“Yeah, what are you doing?”

“Cooking you breakfast.”

“Why?” I blurted out.

He poured a cup of coffee and brought it to me, but he looked like my question didn’t bother him. “Why not? I was hungry and I figured you would be.”

I took the cup and opened the fridge to get creamer. “Where’d you get bacon? I know I didn’t have any bacon.”

“I had some. I went home and got it and pancake mix, too.”

“Pancakes?”

“Have a seat. They’re almost ready. I noticed your kitchen’s pretty bare. Haven’t been to the store in awhile, huh?”

I sat down. Joe already had plates and silverware on the table. “Well, you know, I’ve been busy. Plus it’s just me.”

“It's just me at my house and I’m better stocked than you. Plannin’ on taking a trip?”

“No,” I murmured sipping my coffee.

Joe brought over the pancakes and bacon then sat down next to me. “So, we need a plan.”

I choked on my hot coffee, which hurt like the dickens. “A plan?”

Joe stabbed a couple of pancakes on the stack and dumped them on his plate. He looked up and grinned, like a kid excited about to spend his allowance at the toy store, full of anticipation and glee. “A plan for your list. I checked it over this morning and you still have several things to do.”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve kind of given up on my list.”

Joe stopped, his fork in mid air. “Why?”

“It’s stupid.” I said with a sigh. “Twenty-four year olds don't go around doin’ stupid things on lists.”

“Why not?”

I shrugged again.

“Well, I’ve been lookin’ forward to it. I hate that I got stuck at work and stood you up last night. I’m really sorry, Rose.” He reached over and picked up my hand, stroking the back with his thumb. When I didn’t respond, he set it back on my lap. “If you like, I can take you there for lunch.”

“Nah, that’s okay.”

“I already have ideas for today but I know how much you hate me tellin’ you what to do, so we can do whatever you want.”

I sighed again, and looked at him. “I think I’d rather just spend the day here. Alone. Thanks, anyway.” I tried to keep the hurt from leaking into my eyes, but the joy dropped out of his as he studied me.

He was quiet for a moment then took my hand again. “Rose, you have no idea how sorry I am I had to cancel last night. I really wanted to be with you, but we have the entire day today. Let me make it up to you.”

If I stayed home, I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe watched my every move. But if we went out, I had a chance of getting away from him. I pulled my hand away. “Okay.”

He looked relieved. “Do you want to hear my plan or do you want to come up with your own?”

“Yours is fine.” I swirled a piece of pancake on my plate, no longer hungry. Being with Joe hurt more than I thought possible, every word out of his mouth a reminder of his betrayal.

“You don’t even want to hear it first?” He sounded incredulous. And hurt.

I grimaced and shook my head, putting my fork down. “I’m not hungry. I’m going to take Muffy out and take a shower.”

“I already took Muffy out.”

“What? She was sleepin’ with me when I woke up.”

“When I got up she must have heard me. We went out, she did her business and then she went back to your bed.”

So much for my guard dog.

“Then I’ll just take a shower and get dressed. I’ll clean up the kitchen when I get done,” I said and left Joe in the kitchen.

I took a long time in the shower and when I came out there was no sign of Joe. He must have gone home to get dressed, but the kitchen was clean and a laptop sat in the chair in the living room.

For the first time that morning, my spirits lifted.

I sank to my knees on the floor, turning the open computer to face me. My stomach fluttered, tossing around the bacon and pancakes I’d choked down. The black screen lit up to a bright blue when I pushed the illuminated power button.

I’d never used a laptop, just my dinosaur computer at work and the one at the library. I moved my index finger on the touchpad, getting used to the feel of it. The screen asked for Joe’s password. I racked my brain, trying to figure out what password Joe would use, which felt like looking for a leprechaun on Thanksgiving Day. In a spirit of hatefulness, I typed in Hilary, stabbing the keys with my fingers. Not it.

I was so intent on my task I didn't notice Joe until he asked dryly, “Do you need help?”

I screamed.

He leaned against the doorway, his face expressionless. “Did I surprise you?”

I jumped to my feet and instantly regretted it. Talk about looking guilty.

“I wanted to check the weather forecast. For today.”

Joe walked over, picked up the television remote and pushed a button. “You have cable now. You can find out on the Weather Channel.” He flipped the stations until a weather map appeared on the screen. “Why were you using my computer? Where’s yours?”

“I don’t have one.”

His eyes widened and the hard look turned to confusion. “You don’t have a computer?”

“No, I mean, yeah. Momma said they were the gateway to hell. She took the brand name Gateway a little too seriously.”