Page 46 of Leo and His Love Bunny

“That’s better,” I say. Her face stretches into a satisfied smile.

I pick her up, noting that her bare foot is swollen, but not as bad as I’ve seen. If I didn’t think this was just a light sprain, I would have argued with her about going to the hospital. As it is, I think she’s right—it’s just a sprain and the docs aren’t going to tell her anything she doesn’t know. There’s always the off chance that something more major is wrong, but while possible, it’s not probable, and there’s no point in borrowing trouble.

I cradle her against me as I carry her in from the lot. She has her arm tight around my neck and shoulders, her head against my chest, her body warm in my arms, and I could be like this all day long.

I don’t have to say anything as we reach the door. I twist some, she reaches down and throws the door open, and I squeeze through. Perfect.

We share a smile as I walk into the great room where the ladies are upholstering furniture. I should have known they’d all jump up—well, creak and groan to their feet—and come mother Nora.

“What in the world happened, sweetie?” Miss Phyllis asks as they crowd around her.

“I’m fine.” That doesn’t really answer the question, but I think they did mean to ask.

“She fell at the skating rink. Her ankle got a little twisted, and she promised me she’d stay off it, and I said if she did that, I wouldn’t make her go to the ER.” There. That was everything that happened in a nutshell.

“Oh.” Miss Leslie raises her eyebrows. “You two were skating together. Is there anything you want to tell us?”

Nora and I look at each other. I don’t think she knows any more than I do what in the world is going on between us. But I do think she feels some of the same things I am.

We shake our heads at each other, then I answer the ladies. “Nope. Nothing to see here other than a sprained ankle and a damsel in distress.”

“And a knight in shining armor?” Nora asks.

“Maybe a knight in protective gear,” I say, and the ladies titter. But it’s Nora I can’t take my eyes off of. I really need to figure out how to stop getting so stuck on her.

But I don’t want to.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Miss Carrie says, her green hair practically glowing in the fluorescent lights.

“I’m sure.” Nora shifts to better take in the group of ladies who are standing in a semicircle, staring down at her. “Although I’ve been meaning to ask you all when you want your parakeet back.”

And just like that, they nod like they’re satisfied that Nora is fine, mumble something about not wanting their bird back today, and disperse to their various locations, picking up their work, like it is imperative that they get it finished that second.

Nora and I share another questioning look. That was odd. And she definitely thinks so too. But other than being sure they don’t want Trixie back, I’m not sure what that says about anything.

I carry her to the elevator, wondering what the odds are that the elevator will break down and we’ll get stuck inside. It’s juvenile, I know, but that would enable me to spend the day alone with Nora and I’m finding I’m craving that more than anything.

But no such luck, and we are at her apartment, with me bending down and her sticking her key in her lock, in no time. It looks about the same as it did when we had our paper airplane contest. That thought brings back all the good memories, and I almost don’t hear her when she says, “I just need to feed Trixie, and then I’m ready to go.”

“You’re not changing?” I ask. She’d mentioned a shower, and that was out, but I can help her get her clothes gathered up if she needs to change.

“No. I don’t typically wear anything special to work. Maybe I should have uniforms, but so far, the aprons do just fine.”

I nod, set her in a chair, and follow her instructions on feeding the bird. I also gather up a few things she has to take to work, including her apron and a package that is sitting on her counter. She carries those things as I pick her up.

“I feel like I’m being a huge pain.”

“You’re not. I’m enjoying this.” Maybe too much, honestly, but I don’t think she’ll believe me. “And you promised.”

“What are you going to do while I’m at work?”

“I can help.” I hadn’t thought about it, but as the words are coming out of my mouth, it feels like a good idea to me.

“Are you sure?”

I nod, stopping at the door and waiting for her to reach down and open it.

“All right then.”

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