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“My dad’s going to really like you,” I inform her.“He doesn’t want me doing anything by myself.”
“It’s just common sense,” she replies and follows me out the back door.She waits while I get into the car, start it up, and pull away.
Millie really is the best friend I’ve ever had.
I love seeing all the spring flowers that have sprung up in town as I drive through the neighborhood to Roger’s house.I notice that someone is parked in the spot reserved for the garage apartment, and I’m relieved that he was able to find someone else to live there so quickly.
Roger answers the door, and his face lights up when he sees that it’s me.
“Erin, you don’t have to knock.”
“I figured I would.Didn’t want to startle you.”I immediately walk into his arms for a big hug and then frown when I look around the living room.It’s definitely more disheveled than usual.“How have you been?”
“Oh, I’m just fine.”He turns to walk away, and I notice that he’s limping.
“What happened to your leg?”
“I stumbled off the steps in the backyard.”He shakes his head.“I just get clumsier and clumsier.”
“Did you have it checked out?”
“It’s just a little sprain.”
“Is it your ankle?”
“The knee.”
Still frowning, I prop my hands on my hips.“Do you mind if I look at it?”
Roger pauses, but then shakes his head.“I don’t mind.It’s a little bruised up.”
But when I push his pants up around his knee, I see that it’s more than alittlebruised up.It’s all black and blue and a little swollen.
“Roger, we need to ice this.It’s swollen.You sit right there, and I’ll fix you up.”
“You really don’t have to fuss.”But he doesn’t object too hard when I start making an ice pack in a towel and then lay it over the knee.“Thank you.”
“I’m sorry.I should check in with you more often.”
“It’s not your job to take care of me, you know.”
“It’s not a job at all; it’s out of love and you know it.”I lean in to kiss his cheek.“Now, while that does its job, tell me about your new tenant.”
“I don’t know much,” he says while he watches me bustle around his kitchen, making us each a cup of tea.“He’s new to town.Single guy.Does computer work from home, and he said the apartment worked because it’s furnished.”
“Oh, I’m glad that worked out.”I remember the customer from earlier today.“Is his name Clay?”
“You’ve met him?”
“I just waited on him at the coffee shop.He was kind of shy.”
“Definitely quiet, but that’s fine by me.”
“I’m making you a few ice packs, and I’m putting them in the freezer so you can just grab one and then sit and put it on the knee.Put it back in the freezer when you’re done, and it’ll be ready for next time.”
I glance over at him and find him smiling at me.“I’ve missed you, kiddo.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
