Chapter 10
REENA
The last couple days have been a blur of activity.
Packing up my uncle's things, making arrangements for his move into the care facility.
Crying with sadness and maybe even a little relief that the decision has been made.
That there's no more wondering when it would happen and that my uncle would be hurt, confused. Angry.
In the end, he made the decision. And he's seemed more at peace than I've seen him in a long time.
Porter has been there every step of the way.
It should feel strange that he's such an integral part of this process, but he's taken his role as boyfriend far more seriously than I expected him to.
There's the dinners he shows up for and helps prepare, the way he cleans up without being asked, and the morning runs he volunteered to be part of.
Not to mention the way he's jumped in to help Uncle Cliff transition from here to his new apartment at the care facility.
In short, he makes my life easier. And it's terrifying.
Because what happens when this is over? When he doesn't have to pretend anymore?
I'll be the one with the broken heart and he'll go back to his life up on the mountain. Quiet. Peaceful. With no one to worry about but himself.
I watch out the window as Porter unloads another box from the bed of his truck, his flexing back muscles obvious even through his shirt. It's impossible to forget that I had my hand on those same muscles just yesterday, when he kissed me good night.
My lips tingle all over again at the memory.
Heat floods through me and I wish for another kiss.
For even more. I can't stop thinking about what it would feel like to be held in his strong arms, to be cuddled up next to him.
His sheer size would normally be intimidating, but with him, I just feel safe.
"See something out there you like?" asks a knowing voice, and I turn to find Dr. Nance has joined us.
My cheeks go hot, but there's no way to hide it so I try to cover it with humor. "There are lots of nice things to look at out there."
She nods, giving me an assessing once over. "I'm pleased that this has worked out so well, you know. I thought we'd have a chance at convincing Cliff to join us once he felt your future was secure, but to have it happen this fast, and with such little disruption. It's gone better than I hoped."
"Your idea was a good one. And Porter lived up to the agreement."
"Told you he's a good man. And, if you want my opinion, he seems quite invested in this relationship."
Hope makes the words catch in my throat. "What relationship?"
Dr. Nance only grins, pulling her phone from her pocket and answering the call. "Yes, yes, I'll be there right away."
She turns to go and then stops at the door, looking back at me over her shoulder. "You know what Cliff wants you to do now, Reena? Live. Live your life."
I'm left staring at her, my finger twirling a lock of my hair as I nervously chew on my lip, unsure exactly how to do that.