Page 81 of Revival
"And for you?"
I sigh. "I'm still a work in progress, but I'm getting there."
Taking my hand, Andrea leads me to the couch. She refreshes our wine from dinner, turns onThe Golden Girls, and cuddles up next to me.
Bailey was right. This one is my keeper.
Before the first episode is over, Andrea is quietly snoring in my lap. I slide a pillow under her head and sneak off to my studio. Piece by piece, I pick up the artwork strewn across the room, stacking it neatly in the corner. I've been avoiding this room since the night I drunkenly destroyed it.
I clear off the desk I haven't sat at in months. Pressing power on my iPad, my drawing program appears on my screen with the message,Welcome Back. I pop in my earbuds and press play on my inspiration playlist.
I take a deep breath and gather the courage to pick up the stylus. My hands shake like a California quake. The first few lines are shaky and crooked, but the more I draw, the more my natural flow comes back, just like riding a bike.
Three hours and countless attempts later, I’ve completed my first sketch in months. It’s gorgeous and perfect, exactly like her. The question is will I be able to execute it?
Sneaking back into the living room, my sleeping beauty hasn’t moved an inch. Scooping her up, I carry her to our bed. Gently, I tuck her in and crawl in beside her.
Tomorrow, as I help Andrea finish her revival list, she will help me begin mine.
Waking up, I again find my bed empty. Damn, this woman is an early riser. So much for breakfast in bed.
“Good morning, sleepy head,” Andrea comes in with a tray of coffee, fruit, and bagels.
“How are you such a morning person?” I ask. “I wanted to get up and make you a birthday breakfast.”
“It’s almost noon, honey.” She laughs.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“There was no reason to. Now that we don’t have to go to court today, I thought it could be the perfect day to lay around and do nothing. A perfect way to spend my birthday.”
“Actually, I do have something I want to do today.”
“Does it require me putting on make-up? It’s my birthday and I really don’t want to put on make-up,” Andrea playfully whines.
“Nope. You could even be naked if you want to be, though that might distract me a bit.” Grabbing the iPad off the nightstand, I bring up my sketch. “After you fell asleep last night, I spent some time in my studio. It was very cathartic. This is the first thing I’ve sketched since the shooting.”
“Is this for me?”
“If you like it, yeah. I mean, don’t feel like you have to get it. I chose roses because they symbolize love won, but also, they are the flower of the twins’ birth month. I added the clock because all I want for the rest of my life is time with you. Happy birthday, baby.”
Andrea stands there, silent, tears flowing down her face. “I love it. It’s perfect in every way. But are you sure you’re ready? I can wait. I will always wait for you.”
“I’m ready. It’s time for my revival.”
The smile stretching from ear to ear on Andrea’s face gives me all the confidence I need to know I can do this.
And it wouldn’t be right for anyone else to help her with the remaining item on her list, not when that list brought us together.
I set up my workstation as Andrea jokes on the phone with her kids that she’s getting a tattoo before either one of them. Her pure and honest joy makes me even more excited to do this, for her and myself.
“Ready?” I ask as Andrea holds her arm out, preparing for me to start.
She nods. “Are you?” When I hesitate, she leans over and kisses me softly. “You’ve got this.”
“No,we’vegot this. I love you. I love you so fucking much, Andrea.”
“I love you, too, Romeo. Now, lay this ink on me before I chicken out.” She smiles sheepishly. “I think I forgot to mention that I’m deathly afraid of needles.”