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“Oh, I did, but it’s more of a tease than anything since he’d walk around shirtless and wouldn’t let me touch him below the waist. He took his job of making sure I rested a bit too seriously, if you know what I mean.”

“Aw…I bet he was happy to take care of you, though. Archer seems like good company.”

“Yeah, he was. I just hate being fussed over, ya know?”

“That’s because you’re independent to a fault.” She shrugs, then heads to the back. “I’ll get these racks unloaded.”

“Don’t baby me.” I scowl. “I can hang stuff!”

Lexie chuckles, rolling the rack of clothes to the front of the store. “Yes, boss, I know.”

Heidi comes in a few hours later, and I take my lunch break, though I’m not super hungry. My appetite hasn’t quite returned since the accident.

Archer

How’s your first day back?

I read Archer’s text as soon as I sit at my small desk.

Everleigh

Lexie’s treating me like a baby, so don’t worry about me doing too much.

Archer

Good, then she’s earning her raise.

Everleigh

Did you tell her to keep an eye on me?

Archer

I told everyone who would listen to make sure you’re not overdoing it.

I roll my eyes and sigh, though I appreciate where his heart is.

Everleigh

Babe, I love you, but you’re worrying too much. The doc cleared me. My wound is basically healed. I’m fine. I mean, I’d be better if my boyfriend would finally rail me…

Archer

Don’t think I haven’t wanted to, but I don’t wanna hurt you.

Everleigh

PLEASE…HURT ME!

I add a few eggplant and water drop emojis, to which he responds with an eye roll and tongue-sticking out emoji.

Once my break ends, I continue checking out customers because it’s the least taxing. Everyone has heard about the incident, so I’ve been asked about it at least a dozen times. By the end of my shift, I’m more mentally exhausted than physically.

“Alright, I’m out before I hear ‘oh honey’ one more time after I explain where I’ve been,” I tell Heidi, who chuckles and gives me a side hug.

“Oh honey, you poor thing. I just hate that someone’s out there stabbin’ people for no good reason,” she mocks in a thick Southern accent.

I burst out laughing, grateful it no longer hurts to do so. “Yep, you nailed it.”