A Shattered Glass, My Life Without Her

Maybe One Lady

Ray arrived earlier this afternoon and Kat couldn't get home from work any faster. She misses him so much. I miss him too. But what I really miss is how happy Kat is when Ray is around. She smiles more and has an energy, beyond her normal levels, that could inspire a sloth to get up and go. And lucky for all of us, Ray brought Bernie with him. And who doesn't love Bernie Barretti?

'Are you sure you don't want me to drive you over there?' Ray offers yet again. He had traveled for most of his day and had finally settled into the apartment but still insists to drive me to Dom's place.

I agreed with Dom to let the couple have the night to themselves so am packing my things to depart in a few minutes. Dom had actually asked if we could hang out this evening and learning Ray was arriving today had generously told Kat I could stay at her place if I wanted. I fill my bag with some ingredients from the kitchen, having decided to make dinner for Dom and I. My hip is certain the foul weather would keep us indoors for the night.

'I'd take you with me Bern, but theah's rain coming and you'd be miserable. Plus you'd never fuhgive me if I made you endure the trip.' I explained to Bernie as I slipped my rain jacket on to leave. He kissed my nose, turned and trotted off. I guess he was okay with staying home. 'Have a good night you two. Don't get into too much trouble.' I try announcing my departure without interrupting the couple, but of course Kat came over to the door anyway.

'You have all your things?' I nod with a smile. 'You sure you don't want Ray to drive you? Then you don't have to get caught in the weather. The clouds look like they are ready to let loose any minute now.'

'I'm fine. It's just a little water. And I wanna walk.' I reply.

'Okay. Be safe. Give Dom a hug for me.' Kat wraps her arms around me for a hug. 'And thank you for doing this Iev, truly.'

'It's nothing... plus I'm sure you're tired of seeing me every minute of every weekend too.' I partly joke with a shrug. 'See you tuhmorrow Ray.' I call out to him.

'Thanks Iev. Stay warm and have a good night.' He replies from the kitchen.

***

'Iev, you're completely drenched!' Dom exclaimed upon opening her front door for me 'Come in, come in!' She hurried me forward. 'Did you walk here in this weather?'

'It wasn't far,' I respond stepping into the entryway and removing my backpack. A coating of sleet slid down to the floor mat. 'But I couldn't bring Bernie. He wouldn't have been able to handle this weather.'

'No he wouldn't,' She agrees quickly reaching my collar from behind to slide my damp jacket off my back, 'Iev, your shirt is soaked through too!' She continues with a gasp.

'It's okay Dom. It's probably just my sweat.' I attempt to ease her concerns. If she only knew the storms I had endured as a child, trudging through fifteen minutes of weather really isn't that much.

'We need to get you into something dry and warm. I know you're not cold, but I am, just, just seeing you like this.' She stammered with a shiver. She wrapped herself with her free arm, rubbing the other one to warm up.

I deflect her suggestion, peeling my boots off and reaching my backpack for the ingredients. ' Ray gave you this bottle of wine.' I held the gift up to her. 'It's pre-chilled.'

Dom chuckles at. 'Oh, that's perfect. Thank you.' She surveyed the items in my hands. 'Those can all go in the kitchen.' She directed me to the counter facing the living room. I pause, hoping she would step forward first. But no such luck. She stretches her arm out offering me space to go ahead. I glance a nervous smile at her before taking a step. My left foot always leading.