Memories

22. Clearing the Air

Bailey was glad that today was their day off. It would give Steve ample time to read what she had left for him. He had come into the house from his run just as she had finished her cup of coffee.

"Hhhmm. He only ran about thirty minutes." She thought to herself.

"Hey babe." Steve greeted.

"Good morning, coffee's ready for you." Bailey greeted in reply.

Steve frowned; she was clearly still upset. He looked at the coffee table and saw that his cup was indeed sitting there, next to the memory book. Apparently, this was only over once he had read whatever she had left for him. But then why had she apologized? Was she apologizing for the fight or for something she had left for him to read? He doubted she would tell him. Steve sighed and decided he would sit down to read it after his shower.

Bailey noticed the frown on her husband's face and saw him look at the memory book. She could guess what he was thinking. She then stood up and took her empty coffee cup into the kitchen and washed it in the sink. She considered making breakfast, but she wasn't very hungry. But then she reconsidered that Steve might be. So, she went to the refrigerator and pulled out the eggs and bacon. Bailey grabbed a frying pan from the overhang where they kept the post and pans. She set it on the stove, turned it on, and made her husband breakfast. While she was cooking, she realized that Steve's coffee had probably gone cold, so she turned down the heat on the burner and went into the living room. Steve was coming down from his shower all clean and dressed when he noticed his wife take away his untouched coffee.

"Am I not allowed to drink that?" He asked confused.

"It's cold. I'm just going to get you a fresh cup to have with your breakfast." Bailey replied disappearing into the kitchen.

Steve smiled, walked over to the memory book, grabbed it, and sat on the sofa. He felt relieved that at least his wife was no longer angry enough to not cook for him. He had been making his breakfasts for the past couple of mornings. He could cook, but he had to admit it was limited and he preferred his wife's cooking to his own. Steve cracked the memory book open, flipped through the pages, and found the entry titled "Catherine". He briefly wondered why she had written about his ex but quickly decided the best way to find out was just to start reading.

Steve had been reading for about twenty-five minutes when Bailey cleared her throat. He looked up to see her standing in front of him with his breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. He marked his place in the memory book and put it on the coffee table.

"Thanks, Vi," Steve said, taking the plate and coffee she was holding out for him.

"You're welcome, honey," Bailey replied.

She then turned to go back to the kitchen.

"You're not going to eat with me?" Steve asked with a frown.

"I only made enough for you. I'm not hungry. I was just going to go clean the kitchen." She responded, turning to look at him.

"You haven't been eating much the past few days. Why don't you come share this with me?" Steve suggested.

"Because you eat like a horse. There isn't enough there for the two of us to share." Bailey replied with a smirk.

"You're starting to sound like, Danny. Could you just get over here and share this with me, please?" Steve argued.

Bailey threw up her hands in surrender and exasperation. She walked back over to the sofa and sat next to her husband.

"Happy now, Mac?" Bailey asked, slightly annoyed.