, poor guy. How awful.”
“It could have been worse,” was all Claire said.
Her mom didn’t speak for a few long seconds. Some years they talked about her dad and some they didn’t. This was the perfect segue if her mom wanted to talk about it.
“How’s work been? Are you still happy with moving to the ER? Still waiting on the hospital to get your paperwork done?”
“Yeah, I’m still working regular nursing shifts for now. It’s been busy, but I like it. I like being the first one taking care of the patients, but at the same time it’s kind of nice to be able to leave work at the hospital when I go home.” Claire paused when Gertrude found a mailbox particularly interesting. “When I was in the ICU, I was usually caring for the same patients weeks on end, and they’d be on my mind all the time. In the ER it’s different every day. It can be hectic while I’m there, but it’s better for my mental health when I’m not.”
“That makes sense,” her mom said. “What else is new, other than playing nurse for Graham? How are Mia and Noah?”
Gertrude determined the mailbox wasn’t worth her time and they were off again. “Disgustingly adorable.”
“Any special men in your life?”
“Not a one. But, and don’t laugh, I signed up for an online dating platform.”
“Why would I laugh? So did I.”
Claire stopped, causing the leash to catch Gertrude’s collar. The dog looked back and glared. “What?”
“Your mother can’t join a dating service? I’m not that old.”
Claire slowly started moving again. “I—Of course you’re not. I just had no idea. When did you do this?”
“A couple of months ago.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Claire scrunched her nose at her own tone. She was surprised, was all. “For the record, I think it’s great, Mom.” Her mom had hardly dated since Claire’s dad died, and those were mainly blind dates set up through friends.
“I don’t know, I guess I didn’t know what you’d think of it. But since you’re doing it, too...”
“Had any luck so far?”
“Not at first. I went on one date, but we didn’t connect. Then it matched me with a commercial pilot.”
Oof. “Sorry, Mom.”
Her mom cleared her throat. “It’s fine. He might have been perfectly lovely, but I just couldn’t.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“Anyway, I’ve been talking to an accountant in Boulder through email, and he seems nice. We might meet soon.”
An accountant sounded perfect for her mom. Maybe he had a son...
Gertrude paused to do her business in the front lawn of the nicest house on the street. “Let me know how it goes. I just finished my profile, so nothing yet. Maybe we’ll find someone at the same time and we can have a dual wedding.”