Carrie and Keith 22

A knock on the door was quickly followed by the sound of Justin's voice. "Hey, Keith!"

"He's still asleep," Carrie called from the kitchen.

Justin walked in. "Carrie?" his eyes wide, obviously taken aback.

"Hi," she waved and returned to stirring her coffee. "I just finished making the coffee if you want some." She licked the spoon and set it on the table before taking a sip.

Justin helped himself to a cup and sat next to her at the table.

"It's 11:00." Justin said.

Carrie looked over at the clock on the microwave. "11:04" she said with a little smile. "It was a long night." She looked up at him. He just blinked at her.

She laughed a little. "I know I look like hell. And the long night wasn't nearly so fun as it sounds. Mostly it was me yelling and crying."

"So, why is he still asleep?"

"I don't think he's had a full night's sleep in a while. Every time I've looked in on him, he's been out like a light."

"You don't look like you're sleeping or eating right, either."

"I haven't been," Carrie sighed. "But I will again."

***

Keith smelled coffee. He rolled onto his back and put his hand out. Carrie was gone. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. The clock said 11:15. I hope she's still here.

He heard voices as he walked to the kitchen. Carrie looked up and smiled at him. In the daylight he could see the ravages their separation had taken on her. But that smile lit up her face and made her look instantly healthier.

"Hey Keith," Justin said.

"Good morning," said Carrie. "I made coffee."

"Hey," he said and clapped Keith on the shoulder, but he kept his eyes on Carrie.

"It's after 11:00." Justin informed him.

"Yeah. I know. I was sleeping pretty hard." Carrie and he were locked into each other's gaze.

Justin cleared his throat. "Well, I just came to say 'hi'. I'll talk to you later." he said and made his exit.

"Bye" they said in unison as the door closed.

Keith sat down in Justin's vacated seat.

"How are you?" he asked quietly.

"Better than last night," she said with a smile.

"Me too." he said and took a sip of Justin's coffee. "You smell good."

"I took the liberty of using your shower a couple hours ago."

"I need to do that myself."

Carrie stood up. "Well, come on and I'll wash your back."

Keith couldn't scramble to his feet fast enough.