Page 18 of Durango

But there was a moment in the hospital when I wasn’t sure I’d get to go back to work. I’ve saved enough money that I can get by without working for a long time. But mentally, I can’t sit around or simply take up some hobby. No, I need to be out there, working with my friends.

I finish my last rep with the medicine ball.

“Looking good.”

The therapist working with me is on the other side of the room, so I turn to find who spoke. Reed grins at me.

“What are you doing here?”

He knows I’m in physical therapy, but I didn’t share my appointment schedule with him.

“Just thought I’d check in. Ozzie says you’re pushing yourself hard to get back to work. There’s no rush. Your job will be there when you’re ready.”

Ah, Ozzie told him where to find me. Ozzie has expressed concern that I’m overdoing it.

“I appreciate that.” And I do.

When I was first in the hospital and the doctor said my recovery could take months, I was worried Reed would need to let me go and fill the spot with someone else.

“But the sooner I get my strength back and can work, the better. Also, pushing has been for the best. I was going crazy in Ozzie’s apartment. Nothing beats sleeping in your own bed.”

The moment the casts came off and I was able to go up stairs, I moved back to my house. It means I have to take Ubers to and from therapy, but trust me, it’s worth it not to have to listen to them have sex.

Reed chuckles. “I can understand that. Look, I didn’t want to interrupt your appointment. I just wanted to see how you are doing.”

“No worries, I’m finished for today. And if everything stays on track, I should be ready for an assignment in two weeks at most.”

I walk over to a set of chairs and sit down. Reed joins me.

“Two weeks? Well, you provide a doctor’s note stating you are cleared, and I’ll find something for you.”

I nod toward the therapist. “How about a note from this place?”

Reed grows serious. “I’d like you to be cleared by a doctor. You did have a concussion and brain swelling. That’s a very serious thing, Durango.”

“It is. And fortunately, it was the first—and hopefully only—concussion I’ll ever have. The doctor said I healed really quickly.”

I’ve been lucky and never had any serious injuries in the line of duty. Nor did I on assignments with RHS.

He nods but doesn’t say anything.

“Hey, how is Moose doing?”

Moose is the newest guy at RHS. He was hired a few months before my accident.

“He’s doing great. I’m keeping him busy, and he’s bonded with most of the guys.”

“Most? Not all?”

A smile plays at his lips. “Well, Ozzie hasn’t warmed up to him as much. I think it’s because he flirts with Piper.”

I laugh. Moose did flirt with my cousin when he first started at RHS, and I’m not upset that he still does. It will keep Ozzie on his toes. I don’t want him taking Piper for granted. Not that he’s shown any sign that he would.

“Do you need a lift? I got my car parked nearby,” Reed offers.

“That would be great. Thank you.”

Reed gives me a ride home. After he leaves, I send Willow a text canceling our plans for lunch, telling her I need to sleep. I don’t want to lie to her, but I need space right now. Whenever we are together, we laugh and everything feels right. But if I suggest we go out anywhere, she backtracks and appears uncomfortable.

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