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She laughed. “Thanks, I think.”
Levi and Asher definitely resembled each other, though Asher was blonder and younger. She had no difficulty at all seeing Asher as an elite Special Forces soldier. Even seated he was imposing, his bearing military and his eyes sharp and seeing everything. From time to time another expression, one she assumed was from pain, crossed his face, but even that was stoic.
“Are those plans you have in your hand?” Levi asked, motioning to the rolled-up paper she held.
“Oh, yes. I have a few questions about the kitchen for Asher.”
“Spread the plans out on the table and we’ll go over them,” Levi said, motioning to the large table pushed against the wall.
Asher looked comfortable where he was. He wore his prosthesis and had a walker sitting beside him. She started to suggest she bring the plans over there but Levi caught her eye and shook his head. So she laid out the plans on the table and started asking questions when they came over.
“Do you plan to cook, Asher? Or will you predominately be using the refrigerator and some cupboards?”
He shook his head. “No cooking. In fact, like I told Levi, you don’t need to remodel the kitchen for me.”
“Levi?”
“We’re still discussing it.”
“All right. But can I ask you a few things just in case?”
Asher shrugged. “Sure.”
She knew Levi had ordered and installed a new refrigerator so there was no need to mention that. She asked Asher a couple of other questions about the kitchen and then rolled up the papers. “Have you had a chance to see if there are any problems with your bathroom?”
“I took a shower this morning. Everything’s fine.”
“The cabinet and countertop heights are good?”
“Yes. They’re good for a wheelchair.”
“That was the plan. I’ve been told most amputees use a wheelchair at least part of the time. Particularly at night.”
“So I hear. What happens when I move out?”
“I’m sorry?”
“When I move out. What happens to all the modifications you made? Do you put everything back the way it was?”
She hadn’t been expecting that question, and from the look on Levi’s face, neither had he.
“You just got here,” Levi said. “Why the hell are you already talking about moving out?”
“Because I’ll have to sooner or later.”
“Why?”
“I can’t live with you forever, Levi. This is why I don’t think you should alter the kitchen.” He added, “Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate all you and Dana have done to make my quarters accessible. But if you’d asked me I’d have told you not to do it and just let me make do.”
Levi stared at him, clearly completely taken aback.
“I’ll see you two later. I need to talk to the workmen.” And get herself out of this very uncomfortable situation. Unsurprisingly, neither one paid any attention when she left.
*
“What the hell, Asher?” Levi repeated. “Why are you talking about moving out?”
“I’m going to need my own place. And so are you. Not for a while, obviously, but once I can cope on my own. Or soon after that.”
