I trimmed my beard, showered, and dressed with care. On my way to her place, I stopped to pick up something I thought she’d like more than that bouquet Sam brought to her.
It was barely after seven in the evening when I pulled up to her address. It was an end unit in a row of a dozen townhomes. Each had a postage-stamp-sized front yard and a two-car garage. The garage was on the bottom level, and then stairs led to the front door. There were two levels above the garage. The driveway was empty. I parked on the street in front of her house.
Climbing out with my gift, I scanned the neighborhood. It was a nice one with well-kept homes and yards. There were kids out playing still since the sun hadn’t set. I walked up to the door and pressed the doorbell. I waited. If it were only her in there, it would take a while to get to the door.Shit, what if she was resting?
This thought made me pull out my phone. I began tapping out a message. Maybe she went home to stay with family until she was better.Way to go, Reign, I chided myself.
The lock sounded a second before I hit send on my text. Anastasia’s shocked expression greeted me. I launched into my hastily modified speech.
“Before you slam the door and call the police, let me explain. I’m not a weirdo stalker, though I’m behaving like one, I admit. I didn’t think this all the way through until I got here. My excuse, though it’s not a good one, is that I’ve been worried about you and I can’t think straight. If you want me to leave, I will. Only, please accept this because if I take it home with me, it’ll die. I have a black thumb,” I rattled.
As I paused to take a breath or two, Anastasia replied.
“I’ve got to say, I never expected you to show up here, Reign. It is kinda scary that you know where I live. Although it’s sweet that you’re concerned, don’t you think this behavior is a little extreme? I’m your chiropractor, Reign, nothing more.”
“If you’re comfortable with me here, I’d like to talk to you about how I’m acting. If you prefer a public place or to have someone here, that’s fine. All I request is that it not be Sam.”
“Why not, Sam?” Anastasia asked.
“The conversation isn’t something I believe he should hear,” was all I said back.
As she considered it, I took the initiative.
“Here, please take the plant. It’s a miracle it survived the car ride over. If I breathe on it for five more seconds, it’ll give up all life.”
Anastasia giggled, then took the flowering houseplant from me.
“It’s gorgeous. You remembered,” she hummed.
“Of course I did. You love living flowers and plants versus those that die within days. And you wish you had room to have a massive garden. I know you’re still recovering, so we’ll meet at the end of this coming week. Will that be enough time to feel up to being out in public?” I asked, but the thought of waiting close to a week made me want to scream.
“Reign, I’m trusting that I’m not wrong about you. Come in. We can talk tonight.”
I was stunned by her succumbing. She stepped back and let me in. I closed the door. Noting the shoes in the entryway and a basket of flip-flops, I took off my deck shoes.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Anastasia exclaimed.
“Yes, I do. It’ll only take a second.”
As I hunted through the basket for a pair big enough, she made an offer.
“Can I get you anything to drink? I have water, sodas, tea, and fruit juice.”
“You should rest. I can fetch it, though I’m good at the moment. Can I go grab something for you?” I asked, following her from the entry to the living room on the other side of the short bullnose wall.
I noted the kitchen was to the right of the living area. She made her way to a chair with a book, a lamp, and a glass of water on an end table beside it. A throw blanket was lying over the arm of the chair. I watched how carefully she sat. I caught her slight flinch. She’d placed the plant on the bullnose wall. I took up the end of the sofa closest to her.
“Have you been here all alone since you got out of the hospital yesterday?” I asked.
“Oh, no, my parents brought me home, and then the family was in and out all yesterday. Mom was here earlier until I asked her to go home. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Then here I come, barging in on your rest. I’m sorry. We can postpone this,” I offered again.
“Reign, you’re here. Clearly, you felt the need to come. Stay. Talk. First, I’ve got to know. How did you know where I live?”
“I have a buddy. He runs a security company. Some of the services he provides include PI, IT, and basic hacking. I asked him to find your address. I wanted to check on you in person, and I knew you wouldn’t be back to work for a while. And over a text or call wouldn’t let me see you with my own eyes.”
“Well, not sure I like how easy it was, but it’s good to know if I ever need any of those things that you know a guy,” she smiled.
