He looked at me, and I could practically see his brain trying to make the connection as he narrowed his eyes, gave his head a small shake. “Hell’s bells, I’d almost forgotten about that. Did you say you’d take me or am I messing that up, too?”

“No, you’re right. It’s at two, so you can come to town with me and hang out at the store until your appointment.”

Ash sighed again. “Thanks. I’ve decided I’ll ask the doc about when he thinks I’ll be ready to find a job and go back to work, at least part-time or something.”

“Hold on,” I said, raising a hand. “I really think we should discuss—”

“There’s nothing to discuss,” he snapped. “Don’t baby me, Maya. I’ve got to get into a proper routine, have something to get up for in the morning, and if I need more checkups or whatever, I’ll need cash to pay for them. I’m not mooching off you forever, it’s not right.”

“Don’t worry about the money. I’ve got some savings.”

“They’re your savings,” he said. “And it makes me feel uncomfortable. I want to find work as soon as I can. Maybe get back to carpentry.”

“But you don’t remember being a carpenter.”

“What does that matter when I feel like one in here?” He tapped the side of his head. “I’m sure I can do it. Maybe it’s muscle memory or something. Whatever it is, I’m asking him about it.” He raised a hand when I opened my mouth. “Can you give me the password for your laptop so I can see what work might be available?”

“Dr. Soares said you should stay off screens. You have a concussion, and—”

“That’s enough, Maya,” he said, his voice sharp, a clear warning I should back off, and although I shut my mouth again he continued anyway. “You really need to stop trying to protect me from everything.”

“You know the old bathroom in the garage?” I said, deciding to change tack and waiting until he nodded. “A few weeks before Brad died, you two put in the plumbing for a shower.”

“In the garage?” he said, pulling a face, his frustration turning to curiosity. “Why would we do that?”

“Because there were three of us here and we couldn’t add another to the house. Anyway, the plumbing’s all there. Actually, before you left, we talked about finishing it. It makes sense, considering how much time I spend in there.”

His face softened. “That’s a good point. It’s practically your second home.”