Page 66 of Hidden Nature

“They vacationed here when they were younger. Once at least, from what I got. It’s why Nash bought the house, wanted to start the business here. And Theo, in his words, horned his way in. Nash is his family, and he wanted his family. He wanted a chance to build his own, or help build their own. I admire that.”

“You’ve already got a thing going.” Sloan pointed at her. “I know you. One date, and you’ve got a thing going.”

“He’s the first man I’ve had dinner with in… I can’t remember, who started a thing going. So deal with it. We’re going kayaking Sunday afternoon.

“Now I’m going to bed. We’ve got a lot of weekenders coming in.”

She walked toward the mudroom door, paused. “I could tell you to mind your own business, then you’d say that I’m your sister, so yourbusiness. And round and round. Instead, I’ll remind you you’re not the only Cooper who can take care of herself.”

She paused another moment. “And I’ll add he’s an excellent kisser.”

Sloan just sighed as she heard the outside door open, close. “Of course he is.”

She had her follow-up with Dr. Vincenti, and clung to the bright spot. She was cleared to drive again. Short distances for now, but at least she’d be mobile.

Of course, her car remained in Annapolis, and since work stayed off the table, no access to her official vehicle.

But she could borrow her mother’s car, her father’s truck.

The rest seemed like a long road of tiny steps.

She promised herself she’d take one the next day. Borrow the car, drive into town. She’d walk, do some Christmas shopping that wasn’t desperate online purchases.

She’d see people, talk to people.

“I know you’re a little disappointed,” Elsie said as they drove home.

“Not really. Honestly, not really. And not at all surprised.”

“He gave you good marks—on everything but the weight.”

“I’m working on it.”

“I know you are. I’m going to hitch a ride to work with Drea tomorrow and leave you the car.”

She didn’t even have to ask. “Thanks. I’d really like to drive into town, do some shopping.”

“I’m a homebody, to the bone, but if I’d been stuck all this time the way you have, I’d go stir-crazy. You hardly ever complain.”

“Oh, you don’t hear inside my head. It’s an endless bitch fest.”

“And you can bitch out loud to me whenever you want. I wish you would.”

Sloan laughed. “You want me to bitch?”

“Yes, I do. Start now.”

“Okay, here’s a list. I miss being able to roll out of bed, take a run or hit the gym before work. And I miss work. I miss the purpose. I miss feeling strong. I knew that was important to me, but not how important until I lost it. I miss being able to go out at night when I feel like it, meet up with friend, or a date. I miss sex. I miss looking in the mirror and thinking:Well, you look pretty hot today, Cooper. Go get ’em.”

She glanced over. “Too much?”

“Not even close.”

“Okay. I miss feeling useful. The job gives me that. Every day, I felt useful.”

“That would be the worst part. Not to feel useful. But you are and have been.” Reaching over, Elsie rubbed a hand on Sloan’s arm. “I can wish it wasn’t under these circumstances, but you’ve been so useful to your dad and me.”

“Helping with the dishes? Peeling vegetables?”

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