"Well, I guess I'm about to be replaced," I say, trying to keep things light. I don't give him time to respond and launch into my speech. "Siri can help you do everything from making phone calls to sending and receiving text messages. She’ll help you find places near you, give you the weather forecast, and there are apps dedicated to people who need help to see, which you can use in a pinch."
As I talk, I notice him holding the phone in his hands, getting a feel for it, and learning where the different buttons are.
Is it in a case?" he asks, proving he’s getting around and learning his environment.
"Yes, it's in a protective case, so if you drop it, it'll be protected. Gem will also know the command ‘bring me my phone,’ so it needs to be protected when she picks it up with her mouth."
I go over basic commands with him, showing him how to pull up the weather and the time. Of course, Gavin being Gavin, he masters it right away. I also show him how to use a few commands to help him find his phone if he's having trouble locating it.
"All right, now we’re going to learn to call and text. Noah’s and Lexi’s phone numbers are programmed into your phone, along with Easton’s, head of security. Paisley’s number is in there, too, in case you need help with Gem. And finally, my number. Oh, and the number to the nurse's station so you can get whoever is on duty if you need something."
Thinking for a moment, I decide to shoot him a text.
Me: Do you still like cheeseburgers?
I send it, and his phone beeps and vibrates in his hand.
"What was that?"
"Looks like you have a text," I tell him, helping him go through the basic verbal commands of opening the text and having it read to him.
When he learns it's from me, a smile crosses his face. "Yes, I do."
"No, that's cheating. You have to text it back."
I show him how to do it. He gets it down pat and my phone pings with a text message.
Gavin: Yes, I still love cheeseburgers and fries.
I continue to go through some basics on accepting calls and finding out who's calling before he picks up.
"To give you as much privacy as possible, there’s a set of headphones in the top drawer of your nightstand. You can plug them in so that at least parts of your messages are private. Having privacy is hard when you’re giving vocal commands for everything.”
Before we wrap up for the day, I help him download some audiobooks onto the phone so he has something to do while in his room.
"All right, get dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and shoes and meet me in the lobby. We are going out," I tell him as I stand.
"We’re going outside?"
"No, we’re getting out of Oakside because I want a freaking burger, and it's lunchtime. You've been working hard, so I figure you deserve to have a good burger and fries."
He stands, but I can tell his nerves are taking over because he's not as confident as he was on the walk from the other side of the room to the couch. Without thinking, I place my hand in the center of his chest. The need to comfort him and let him know everything is going to be okay takes over.
"I promise not to leave your side the whole time. This isn't some test. It’s us going out to get some food as friends."
When he rests his hand on top of mine, I swear I've never wanted to kiss this man so much.
For a brief moment, he's not my client. He's my Gavin, who’s held my heart for so long, and I've missed him more than I want to admit. I want to do is say “screw it” and press my lips to his. I almost do, but a noise in the hallway pulls me back to reality.
Gavin is my patient, and I can't cross that line. Dropping my hand, I take a giant step back.“Get dressed and meet me in the lobby."
I gather my stuff and step out into the hallway, closing the door behind me.
In the lobby, I find Lexi at the front desk, so I head over and tell her my plans. "Gavin's doing well, so I thought we'd get out of Oakside for lunch and into a new situation to see how he reacts," I tell Lexi, trying to keep it professional.
Lexi gives me a look that tells me I’m anything but, and she's probably right. "Well, don't keep him out too long. He's got a therapy appointment at two. You can sign him out here.”
She hands me the book, and Gavin steps into the lobby as I finish signing the paperwork to take him off the Oakside grounds.
He looks extremely nervous as I walk up to him.
"I spoke with Lexi, and we're all set to go."
"Okay." He reaches out, taking my hand, and I hope I’ve made the right choice.