The rhythm settles into my bones like it always does, and for a while, I forget to think about my legs at all. The first time I do is when Declan swings by with a clipboard tucked under his arm. He doesn’t hover. Just stops close enough that I can hear him over the music. “Are you good?”
“Yeah.” It’s not a lie. I am good. “Thanks for… you know.”
He follows my glance to the stool and shrugs. “Figured we’d try it. You tell me if we need to change anything.”
My throat tightens. It’s notif you can’t do the job. Orhow long do you think this’ll last?Just a simple, practical solution.
It’s Declan at his best.
Fletcher was right. I should’ve trusted him.
Melody skids to a stop in front of me in between rushes. Her bright eyes and wide smile aren’t any different from before. “It’s so nice to have you back.”
“Wasn’t planning on quitting,” I deadpan.
“I know. I just mean that you’re less… um, chatty with the incoming customers compared to River. He slows things down.”
I nearly laugh. She pats me on the back before dashing away.
Fletcher is here, focused on work. They’re finishing up the men’s bathroom. He drifts in and out all afternoon. From the line between his brows, he’s deep in concentration. Every time he passes, though, there’s this quiet awareness between us, likewe’re tuned to the same frequency. He doesn’t ask if I’m okay. He doesn’t touch me unless it’s natural—his fingers brushing my wrist when he slips past, a brief squeeze of my shoulder when no one’s looking.
It helps more than he probably knows.
He stops on his way out. “Heading home. Need anything before I go?”
Can I get a kiss?“I’m fine.”
He snorts. “How’d I know that was going to be your answer?”
I chuckle.
“See you at home, okay? Oh! Georgie will be there so—”
“No sneaking into your room. Got it.”
Fletcher shoves both hands into his pockets. “Actually, that’s not what I was going to say. She’s been really worried about you, so she wants to have a late dinner of pizza and popcorn when you get home. I told her I’d run it by you first.”
I shrug. “Sounds fun.”
He grins. “Yeah?”
“Sure.”
“Okay. You’re off at ten, right?”
I nod.
“I’ll have it delivered then. See you tonight.”
Before he walks away, I snag his wrist and pull him back, kissing him on the lips. He seems surprised, yet his eyes light up.
He waves. “Bye, hon.”
My heart is light as he walks away. Fletcher surprised me today. He could’ve pestered me about taking my meds or eating enough food. But he didn’t. He’d checked in a few times, but nothing too pushy or over the top—just enough to show that he’s still worried. He trusted me to take care of myself.
And that means just as much as if hehadchecked in too much.
The hours slip by quickly. It’s Poetry Night, which means it’s the busiest night of the month. Holden, Hattie, and Korie come in with their usual crowd, dressed up for the affair.
