“Do you have a first aid kit anywhere?”
“In my bathroom upstairs.”
“Stay put,” he said.
He took the stairs two at a time, found it in the closet and then pulled it out and returned.
She had her leg bent, her foot almost up to her face.
Damn, she was flexible!
“I can’t see anything,” she said.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket and turned the flashlight on to look. He ran his thumb around and felt nothing.
“Does that hurt?” he asked when she flinched.
“No. It tickles.”
“Then there isn’t any more glass in there.”
He stood up and went to the kitchen to wet a paper towel and get soap on it, then cleaned her foot, his thumb holding her arch while he wiped the spot by her big toe that had a nick on it. Wasn’t much more than a scratch even though it bled a lot.
He put ointment on it and then a Band Aid from the kit, shut the container and set it next to her.
She was staring at the wood on the window. Her living room darker now without that added light.
She let out a breath. “This bites.”
“You can’t stay here tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because.”
“Because why? No one has been in here. I’ve got locks on the doors. Other than my peace of mind, I should be fine.”
He had to admit she was much stronger than he’d thought she’d be.
“Fine isn’t good enough,” he said. “Is there anyone you can stay with other than your neighbor?”
She laughed. “You should hear how strained your voice is right now.”
“Don’t push me, Meredith.”
“I could call my parents, but they know nothing that is going on.”
“Nothing at all? Not one thing regarding your ex?”
She shook her head. “I wasn’t in the mood for a lecture on my behavior. They would have thought I started it, even if they believed I was justified.”
“You can’t change what is done.”
“I know. I’ll let them know what is going on but not tonight. I don’t want to bother any of my friends either.”
“Then you’re staying with me.”
“What?” she squeaked.
