“It’s doing great,” I told Hansen, resting my hand on my knee. “The swelling is down, and the bruising is about gone, and I’m done with those fucking crutches.”
Hansen laughed at this. “No kidding, those things were a pain in the ass. When do you think they’ll let you come back to work?”
“I have no idea,” I admitted with a shrug. “Could be any time between now and another three months.”
“But you’re well enough to stand up at my wedding, right?” said Hansen, and when he looked at me, I could see that, even now, there was no avoiding it.
“I’ll be there,” I told him. “You know I will.”
“Good,” said Hansen. “Oh, and Paisley wanted me to tell you to bring a date.”
“A date,” I repeated, thinking at once of Peyton. “I don’t know, man.”
“What do you mean? You don’t want to bring Peyton?”
I sighed, rubbing my face with my hands. “Our relationship is fresh, if you could even call it a relationship. More like friendship. Is it too much too soon?”
“God.” Hansen shook his head, looking severely disappointed in me. “Paisley was right, Butler. You are terrified of commitment, aren’t you?”
“Shut up,” I seethed. “I just don’t want to overwhelm her. She has a lot going on. And don’t even get me started on her boy toy in the city.”
“She has a boy toy?” Hansen asked.
“Yeah, Jake something. I don’t know how serious it is, but apparently she told him about me so who knows.”
“Well, to be fair, you two aren’t exclusive,” said Hansen, pulling into the PT parking lot. “And really, for the wedding, it’s up to you. But I imagine Peyton would have a good time. Maybe you should give her the option to say yes or no.”
“Fine.” I opened the passenger door and stepped out of Hansen’s truck, wincing a bit as I put pressure on my knee. It was a million times better than it had been, but every once in a while, a brief pain reared its ugly head. “I’ll ask her.”
“Do you need me to pick you up after your appointment?” Hansen called out his window as I headed towards the entrance.
“Peyton is here, she’ll be off when I’m done.”
“See you soon, man.”
“Thanks, Tate.” I stepped into the PT office and looked around, watching the room for Peyton. She was nowhere to be seen, probably in back with another patient, so I sat down and waited until I was called back to meet with Dr. Blake.
“So, Korbin,” the good doctor said, leaning back comfortably in her oversized plush chair. She smiled at me, a smile that was supposed to be reassuring, I imagine, but it seemed phony. It always did, but today I didn’t even mind it. I was feeling good.
“Doc,” I said, nodding at my therapist. “You look lovely today.”
“Thank you.” Dr. Blake’s smile flashed into one of professional kindness as she set her clipboard aside and leaned forward, resting her elbows on top of her thighs. “The first time you walked in here four weeks ago, you seemed like an entirely different person,” she said, reaching for a working pen on the coffee table between us. “And today, you are simply glowing. Tell me, Mr. Butler … what’s changed?”
I shrugged, clapping my hands together in front of me, and Dr. Blake narrowed her eyes in my direction.
“Okay, fine. Let’s talk about trauma then.”
“Trauma?” I laughed, though not to be rude. “I don’t have any.”
“You’re lonely,” Dr. Blake said, setting back in her chair and folding her hands in front of her. “You’re a good-looking single guy with a good job, so what’s holding you back?”
“Actually.” I sat back on the couch, settling into the soft cushions. “I’ve kind of been seeing someone. Well, rekindling an old flame, I should say.”
“Really?” said Dr. Blake, looking totally surprised. “That would explain the sudden glow in you. Are you thinking about real commitment with this person?”
“We’re taking it slow,” I said quickly. “Reconnecting. We’re good. It’s just—” I hesitated, unsure if I should really open up this can of worms with my therapist. “She’s kind of seeing a guy still in Denver.”
“So, you’re not exclusive.”
