Page 58 of Shape Of My Heart
Chapter13
They had a really good weekend.It was the best she’d had in a very, very long time. Amy ended up staying for the whole time and she loved beingwithJosh.
She also loved being in his house and not having to go back to her horrible shoebox of an apartment, with thosecreepymen.
Her excitement and lovely weekend was, however, short lived. On Monday afternoon she got a call from Dr. Carson. Her mother had contracted pneumonia so any plans for surgery had to be postponed until she gotbetter.
Until then Dr. Carson was keeping a close eye on her with a course of strong antibiotics. She was grateful that her mother was getting such good care but she would have been happier to have the surgery out of the way. Waiting meant still being in the danger zone and further deterioration. However, waiting was what her mother needed now because her body wouldn’t be able to go through such an intense, invasive procedure with pneumonia. So once again Amy had to gather faith andstrength.
As she was leaving Josh’s house the next day they got a surprise visit. Amy opened the door and found a man standing on the porch. He was just about to ringthebell.
It was Josh’s father. She’d seen pictures of him, but seeing him standing before her displayed the wealth of similarities he shared with Josh. Josh was the spitting image of him. Same piercing-blue turquoise, same strong features, same build, height, andsmile.
“Hi,I’m—”
“Dad?” Josh said from behind her. Amy turned andsawhim.
He’d been in the basement working out in the gym. His hair was dripping with sweat and his white jersey clung to hischest.
“Hi son.” His father gave Josh a tentative look, then returned his gaze to her. “I’m sorry, I can see that you wereleaving.”
“Oh, it’s fine. It’s really great to meet you.” Amy shook his hand. “I should go, though, and leaveyoutwo.”
Josh caught her hand and tugged her back towards him. “No, stay.” He then bent down and whispered to her ear. “Can you hang back for a while?” He lookednervous.
Shenodded. “Sure.”
He squeezed her hand lookinggrateful.
* * *
Josh tookAmy into the kitchen while his father waited in thelivingroom.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that. Did you have plans?” He should have asked her properly before practically dragging her back into thehouse.
“I was just going to brush my hair.” Shegiggled.
He reached for a lock of her silky hair and held the ends between hisfingers.
“I can brush your hair for you.” This was the way they’d been since Friday. A continuous flirt cycle where she teased him painlessly with her beauty and he tried to keep his desires under control. Yes, he hoped for more, but thiswasfine.
“I’ll hold you to that.” She smiled sweetly. “Now go talk to your dad. You’ll be fine. I’ll bring in tea in half an hourorso.”
“You aren’t going to bring in tea because you want to check out my dadareyou?”
Her bright green eyes widened and her cheeks turned that sweet rose color. “No, ofcoursenot.”
He chuckled, enjoying herprotests.
“He looks like you,alot.”
“Okay, well just remember I’m the real deal. And heck, I saw youfirst.”
“Oh Lord.” She rolled her eyes and walked into the office. “Don’t keep him waiting,” she called back over hershoulder.
No, he wouldn’t. He’d kept his father waiting long enough. Formonths.
Josh entered the living room and looked across at his father sitting in the armchair. He straightened up on seeing him and offered a smile. Josh sat in front of him and tried to think of whattosay.
