Page 78 of Pining for Pierce

“No, thanks. Brady insisted on us going to the hospital, and they checked us over. There’s no lasting damage. Like I say, it’s just Harley’s leg and shoulder.”

“And you?” he says.

“My back’s bruised, but I’ll survive.”

He nods his head. “Harley’s reaction is probably delayed shock.”

“I imagine so. I just had a moment of it myself, thinking about how close I came to losing her.”

He smiles, like maybe he understands, which I guess means he has someone special in his life, too.

“Take her home,” he says. “She shouldn’t be here. And I’m not sure you should be working, either. You both need to rest until you feel better.”

I can’t argue with that. Based on how we’ve both reacted, I think we’ve tried to return to ‘normal’ way too soon, and I pull Harley to her feet and into my arms.

“Come on, babe. I’m taking you home.”

She sniffles against me and then turns her head, looking at her boss. “I—I’ll be in tomorrow,” she says.

“No.” His voice is firm. “I don’t wanna see you until you’re fully recovered. No matter how long that takes.” She hesitates and then nods her head, like she’s realized he’s making sense, too. He turns his eyes on me. “Keep me updated, won’t you?” he says. “And if there’s anything I can do, just call.”

“Thanks,” I say, waiting while Harley grabs her purse, and then leading her out through the door. “Do you want me to carryyou?” I ask, but she shakes her head, and I keep my arm around her instead, all the way down Main Street, letting us in through the front door of the store.

“Can I sit with you down here?” she says. “I don’t wanna be on my own upstairs.”

I shake my head. “I’m coming up there with you.”

“But the store…”

“To hell with the store. I had a…. well, I think it was a kind of panic attack right before Doctor Dodds called.” She looks up at me, her eyes filled with worry, as she rests her hands on my chest. “I was thinking about the accident, reliving how it felt…” I let my voice fade and she moves closer, resting her head against me, and putting her arms around my waist.

“You too?” she says, as I hug her close.

“Yeah. Your boss is right. We need to take some time. Your parents would agree if they were here.”

“They would,” she says, and I bend, kissing the top of her head, before I lead her up the stairs.

“Why don’t you change into something more comfortable?” I suggest as we enter the apartment. “I’ll fix us some coffee.”

She pulls away from me, but I keep hold of her hand and drag her back, pushing those strands of hair behind her ears and gazing into her eyes.

“It’s gonna be okay.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. I promise.”

She nods her head, like that’s all she needs to hear, and then she turns away again. I let her go this time, wandering into the kitchen, where I lean against the countertop for a moment. The weekend was so perfect, I thought we were okay. But I was wrong. We’re not okay at all, and until we are, we’re staying right here, so we can mend each other.

Harley comes out a while later, wearing jeans and another of my hoodies. It’s not cold today, but I guess she needs to feel safe, and this is her way of doing it. I bring the coffee over and sit beside her on the couch, holding her in my arms.

She rests against me, letting out a sigh as she sips from her cup.

“Why were you crying on Friday?” I ask, and she looks up at me.

“How did you know about that?”

“Doctor Dodds just told me. Didn’t you hear him?”

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