Page 40 of I Still Do

Chapter Fifteen

Grey went back to work on Saturday. His leg felt much better now that the antibiotics had brought the inflammation down. In fact, where the pain had been annoying before, a constant itch had taken over. He was more than ready for his leg to heal so he could get back to normal again.

One good thing had come out of this infection, though. He and Cora had been talking every day since his trip to the ER.

Most of the time, it was through text. But that day after he got back, she’d called him to see how his leg was doing. Grey took his cue from her and every day since, he’d called her in the evening before she went to work.

Today, he knew she had the day off. Meanwhile, he had a lot of work to do, including a stack of paperwork and several customers who had made appointments for later that afternoon. Brody could handle almost anything that came through the store, but occasionally they had customers who wanted to sell something large or obscure that Grey needed to check out and approve first.

He was sorting through those papers in the back office when Brody ducked in. “Hey, Boss Man. There’s a woman up front to see you. Says her name is Cora.”

Cora was here? He stood and went around to the front of his desk. “Go ahead and bring her in.”

“Sure thing.”

Moments later, he returned with Cora in tow. She carried herself with purpose, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

“Thanks, Brody.”

Brody tipped an imaginary hat and left the office.

Cora took in the office. “Your store is nice. It’s got a great feel to it, and it’s a lot bigger than I pictured.” She took a seat when Grey motioned to it. “You’re doing really well for yourself here.”

“Thank you.” He sat down in his chair again. “We originally bought this place because it was big enough to do what I planned and have some room to grow. It was expensive up front, but it turned out to be a worthwhile investment.” He took in the way she was holding her hands in her lap and sitting like a statue. “Is everything okay?”

“I was out doing errands, and I ended up in this area. I knew you were returning to work for the first time today, and I guess I just wanted to check in and see how things were going.” Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “Although now I’m thinking I probably should have done that by text. I can go...”

Not on his life. “No, I’m glad you came by.” That she made the effort to come in was more than encouraging.

“Really?” She looked relieved as she relaxed a little. “I nearly talked myself out of it two or three times on my way over.” She laughed nervously. “I wasn’t sure how far this friendship truce really reached.”

“I’m trying to figure it out, too. Besides, I visited where you work. It’s only fair that you visit me here.” He used his good leg to push his chair away from the desk. “Truthfully? The leg is feeling quite a bit better. It’s not so much the walking that bothers me as bumping into things. I had no idea I was this clumsy before.”

Cora thought a moment. “It will have been a week tomorrow since you cut your leg. You can have the stitches removed anytime.” She shook her head. “It feels like it’s been so much longer than a week, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does.” It’d be great to get the stitches removed. That had to help with the itching. “I was planning on going in to see my doctor on Monday. Or is that something you could do and save me a copay?”

She looked surprised at his question. “I could definitely remove them for you. It really depends on what you’re comfortable with.”

That was an easy decision. “I’d prefer it if you’d do it.” He couldn’t quite tell what she was thinking, and the last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable. “You know, I don’t want to take advantage of your nursing skills, Cora. It’s okay, I’ll go see my doctor on Monday.”

“No, it’s fine. I really don’t mind.” It looked like there was something else she wanted to say, but she held back. “You’ll have to text me your address, I’m afraid the selfie from that night after you left the hospital isn’t much to go on.”

He laughed. “Not a problem.” He went ahead and sent the address while he was thinking about it. “Is tonight okay?”

“Sure, that’ll be fine. What time are you off work?”

“Let’s go with five-thirty.” He paused. “Is there any chance I could get you to stay for dinner? Nothing fancy, just something to say thanks.” He half expected her to decline immediately and was surprised when she only thought a moment before answering.

“Dinner sounds good.”

They smiled at each other in an awkward yet understanding way. It reminded Grey of when they were back in high school. They were interested in each other then, yet both afraid to say anything.

Cora stood from her chair. “Well, I should go and let you get back to work.” She pointed to the large stack of papers on his desk.

He groaned. “Yeah, things built up when I was gone. I hate paperwork. I’ll see you later?”

“I’ll be there.” With a little wave, she turned and walked out of his office.

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