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“I want you to walk toward me, Evelyn. Push the aches aside. Your leg needs to get its blood flowing and its muscle memory back. If we stop, it’ll be worth nothing. Mrs. McGuire believes in you, I believe in you, Asher believes in you. You’ve got what it takes. Use all those strategies from your dancing and push through the pain. Walk to me, Evelyn.”
Chapter Six
Evelyn
Harvey’s words are on repeat. ‘Walk to me’. Why do his words give me the burst of hope I’ve been seeking? I thought Josey showed me what hope can look like, but with Harvey here, I see past this session. I see a future where anything is possible. I picture myself dancing again.
I channel my strength and with the help of the core muscles I’ve built up and the aid of my good leg, I take small but purposeful steps; unlike before, I have two new cheerleaders waiting for me.
When I reach the end, I’m rewarded with a charming smile and an abundance of barking. All I want to do is take my hands off the railings and pat Asher, however, that is not an option.
“Could you please pick Asher up for me, so I can thank him?” Harvey continues to stare at me when I know he heard my request.
“Do I get a thank you, Evelyn?”
“You’re very forward, aren’t you?” I counter.
“Only with what I want.”
Wow. I’m speechless. I mean, who is this man?
Choosing to turn around I continue to walk in the other direction. I’m met by Asher who now walks beside me, with every one of my steps, back and forth along the railing. I focus on him the whole time until I’ve counted twenty reps.
My hip is fine, although my arms are burning, and my leg is aching terribly. I’ll definitely be enjoying a nice warm shower when I’m back in my room.
“That was a fine effort today, Evelyn. I’m impressed with your determination. I see how Asher here has taken a shining to you. I will think about how he can best work with you. In the meantime, I’d like to suggest something else.” I’m uncertain I’ll like what he’s going to propose but keep an open mind. “I’d like to work with you, too.”
I wait for more, however, there’s only silence. A silence that’s becoming too unnerving.
“Why are you interested in helping me all of a sudden? We’ve never met, you’re never in this building and you kicked my therapist out. What makes you think I want your help?” That was a lot harsher than I intended it to be, but I can’t get a single action right let alone thought. What am I to do if I’m suddenly cooped up with this man for all my PT sessions? I’m bound to do something stupid.
“It seems that I’m not the only forward one.” One minute I’m flustered by this man’s charm, the next I’m infuriated by his high-handedness. What’s a woman supposed to do? Take a deep breath and start over? No, she carries on ranting.
“I’m sorry if I was rude, you see, up until this morning, I wasn’t handling PT very well. I have no guidance animal because none seem to work well with me and I’m on edge with having my cast taken off. When Asher arrived in my session earlier, he gave me hope, and for the first time in almost three months, I could see past today.” My voice raises a few decibels more. “Now you’ve come in here, all good-looking and commanding, and you can easily take it away from me.” I quickly slap my hand over my mouth, realizing I just told him I think he’s good-looking.
His features are expressionless. He stands tall, with his broad shoulders rolled backward, in a staunch stance—like I’m the enemy. His demeanor confuses me.
I move toward one of the bars and drape my arms over the top to hold me up. Not only have I made a big mess of my session, but I’ve also yelled at the owner and CEO of this facility and possibly lost Asher.
Hot tears start to roll down my face, one by one landing on my toes. If only Mrs. M were here, I wouldn’t be in this mess.
“Evelyn.” His voice sounds a lot closer than it was earlier. “Evelyn, look at me, please.”
I open my eyes and as I do a pair of unfamiliar shoes are in my line of sight, confirming he’s right in front of me. Lifting my head slowly, I take in the crisp white shirt and black slacks he’s wearing. Once I’m looking into his eyes, I forget everything. His irises are rich brown in color with little gold flecks. They search for something in mine, but I can’t read what.
“You’re so beautiful.” He barely breathes.
“How can you say that when you don’t know me?” I’m still frustrated. Frustrated I’m in this predicament, to begin with.
“I know more than you think.”
That leaves a lot to be said, and I really don’t have the strength to decipher any of it, let alone ask any more questions right now.
Asher begins frantically barking again, and we both know that’s not good news.
“Shit!” Harvey curses, as he races around to catch me. “Evelyn, are you alright?” He keeps repeating the question over and over until I shake my head no. “Where are you hurt? Come on, I need you to talk to me. Right now, communication is very important.”
“Everywhere. My whole body hurts. I determinedly managed twenty minutes earlier this morning then achieved twenty more reps a moment ago. So yes, I’m hurt.”
