“Enough about me. How are you feeling?” I shift the subject.
“I’m good today. Movement’s a little slow, but I’m outside in the sunshine. Pamela made us lemonade.”
“How is Pam? Did her grandson graduate?” I ask, my head turning when Cooper comes out from the barn.
“He did. Top of his class,” she brags. “She had to take Saturday off, but Coleen came over to sit with me.”
A pang works its way across my chest at the fact that I’m not there. I’m not the one taking care of her. I’m obviously not a medical professional, and there’s a lot I don’t know how to do,but I can do the little things. I’ve been doing the best I can for her since her diagnosis. Making enough money for full-time care while I was on the road was my top priority. But now, since I’m on my way to retirement, I plan to convince her to move back to Mayson Ridge. Which will be a boatload of work, considering she’s refused to even tell her sisters about her condition. Which we’ve had countless arguments about. But it’s her life. Her choice.
“I’ll be checking in with Pamela too,” I say as Cooper pivots to head in my direction. “I gotta go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay, be good and you get that girl back,” she chides.
I snicker. “Love you.”
“Love you, sweetie. Bye.”
The line clicks just as Cooper meets me at the fence. He leans an elbow against the top rail, matching my stance. “Well, how did it go this morning?”
“About as good as you would imagine.” I shrug. “I was on my knees while she bossed me around.”
He barks out a laugh with a slap to my back. “Join the club, brother.”
Chapter twelve
Laiken
I regret this. Big time.
Nerves rattle me as Parker’s truck pulls into my driveway. I thought being away from the loft would be better, but now it dawns on me that I’ll have him in my house. Where there’s no running water.
Nice, Laiken.
I had plenty of time to drop Trace off at school this morning and even get a thirty-minute yoga class in. It was almost a relaxing morning until I got a call from an unknown number. It’s been months since Rhodes has tried to contact me. Alwaysfrom an unknown number. Always shouting. I don’t even answer anymore. So much forcalming my spirit.
I close my eyes, searching deep for that inner calm. I’ve never been calm around this man. Not sure why I thought I could start now.
Thinking quickly on my feet, I snatch up the bands I want him to use today, along with my notebook, before I press a palm to my screen door.
He’s climbing out of his truck when I reach the bottom step of the porch.
“Morning,” I chirp way too brightly.
Even for me.
His brows furrow for a second before he smiles.
Gah, it’s heart-stopping. And stupid.
“Morning.” He rubs his hand through his hair before tugging on his ball cap.
I swear, if he flips it backward, I’m toast.
My eyes drift over the faded logo, my heart attempting to claw its way out of my chest. I know what’s written beneath the brim of that hat.He still has it. And wears it? What’s he trying to prove?
My cheeks heat. I’m not sure if I’m flattered or pissed.
I shake the thought. “It’s surprisingly a nice morning. I thought we could get some fresh air during our session.”
