Thankfully, the drive to Amelia’s was short. After parking her car, he carried the vase and flowers up to her apartment for her.
“Do you mind filling the vase with some water?” Amelia asked. “I’m just going to change out of my work clothes.”
“Sure thing.”
Ben set the vase in the sink, and while it filled, he unwrapped the paper from around the flowers. The scent of them drifted lightly into the air, and Ben hoped that they’d keep their vibrant colors for a while.
When Amelia returned, she’d changed into a pair of black capris and a plain purple T-shirt. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and for a moment, he was reminded of the girl she’d once been.
“Ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes.” She picked her purse up from the counter. “Would you mind if we went to the park or somewhere outside to eat? I’ve been cooped up inside all day.”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
This time, when they went to the park, it wasn’t as full as the last time they’d been there, though the day was just as nice.
Luca once again sat down at a nearby table with his food, close, but not too close.
“So, how are you feeling today?” Ben asked as he set Amelia’s container of food in front of her.
“I’m fi—” She cut herself off. “Five. Six.”
Ben gave her a gentle smile. “Thank you.”
She raised her brows. “For what?”
“For trusting me with the truth. I’m sure it’s easier to just say you’re fine.”
“It is,” she admitted with a shrug. “But it’s kind of… nice to know someone knows the truth.”
“So do you feel like you’ve recovered from the quick trip to New York?”
“Mostly, yes. I’m still tired, but it’s not the bone-deep exhaustion I had on Sunday.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Ben said as he opened the container that held his steak sandwich and fries. “I felt bad that I made you take that walk.”
She shook her head. “Don’t feel bad. Yes, it tired me physically, but I needed it. My world has narrowed a lot. I’ve never ventured into my neighborhood except to walk back and forth between my building and my car.”
“Well, if you ever want to wander it again, give me a call,” he said with a grin. “I offer full-service walks, with piggyback rides if needed.”
Amelia tossed a fry at him. “You’re a dork.”
Ben laughed. “Well, you’ve always known that I have the ability to wander into dorkdom once in awhile.”
Amelia smiled, a full-blown smile that he had rarely seen from her since they’d reconnected.
Ben had always loved making her smile. Even as a teen, he'd done silly things just to see that brightness light up her face. It made his heart swell to know he could still bring that expression to her face.
"So," Ben said, picking up a fry and pointing it at her before popping it in his mouth, "what have you been doing this week since we haven't had the clinics?"
Amelia took a bite of her chicken wrap, chewing thoughtfully before answering. "Not much, honestly. Work has been quiet. I've been trying to conserve energy when I can, which means going to work and then going home. What have you been doing with all your free time?”
“It’s not been so free,” Ben said as he picked up his cup to take a sip. “Dad decided he wanted to have a look at the proposals that I’ve been reading over. Give his input.”
Amelia tilted her head. “You don’t like that?”
“It’s not that,” Ben said. “I value his input, but sometimes it makes me feel like I don’t know what I’m doing.”
