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“Hey, man,” Noah greeted.
Graham stepped aside to let his friend in. “Hey. What are you doing here?”
“Had to drop my bike off for a tune-up and thought I’d say hi. You haven’t taken me up on any of my offers to grab a beer, and Chris says you haven’t gone much of anywhere other than work and physical therapy.”
Graham looked away and sat at the small kitchen table. “Just trying to focus on getting my strength back.”
“Are you sure that’s all it is?”
Glancing up to see Noah leaning against the counter, arms crossed, Graham lifted an eyebrow. “What do you want me to say?”
“Nothing in particular. I just want you to know I’m here if you want to talk.”
“I appreciate it,” Graham said. And he did. “I’ve actually been, um, journaling. It sort of feels like I’m talking it through, even if it’s not with another person.”
Not that Graham would have ever expected it out of Noah, but it was still a relief that his buddy didn’t bust up laughing.
“That’s cool. I’ve never thought about doing that before,” Noah said. “Might have come in handy ten years ago.”
Graham had thought about that, too. He was surprised how much he’d taken to it and wished he’d had an outlet like it after Nathan died. “Claire suggested it, actually. I’ve been doing it since a few days after I got out of the hospital.”
“Well, I’m glad you have something that’s helping. As long as you know I’m always happy to listen, okay?”
“Thanks.”
“How’s the physical therapy going? What are you allowed to do now?”
Graham stretched his legs under the table. “It’s good. I go three times a week and they’re happy with my progress. I can walk on it without restriction, but can’t do high impact things like running. Mountain biking’s still too rough, too.”
“Could you go on a hike? If it was an easier route?”
“I think so.” He’d thought about heading up to the mountains for something just like that, but kept finding reasons not to go. Going alone and taking an easy route didn’t hold the same appeal, and he didn’t want to bring his friends down with him.
His lack of enthusiasm probably had something to do with depression, too, which was hopefully temporary. He’d seemed to find a lot of reasons to stay in instead of hanging out with Noah or going out to eat with Chris.
“Wanna go hiking at Waterton Canyon tomorrow?”
Graham sighed. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Do what?”
“Offer a pity trip. I know you’d rather climb or hike a more challenging trail.”
Noah shook his head. “Nah. I love that stuff, sure. But it’s a lot less fun without you.”
Graham scratched at his jaw, ignoring the warmth settling in his chest. “Really?”
“Yeah. It’s been two months since we’ve done anything outside together, that pit stop at the tourist spot excluded. Turns out I miss hanging out with you. Who knew?”
“I don’t know why you seem so surprised. I’m a fucking delight.”
“Sunshine personified,” Noah deadpanned. “So put me out of my misery and come hiking with me tomorrow, okay?”
Graham rolled his eyes. “Fine.”
“Good. I’ll come by to pick you up at nine.”
“Fine,” Graham said again.
