Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 89666 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89666 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Amid lots of hugs and excited greetings, we were shown to a secluded table on the back patio that overlooked a pond where the dragonflies zipped through the air and a couple of weeping willows dipped branches into the water. There was a steady buzz of conversation from the other diners but out here, the noise dropped to a dull murmur.
“Of course you can get right into The Dragonfly’s Wing,” Byron murmured with a smile after the server left us with water and menus.
“Well, I did give them a good chunk of start-up cash, and I try to eat here at least twice a month. Their T-bone is amazing, and on Sunday, they have the best prime rib in the city.”
Byron’s smile grew even wider. “They also have one of the longest waitlists to get a reservation in the city.”
“Then you’ll have to return with me for another meal.”
My companion said nothing. He just dipped his head behind his menu, directing his attention to finding food. Our conversation meandered as we talked about food preferences and my deep abiding hatred for anything to do with a sweet potato in all its forms.
By the time the server returned and took our orders, we were relaxed once again. A comfortable silence settled between us, and I had a moment to admire his profile as he stared out at the lake. Sometimes we felt like old friends. I’d known Byron for three years. We’d interacted five days a week with few exceptions. Even when one of us took vacation time, we found a reason to sneak into each other’s texts or emails. Going more than a weekend without talking to Byron felt wrong.
“Ronnie would have loved this place,” Byron said suddenly in a voice so soft I almost didn’t hear him.
“Ronnie? An ex?”
Byron gave his head a shake. “My older brother. He loved to fish. Got out on a lake or pond or river any chance he could.”
My heart squeezed for Byron, and I fought the urge to reach across the table to cover his hand with mine. “When did he pass away?”
Byron’s head snapped around and he blinked at me for a second as if he were waking from a trance. “Oh. Sorry. God, I’m an ass. Ronnie didn’t die.” There was a slight redness to the tips of his ears as he gazed at the lake. “Ronnie was involved in a car accident when he was seventeen, and he suffered severe brain damage as a result. He…struggles with memory, speech, and has extremely violent outbursts. There’s only three years’ difference between us, but he’s stuck with the mind of a child in the body of an adult.”
“There must be times where it feels like he died in that accident, because he’s no longer the brother you remember.”
Byron grunted in agreement, his eyes still locked on the lake as if he were lost in thought.
“Would you like to leave? We can find somewhere—”
“No!” Byron jerked in his seat, his eyes wide. “Absolutely not. I’ve been dying to eat here. Plus, if Ronnie no longer has the chance to visit a restaurant like this, I can at least do it for him.” Byron swallowed hard, and his smile was brittle. “He lives in a hospital now. Long-term care facility. He doesn’t get outside much, but it’s an excellent facility and they take excellent care of him. As best they can…”
“What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with the care he’s receiving?”
“No. I—” He stopped himself and turned toward me, but he kept his head lowered, his glare directed at his water glass.
“We’re friends, Byron. You can talk to me. Do I need to take out the egg?”
A half smile curled up one side of his mouth. “You do not have that with you.”
I reached into my pocket, took out the marble egg, and positioned it in front of him, earning me the best surprised laugh.
“The Friend Egg says talk,” I said.
“That’s not always going to work,” he replied as he wiped one corner of his eye. “But yesterday, the topper on my already shit day was a call from Ronnie’s doctor. They needed to increase and adjust his meds because of a violent outburst. No one was hurt, thankfully, but the doctor reminded me that Ronnie needs to be moved to another facility. The current place can manage, but it’s always a strain for them if he has a bad day. Their top answer for problems is to dose him with more drugs, but the doc thinks that this other hospital would help him more because they have more programs that can work with Ronnie.”
“Is the other location full? Can they not take him?”
Byron shook his head. “The other facility is twice as expensive.” When he lifted his lips this time, it was frail and bitter as he tossed his hands up. “You know healthcare in America. It’s always ridiculously expensive.”