She didn’t believe me, of course, but she had the good sense not to push. Smart girl.
Now it’s Monday, and I can’t focus on work. That’s why I decided I need to see her. Check to see how she’s doing. I meant it when I told her to call me when she was ready, but things ended badly. I was a dick at Stella’s, and I know it.
“Brett?”
“Yeah, boss?”
“Taking off for a while.”
“Good. I hope you’re in a better mood when you get back.”
“Fuck off.” He’s right. I’ve been a prick all morning. Walking out the garage bay, I shout, “Later.”
The guys working mumble something in reply. They’re a great crew. Almost all of ‘em ex-army guys. We get each other, and that’s why I’m boss first, but I’m a brother too. You can be both. I’ve learned that over the years.
I’m on my bike and halfway to the Prudence’s shop when a sign catches my eye. Pulling over, I hop off and jog inside. I stow the offering into one of my saddlebags and continue to my destination. The bell above the door chimes, but I don’t get that welcome message I’m used to. Walking around the place, there doesn’t seem to be anyone working. “Prudence?”
I hear footsteps coming from the back room. I ready my smile, but it’s wasted on Laura.
“She’s not here.”
“She’s not?”
“She’s sick.”
“Sick?” Holy shit. “What do you mean?”
“Flu or something.”
“She need anything?”
“I don’t know.” She smirks. “You should stop by her place. Ask her.”
Running a hand through my hair, I frown. “Doubt she wants to see me.”
Her face softens. “She’sreallysick. I’m not kidding. I plan to buy her some soup after work, but that’s hours from now.”
Sick? Prudence must be on her deathbed. She doesn’t seem like the kind of woman to skip work unless it was serious.
How would I know that? We’ve barely spent any time together. Still, I’m sure it’s true. “Right.” I look left, then right. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Thought you might.”
I turn and give her a wave as I go. “Thanks.”
“No. Thankyou.”
* * *
Maybe I shouldn’t be here.After everything that happened Saturday night, it’s doubtful she wants to see me, but I’ve got to check. Raising my hand, I tap on her front door. When I hear nothing, I knock again. Rustling sounds are coming from the other side and then her voice, sounding weak and scratchy, says, “Just a second.”
The moment her door opens, I know Laura wasn’t bullshitting me. “Sweetheart. You look terrible.”
She grumbles and turns, heading back into her house. “Gee. Thanks. You really know how to sweet-talk a girl.”
There’sthe snarky girl I fell for.
Don’t overanalyze those words. You know what I meant.
