Page 102 - My FlipBook

L IS A J. L A W R E N C E

“No need,” Elgin said, opening the closet door and
pointing to a stack of folded bedding. Greta broke out in a
sweat just looking at it.
“You know, you can probably turn the heat down, now
that no one’s living downstairs,” she said. “It might save you
on your gas bill.” Weren’t seniors always concerned about
utility bills?
“Better not,” Elgin said, hauling out the thickest blanket

and a few sheets and placing them on the air mattress.
“I don’t want those pipes to freeze. That’d be a real mess.”
Greta smiled. “Thank you.”
Elgin nodded and left. Ash made up the air-mattress bed,
grabbed a pillow from the daybed and lay down.
Greta asked, “What are you doing?”
Ash looked up. “What?” ADVANCE READING COPY

“You sleep in the bed. The real bed.”
“That’s okay. I’m used to it.”
“Get up, Ash. You’re sleeping in the bed.”
“Whatever, Greta. It doesn’t matter.”
He hadn’t even questioned it—that was the sad part.
“It’s your turn.” She kicked at his foot. “No more sleeping
on the floor.”
“Well, maybe we can alternate,” Ash said.
“No. From now until we leave you’re sleeping in the bed.”

She was as guilty as Patty and Roger of letting things slide.
No more. “I’m not moving until you get up here.”
“Okay. Fine.” He held up his hands, resigned, and settled
on the bed. But smiled.

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