10
RAVEN
The phone ringsjust as the door opens, and a woman walks in pushing a food cart.
“Thank you,” I say quickly as the woman heads to the table and starts setting the food down.
I turn around and take the call.
“Are you okay?” Giana asks, panting.
“Yes. Why?”
Smiling, I lower myself in a chair next to the table and look out the window.
“I had a horrible dream last night,” she says, still short on breath.
I freeze but keep my smile on my face.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
She laughs.
“You’re not going to believe this. I’m at the gym.”
“Gym?”
“Yes.”
My gaze slides to the table while the woman nods and leaves the room.
“What made you go to the gym?” I ask.
She laughs, entertained.
“Thanks for your invaluable support.”
I put her on speaker before smearing jam on a warm bagel.
“That’s not what I meant,” I reply. “I’m glad you work out. It’s just that you’ve never been to a gym before.”
“It’s the snow… And sitting in the house all day long drives me nuts. So I thought this would be a nice change.”
“I thought you liked it.”
“I do. But it’s too much. Anyway. I’m glad you’re okay.”
I chew slowly, delighted by the aroma of oranges and mint blended into the jam.
“What was your dream about?” I murmur, keeping my voice even.
She laughs nervously.
“It was horrible. You were on a boat…”
I freeze, the food stuck in my mouth.
“Go on…” I say after a moment. “What was so wrong about me being on a boat?”