Page 72 of Between the Lines

He nodded. “Good plan.”

As he pulled out of the lot, Cece rested her head back against the seat and let herself feel the simple comfort of not being alone.

They stopped at a small coffee place a few blocks from the clinic, the kind with mismatched chairs and a chalkboard menu that changed slightly every day. It felt like a hipster hangout, but it was still cute and, at this point, Cece wouldn’t have cared if the décor was themed around the Teletubbies.

Joe went inside while she took a seat at one of the outdoor tables. After how chilly the doctor’s office had been, the warmth of the late-morning air was a welcome thing. She rolled her shoulders once, testing how she felt. Her neck was tender on that side, and she honestly thought she might lay down when she got home. She felt a little worn out. But also relieved that it was behind her.

She took her phone from her bag and opened the Queen Bees text thread. Her fingers hovered for a moment, then she typed. Procedure’s done. Everything went smoothly. I’ll have more information once results come back.

She added a second line before anyone could ask the inevitable question of how she was. I’m okay. Just tired.

She hit Send and set the phone face-down on the table. It buzzed almost immediately, then again, then again. She didn’t look yet. She wasn’t ready for all the care and concern, mostly because she thought it might make her cry.

Joe came back with two iced lattes and a glazed blueberry scone wrapped in wax paper. “Figured you might want something small,” he said. “Just in case.”

“You figured right.” She smiled up at him and took the cup he handed her, wrapping both hands around it. She was warm enough now that a cold drink sounded good.

She took a sip, then finally flipped her phone over.

Blaise had responded first. Glad to hear it went well. Proud of you.

Essie followed. Thank you for letting us know. Take it easy today. You’re still in my prayers.

Then Maude. You need anything, just let us know.

Paige’s arrived right after that. I’m so glad Joe’s with you. Rest all you need.

Althea’s message came last. One step at a time. That’s all anyone can do. But we’re here if you need us.

Cece swallowed past the tight feeling in her throat. She would not cry. She sent back a simple heart emoji. That felt like enough. They knew she appreciated them.

She took a sip of the iced latte and let the noise of the street wash over her. Cars passed by. Someone laughed at something two tables away. It was a normal day for the rest of the world. She broke off a piece of the scone and ate it, the sweetness making her mouth water.

Joe watched her over the rim of his cup. “You good?”

“Yes,” she said, and meant it. “I really am.”

They sat there for a while without rushing, sharing the scone, talking about odds and ends. About tomorrow, when he was coming over to record his interview. About a new song idea he’d scribbled down earlier that morning. Whether or not they’d walk on the beach later if she felt up to it.

For now, the hardest part of the day was over.

Joe drove her home with the windows cracked, the warm breeze carrying in the smell of salt. She leaned back and closed her eyes.

He didn’t say much, just let her rest. He kept one hand on the wheel and the other close enough to hers that she could reach for it if she wanted. She didn’t, but she liked knowing it was there.

When they pulled into her driveway, he shut off the engine and looked over at her. “You want me to walk you in?”

“Yes,” she said without hesitation. The fatigue had settled in fast and heavy, the kind that made everything feel slightly out of focus. She chalked it up to the adrenaline leaving her system.

Inside, the house was wonderfully dim and quiet, the curtains half-drawn against the encroaching sun, the air keeping things plenty cool. Cece kicked off her shoes and barely made it to the couch before lowering herself onto it, stretching out with a small, relieved sigh.

Joe pulled the throw off the back and spread it over her. “You need anything?”

“No, I’m⁠—”

Peanut immediately voiced her displeasure from the kitchen, a sharp, insistent meow that carried down the hall.

Cece laughed. “I guess she thought you were talking to her.”