“Glad I could help.” It feels good to be useful for a change.
“You’re seriously a life saver. I can’t believe I forgot to print it off. I think I was tired when I finished it last night that it slipped my mind. I wanted to sleep. I have to go or I’ll be late, but thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, but she’s already dashing away and through the glass double doors into the school.
I hesitate for a moment, looking around. I have a brief flash of what my life could’ve been like if I hadn’t gotten sick. This could be my life. Laughing and chatting with friends. Going to football games. Maybe even being a cheerleader—okay, let’s face it, that one would never happen, I don’t have enough pep for that shit.
Somehow, I manage to pull myself away and back to my car.
I’m not sure what I should do, there’s not much in this town you can do for fun with just yourself. I finally decide to pick up a coffee and go to the beach to read.
I’m clearly the life of the party.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Being quiet and liking to keep to yourself.
I drive to Cool Beans and as I walk inside I can’t help but think of the guy Perry ran over when we were here yesterday. Heat rushes to my cheeks and I press my hand to them, surprised by the sensation.
Chances are I’ll never see the guy again and that, for some stupid reason, makes me sad.
It’s not like I’m exactly in a position to start a relationship.
Besides, he was older, and older guys don’t want someone like me.
A kid—that’s all he could possibly see me as.
I step into line, looking at the menu. They’re constantly adding new items, I never know whether I want to get my go-to favorite or try something they’ve added.
Cool Beans is a local hangout, much like Monsterwiches. It has a unique vibe, with cobalt-blue and lime-green walls. The tile behind the register is a mirrored iridescent that sends rainbows around the entire shop. Many people come here to work and sit clacking at their laptops while sipping a coffee.
Sometimes, Harlow has me bring her here to do her homework. I’ll sit with her, drinking coffee and eating a snack. They make the best croissants here.
The person in front of me moves aside and it’s finally my time to order.
“What can I get for you?” The barista asks.
“Um …” I sway back and forth on my feet. “I’ll have an iced caramel latte, and can I also get a small lavender lemonade?”
“Sure thing.” She gives me my total and I pay.
I take a seat while I wait since there are a few people who ordered before me still waiting.
I glance around the shop, watching the people inside.
People watching is one of my favorite things. You can learn so much about someone by paying attention to them.
Like the man in the corner with one hand on his head and spinning his wedding ring in his other is having marriage troubles.
And the woman on her phone scrolling through a dating app is feeling her biological clock ticking.
How can I possibly know that?
I’ve seen her here before looking at fertility websites.
You can learn a lot about your fellow human beings if you care to look.
But most people don’t.
Care, that is.