Page 22 of Echoes of You

“Because if I leave the couch selection to you, you’ll get something that looks pretty but is uncomfortable as hell.”

“I would not.”

He pinned me with a stare as he started the engine. “What about that block of cement disguised as a sofa in your first apartment?”

I grimaced. It had been pretty bad. “It was so cute, though. With the brass studs along the arms.”

“More like brass studs in my ass. The floor was more comfortable.”

I snorted. “Fine, you can come with me to pick out a couch.”

“Thank you.”

We were quiet for the rest of the drive. Nash and I had never minded the silence when we were together. It was never awkward or uncomfortable. We simply enjoyed the fact that we were in each other’s presence.

But the closer we got to the medical practice on the outskirts of downtown, the more my nerves ratcheted up. It was as if each rotation of the tires wound my stomach tighter.

Nash pulled into a parking spot in the mostly empty lot. He took my hand and squeezed. “Everything will be fine.”

I swallowed, trying to clear the dryness in my throat. “Okay.”

He released me and climbed out of the vehicle. It took me a little longer and a few deep breaths, but I finally followed. Nash was waiting for me when I got out, not pushing or hurrying me along, simply there for me when I was ready.

He took hold of my hand again and led me toward the door to the clinic. A young man in his mid-twenties exited just as we arrived. He grinned at Nash. “Doc’s waiting for you. I left intake forms on the counter. I’ll file them when I get in tomorrow.”

“Thanks, man,” Nash said.

The guy nodded at me and headed for a MINI Cooper in the lot.

Nash tugged me inside, and my heart rate sped up. The waiting room was completely empty, and I was thankful for that. Nash grabbed the clipboard, and we sat. He began filling out the paperwork, not needing any information from me until he got to the insurance section. “Do you have your insurance card on you?”

I nodded and pulled my wallet out of my purse. Digging through the cards, I handed him the one he needed.

A few seconds later, he handed it back. “All done.”

“Thanks,” I whispered.

Nash squeezed my knee. “I’m right here.”

“I know.”

It was the best comfort and balm I ever could’ve hoped for.

A door to the back swung open, and a woman who looked to be in her sixties stepped out. Silver wove through her blond hair, and she gave us a warm smile. “Hello, I’m Dr. Staunton, but everyone calls me Doc.”

“Hi,” I greeted, my voice a little scratchy. “I’m Maddie.”

“Nice to meet you, Maddie.”

“Thanks for squeezing us in,” Nash said.

Doc sent him a grin. “She seems a heck of a lot nicer than you after you’ve taken a spill doing some ridiculous sport.”

A small chuckle escaped me. “He can be pretty cranky when he’s hurting.”

“Hey,” Nash clipped. “Ganging up on someone isn’t nice.”

The doctor laughed. “All right. We’ll leave you to sulk out here, Nash. Maddie, why don’t you come back with me?”

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