Page 57 of A Touch of Murder
"I'll be ready for the insane asylum by that point." Barret took a drink of lemonade. "Did you come to rub in the fact everyone is getting pie and cake, or are you here for another reason?"
"So cheerful. You're usually happy to see me," Adam teased. "I'm here to see if you'd be interested in escaping for a few hours every day. Jacey has been invited to join Jennifer on a short trip to Salt Lake for some conference she's signed up for. He wants to go but doesn't want to leave me without help. Think you could handle greeting customers, handling the register with one hand,and making sure I have water and chocolate close by after I do readings?"
Barret narrowed his eyes. "Jacey and you both know you can handle the job on your own."
"I could, but I like the company, and you need something to do. It's a simple job where you won't be straining your arm. We can spend time together. You'll be across from Becky's and can wander over there when you get bored or hungry, and she'll feel better knowing you're close and won't keep taking breaks to run over here and check on you like she has been. I'll pick you up at nine every morning and drop you off after work. I'll even throw in dinner every night if you don't mind crockpot meals." Adam grinned.
"I can supply dinner for at least two weeks." Barret pointed at his fridge. "Give your crockpot a break. I'll bring one with me every morning and we'll just heat it in the oven after work."
"So that's a yes to you coming to help?" Adam asked.
"Hell yes. Get me out of here. I can't promise I'll be able to do much, but I can put a smile on my face and greet that line of older women coming in to get their jewelry read."
Adam laughed. "I had two more this morning."
"See? I'm perfect for the job. The little old ladies all love me. Proof is in my freezer." Barret grew serious as he looked at Adam. "You really want me to help? It's not just a sympathy gesture?"
"Oh, it's a bit of a sympathy gesture, but I can use the help. Jacey didn't plan this, but he really wants to go with Jennifer, even if they only get evenings together. It's also a chance for you to get on Jennifer's good side since she'll probably be assisting with your physical therapy the next few months." Adam shrugged. "It will also give us a chance to get to know each other better. So far, we've had the murder case distracting us. We've talked a bit, but this time together will give us a chance to reallytalk and get to know each other. I'd like to spend the time with you."
Barret didn't even have to think about it. "When do I start?"
"Today if you want. You can come back with me and Jacey can go pack so he's ready to leave in the morning."
"You got dinner going already?" Barret asked.
"Roast beef and potatoes." Adam nodded.
"Then tomorrow I'll bring a casserole." Barret stood. "I'm ready when you are." He then realized he was wearing sweats. "I guess I should change."
"No, you're fine. I'm guessing getting in and out of clothes isn't the easiest thing right now. Sweats are good."
"You sure?" Barret asked. "I did manage to get overnight shipping on some post-surgery shirts so I can at least dress myself, but even they can be a struggle since I only have one hand to use."
"I'm happy to help. I can come in every morning and help you button things up if you want or get stuff over your head. As for the sweats, yeah, they're fine. It's not like you're working in some fancy store. Almost everyone who comes in will know about your injury. Being comfortable is important right now. If it makes you feel better, I can change into sweats once we get back." Adam looked around. "You need anything?"
Barret grabbed his wallet off the counter and held it in his left hand with his phone. "Keys are on the table by the door. Can you lock the door for me?"
"Of course." Adam let Barret step outside, then paused to lock the door. "We'll set the keys in the car for when I bring you home later."
Barret made his way to Adam's car. "Thank you for this. You don't know how crazy I was going staring out the window all day. Everything I think of doing is something I need two hands for."
"It won't be long before you'll be back to normal. It's been three days. Give yourself time to heal. You'll be able to use your hand more in time. Right now, everything is still sore. It could be worse. At least you didn't have to have a full replacement."
"Small blessings." Barret got into Adam's car, then cursed. "Can you help with the seat belt?"
"You mean lean in, get close to you, and maybe steal a kiss? I think I can do that." Adam leaned in, secured the belt, then turned his head so his mouth was only inches from Barret's. "I'm going to like doing this every morning and afternoon." He brushed his lips over Barret's mouth, then slowly pulled back and straightened.
"That might be the best part of this whole deal." Barret grinned. "Makes me want to go out driving more often with you."
Adam got into the driver's seat and started the car. "You might be able to talk me into a Sunday drive somewhere this weekend."
"I'd like that."
"Have to do it this weekend. I'll be preparing for the Take Aim Festival soon. I've got that woman coming in to do aura readings, and I do need to take some time to practice my ax throwing."
Barret turned to look at Adam. "You're entered in ax throwing? Shit, I won't be able to compete this year. I was registered in four shooting contests. Damn it. I hope I can get my entry fees back."
"I'm sure they'll give it back considering the reason behind your withdrawal. And yeah, I placed third last year in ax throwing. Jacey took first two years in a row with darts. He's really amazing. I do it more for fun but got lucky."
