I decide to text Sue while I’m soaking in the tub, to tell her I made it through school today. A knock interrupts our text conversation. “I’m in the tub,” I holler.
“Hi Summer,” comes Alex’s velvety smooth voice. “I have some items from your list.”
“I’ll be right out,” I call back. After informing Sue that I need to leave, I jump out and dry off. I took only pjs into the bathroom with me. At least it’s a t-shirt and shorts, but I don’t have a bra. Nothing I can do about it, so I quickly dress and go back to my room. Alex is standing in front of the bookcases with his back to me, looking at Mara’s journals, so I quickly slip into the closet. Pulling on a sweatshirt, I step back into the bedroom. “Hi Alex,” I smile. “I didn’t mean for you to drive all the way out here tonight.”
“It is no problem, Summer. Nick told me you were running track today. I assume that is why you were looking for the arnica cream,” he says, handing me a small brown bag.
I sit on the edge of the bed, opening the bag to find a tube of arnica and lavender essential oil.
“Thanks. I really appreciate it. I haven’t run in a while, so I’m going to be sore.”
“That is theonly oil I had at the house, but I have more arnica cream if you need it,” he tells me.
“How much do I owe you?” I root through my bag for my wallet.
Alex waves me off. “Nothing. Can I inquire what the other herbs and oils were for? I am assuming you use them for recovery, too?”
“I do. I used to make my own bath soak and recovery cream when I was running. It worked much better than anything I could buy. I grew and dried most of the ingredients myself, but I don’t have that garden anymore, and I couldn’t find any local options online.”
“The arnica cream comes from a sports medicine professor at the college. There is one apothecary in Charleston you can look into. I’m unfamiliar with the quality or freshness, but you can call them tomorrow. They are closed already today, unfortunately. I do not know of any other local source of quality dried herbs. The oil came from a lavender farm located a few hours from here. They have dried lavender too.”
“I’ll give the apothecary a call in the morning, thanks, Alex. I always ordered from a company on the west coast. I might place an order with them, but I’m not sure how fast it will get here.”
“What is the name of the company? I can call them and have it here tomorrow?” He asks, taking out his phone.
“No, Alex. Thank you for offering, but no,” I smile at him. “I’ll put a rush order in with them tonight. I trust their quality, so it’ll be worth the wait.”
“Will your legs be okay until they arrive? I realize a massage therapist is not an option,” he says with a frown.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll do Epsom salt baths and use the arnica cream until I can make my own,” I reassure him. “How was your practice today?”
“May I?” Alex asks, pulling out my desk chair. I nod as he takes a seat. “It was fine. Bay and I dive year-round, so we are just increasing the frequency now and incorporating some new dives.”
“First, thank you for the beautiful desk and chair before I forget to tell you. Second, I’ve never seen a diving competition before except for watching the Olympics on tv. When is your first meet?”
“In a few weeks. They are usually on Fridays after school; the time depends on where the competition is located.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you guys compete.” It should be exciting to watch. I’ve always loved watching it on television.
“Will you be joining us this weekend for the basketball playoffs?” Alex asks.
That’s right. Seb told me the final tournament was coming up. “Absolutely.”
“There is a pep rally on Friday morning, and the games start after lunch. Only AP Biology classes are scheduled that day.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that,” I reply. Who doesn’t love a short school day?
Alex nods, standing up. “I will take my leave, so you can stretch and apply the cream. See you tomorrow, Summer.”
I offer to walk Alex out, so we head for the front door. Zander says goodbye to Alex as we pass the living room. “Thank you again for coming such a long way, Alex. I appreciate it.”
“You are welcome, Summer,” he smiles. “Goodnight.”
“Night, Alex.” I close the door, walking back to the living room.
“How are you doing after your bath?” Zander asks.
“It helped. I’ll apply arnica cream and order the remaining items online, and organize my schoolwork.”
