Page 51 of Bear's Heart

Savannah focused back on Josie.“Do you know about his new business?”

“I do.”

“And you support it?”

“I think it’s exciting.Don’t you?”

For a minute, Savannah didn’t answer and then her expression shifted, awareness dawning.“This isn’t about helping paralyzed people walk again, is it?”

“I’m sorry?”Josie said coldly.She was struggling to keep her temper in check.

“A couple years ago, after his friend was hurt, Bear had this idea that people could walk again if they were covered in braces from head to foot—”

“Those are real, and they’re called exoskeletons,” Josie said, feeling a funny twitch behind her eyes.

“Yes, they’re oh so wonderful, but it didn’t save his friend.Sean still died.”

“His bull rider friend?”

“Sean O’Leary, yes.He couldn’t cope with his accident and took his life.So no, I’m not a fan of Bear’s business venture.The freakish robotic suit didn’t help Sean.Have you seen one?Looks like something from outer space.No one will benefit, not enough for Bear to sink all his money into this business.”

“You’re wrong.It will make a difference,” Josie said fiercely.“I’ve done the research, and I’ve read what the doctors and therapists say.Getting spinal cord injured people on their feet and moving is so important—beneficial for the body and the mind.”

“Have you ever seen Bear use one?”

“No.”

“I have.”Savannah stalked towards her, mockery gone, voice cracking.“What Bear did wasn’twalking.The walker did the walking.Bear was just hanging on for the ride.”

“Good for Bear—”

“Not good.Bad.You don’t get it.You’re not paying attention.”

Josie pressed her lips tightly together as she met Savannah’s gaze.

Savannah might be tough, but Josie was tough, too.“No, you’re not paying attention, Savannah.Bear isn’t sitting around gazing at his navel.He’s not dwelling on what happened to him.He’s using his accident to help others, and you should be proud of him.I am.”

“Instead of encouraging Bear in his pursuit of altruism, something that could easily bankrupt him, why don’t you encourage him to settle down, and accept who he is now, and what he can do now, and it isn’twalking.Or riding.Or any of the other stuff he used to do.”

“I’m so glad he’s not living to please you but investing in others.He’s going to make the world a better place.”

“You mean he’s just blowing his money.”

Josie laughed.It was that or throw a punch at Savannah, and she hadn’t thrown a punch at a girl since she and Hannah got into it in their teenage years.“I need to get back to work.Hope you have a nice life.”Josie turned away and headed for the front steps.

“Are you guys together?”Savannah called out.

Josie froze.

“Are you seeing each other?Dating?Whatever you want to call it?”Savannah’s voice was loud and brittle.“It’s okay to tell me the truth.I just want to know.”

Josie turned around.“What did Bear tell you?”

“He said you’re just friends.”

“The same thing I said.”Josie’s chin jerked up.“Satisfied now?”

“You do know that Bear can’t… get it up.So, there is that.”

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