Off The Moon

I’m coming.” Ryan trudged to the door and checked the peephole. With a yawn, he opened it for Daws and his girlfriend.

                “Fall asleep on the couch again?” Daws glanced at the wrinkled T-shirt and sweats.

                Ryan left him to close the door. “Hey Deanna. Why’d you let him drag you over here?” He grabbed the blanket Kaitlyn used the night before, moved it out of the way, and wondered if she’d slept through the doorbell and him getting up to answer.

                “I hear you have a visitor who might need a few things.”

                Ryan threw Daws a look.

                “He tells me everything. Don’t worry, sweetie, I won’t tell another soul. I just thought she might need something to wear until I can take her shopping. Freddy says she’s smaller than I am but I found a few things that might work and some girl things I know you won’t have, or at least I hope you won’t have.” Deanna held up a bag.

                “You’re an angel. What are you doing still stuck to him?”

                “Enjoying the torture, both ways. So is she still here? And did you sleep at all last night?”

                “Yes, and no. I uh … woke up a few times to make sure…. She seems to have slept well.”

                “That’s good. Is she all right, hon? He told me what you did. You’re the angel. That poor thing. Did she say why?”

                “I didn’t ask. Thought I wouldn’t push since she’s barely talking to me so far.” He stretched his neck.

                Daws interrupted. “Get changed. Half an hour and we’re outta here. After yesterday’s stunt, you’re not going to be late today.”

                “Relax.” Deanna hushed him and turned back to Ryan. “Is she awake? Should I take these to her?”

                “Uh, no, better let me. I don’t want her to wake up to a stranger.” He accepted the bag and nodded at Deanna’s offer to stay at the apartment with her for the day if Kaitlyn didn’t want to go to the studio. Then he went back and knocked at the slightly opened door. No answer. He nudged it farther and she looked over from where she was sitting, the comforter wrapped up around her.

                “Good morning. Sleep okay?” He moved closer and held up the bag. “A friend brought a few things for you to borrow.” Noting the grip she had on the comforter, pulled up like a sort of shield, he sat on the opposite side of the bed. “I have to be at the studio all day and I’ll have to leave soon. Deanna … she’s Daws’s live-in and a real sweetheart … the one who brought this stuff, she said she’d stay here with you today if you want. Or you can go in with me. It’s your choice. It’s kinda boring sitting around the studio all day but if you want….” He hesitated, hoping she would go with him. He would never keep his mind on work otherwise.

                “Do you want me there?” Her voice was light, cautious.

                “If you want. It’s up to you.” He waited, and her eyes said she wanted a better answer. “Yes, I want you there.”

                She nodded and got out of bed, standing still until he gave her privacy.