Page 70 of Downpour

“You’ve learned to tolerate it,” Ray said, not denying my assessment.

“And you still have some serious groveling to do,” I said as I grabbed the bag of Sweet Tarts he had sorted out for me and popped one in my mouth. “I’ll grab your wheelchair out the back. Text me when you’re done. I’ll just be chilling out here. Think about what you want for lunch before we head back.”

Ray paused. The banter we had been tossing around faded.

I worked my finger into a groove in the steering wheel. “Unless you just wanted to get lunch at home… Which is fine. I just figured you’d want something other than sandwiches.”

He glanced at the building, then back at me. “Why don’t you come in today?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You know… with me. It’s hot out, and I don’t want you sitting in the truck that long.”

“I’ll keep the windows down, and I brought a drink.” I picked up the thick insulated tumbler I had stolen from his house and gave it a shake.

His thick lashes lowered. “Will you come in with me today?”

“Look, if it’s about the heat, I’ll find a coffee shop or somewhere to hang out.”

“It’s not about the heat. I... I want you to come in.” And like it pained him to do so, he gritted out, “Please.”

I squeezed his hand. “I’d love to.”

Ray didn’t say anything as we got out of the truck and went inside. By the time we made it through the automatic doors of the medical complex, my hair was stuck to the back of my neck. Sweat beaded across my forehead.

I followed Ray as he navigated the elevator and the maze of hallways, then pushed himself through a set of automatic doors. The physical therapy unit was brightly lit and cheery. Upbeat music played in the lobby, and a little sitting area with snacks and coffee had been set up for the plus-ones while they waited.

“I’ll sit over there until you’re done,” I said as he pushed himself up to the front desk.

“You can come back with me.”

My heart did an extra little pitter-pat. “Okay.” I stayed a few paces back while Ray checked in with the receptionist.

When he turned around to wait in the lobby, unease settled in his eyes. I took the seat beside him and crossed my legs. “Ray,I can wait right here if you don’t want me going back with you. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

Ray kept his eyes trained on the floor. “I haven’t brought someone back with me before. They always waited outside or in the lobby. But I... I want you there. Other people bring their... people with them.”

I rested my hand on the armrest of his wheelchair. Ray slid his hand around mine and our fingers intertwined. I tilted my head and rested it on his shoulder.

“Ray?” A woman wearing blue scrubs appeared in the hallway and smiled at him.

“Come on,” he said to me as he let go of my hand and pushed himself toward the woman.

“Just tell me where you want me and what you want me to do,” I said.

The woman looked between the two of us and beamed. “Are you going to make me ask, or are you going to tell me?”

Ray frowned, but there was a smile in his eyes. “Do I ever tell you anything?”

“Nice to meet you,” she said. “I’m Callie.”

“Brooke,” I said as I shook her hand.

Callie raised an eyebrow at Ray. “And Brooke is your...”

“None of your business,” he groused as he pushed past us and started down the hall.

Callie grinned. “Someone’s in a good mood today. And you got a haircut. You don’t look like a mop anymore.”

“Yeah, and you’re about to ruin my mood,” Ray hollered as he lifted a middle finger.

“Are you coming back with us?” she asked me with a snicker.

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