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“I think I messed up,” Allen said.
“Can you fix it?”
He rested his head on the back of the sofa. “I don’t know.”
He faced his dad who rubbed his bearded chin. “I remember when your mother put that look on my face.”
Allen sighed. “Only a woman, huh?”
“It happens. The question is, do you care enough about her?”
Allen leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “I’ve been here before, Dad. I can’t lose myself again.”
“You were young and Crystal didn’t know what she wanted either.”
“But I ruined things.”
His father held up his hand to stop him. “You were not the only one at fault and the accident didn't help. Accept your mistakes and learn from them.”
It didn't change what happened. Like a sheeted ghost, his past haunted him.
Allen's father continued. “Divorce is tough. I saw what it did to my parents, and I refused to go through that, but when I met your mother all that changed. I risked my heart and I’ve never regretted it.” His father paused as his voice choked. He covered his mouth for a moment, but then faced his son once more. “Is it worth the risk, son?”
Was it? He only knew Heather for a short time, but she kindled his emotions like a fire. He thought that part of him died. When he signed the divorce papers, Allen was sure he would never give someone that much power to hurt him again. “I don’t know.”
“You’re a good man. I raised you that way. You’ll figure it out.”
Allen checked his watch. He had to get to work. “Thanks, Pop.”
His father gave him a wave, his eyes glued to the TV. “You bet.”
Allen chuckled at his dad as he walked out and back to his truck. With tunnel vision, he drove Heather’s place. The tree-shaped air freshener, hanging from his rearview mirror, dangled as he drove. She was his first appointment today.
He forced a smile. To his surprise, she didn’t cancel or request someone else. What would he say? He already apologized and she said, “no problem.” That wasn’t true, not based on her tight expression.
He pulled into her driveway and let out a shaky breath. He grabbed his equipment and walked to her front door. Ringing the doorbell, Tinsel’s barks put him at ease, but when Heather opened the door, he froze.
“Well?” She blinked. “Are you going to stand there all day?”
Allen shook his head. “Sorry, how are you?”
She opened the door for him. “Ready to get this over with.”
He walked past her. She avoided his gaze, even when he extended his hand to help her to the floor. He rolled out the mat. He was here to do his job, but it wasn’t just that anymore.
He had kissed her. She kissed him back. His lips tingled even now at the memories of her in his arms.
Allen sighed. There would never be a right time. “I’m sorry.”
“Why?”
“Heather?”
“It shouldn’t have happened.” Her stare was blank. She couldn’t be serious, not after the way she had responded to him.
He did this. He had to reassure her. “No, I don’t want you thinking I don’t care.”
“You’re my physical therapist, Allen. You did a nice thing for me and I got caught up in the moment.” She gave a polite smile, but it didn’t appear genuine.
