"I know," said Emmett, "but honestly, I'm doing way better than I was."
"Yeah, but that's not saying much," said Trip."Up you get."He indicated for Emmett to sit on the exam table."Let's see your range of motion in that arm before we do anything else."He pursed his lips at Emmett."If the arm looks like it's up to the job, then we move on to the ribs."
Emmett shook his head."I'm fine.I can drive.And…"
Trip paused and met his gaze."And what?"
"And I need to drive again now."
"No, you don't.You've got Blane.And we both know he'd rather I didn't clear you just yet."
Emmett chuckled."I can still keep hanging out with him, just not all the time.There's some driving that I'd like to do myself."
Trip gave him a knowing smile."You mean you don't want him playing third wheel with you and Harper?"
"Exactly."
"Okay, then.Let's see how you do."
By the time he walked out of Trip's office, Emmett felt as if he’d been granted his freedom.Being dependent on anyone other than himself—even Blane—didn’t come easy to him.The smile on his face told Blane the news before he could.
Blane got to his feet, which was probably a welcome relief to the older woman who'd come in and was sitting in the waiting area—a scowling Blane was a scary sight.
Brooke held her hand up."How did it go, Emmett?"
He nodded happily."I'm good to go.He says I can drive again."
"Oh, that's great."She made a face at Blane."But don't think you'll be getting rid of him that easily."
Emmett laughed."That's okay.I wouldn't want to."
Brooke rolled her eyes."I don't want to get rid of him either, but I don't need him breathing down my neck the whole time."
"Not breathing down your neck," Blane grumbled."I just wanted to hang out with you this weekend, that's all.But if you're going off with some guy that you won't tell me about, what am I supposed to do?"
Brooke shook her head with a smile."Come over tonight, I'll make you dinner.How about that?"
Blane grinned."Okay.I'll be there at six.See you then, little sis."
"See you then, big bro."
When they got back to the truck, Blane reached for the passenger door, but Emmett opened it himself."I'm good, thanks.I want to get back to normal."
Blane cocked an eyebrow."You want to get back to normal, or you want to move on to something new?"
"You're right, I want to move on to something new."
"Get in then," said Blane."Let's talk on the way."
Once they were back on the road, Emmett turned to him."It's not like we need to talk about it.You already know where I'm at, and you know how I feel."
"I do.And in case I haven't said so yet, I'm glad.You deserve it, Mitty."
"Thanks, bud."
"And in a couple of weeks, she's going to move back in with you guys.And then your something new will be underway, right?"
"Yeah, it will."
