Page 54 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

“I’ll get it taken care of.”

Melinda lifted her head. “The hose is hanging on the side of the garage.”

Stacey gave her a sympathetic look before she hurried outside, leaving Melinda to collect herself. Her hands started to shake and then her whole body followed suit. She wrapped her arms around herself and held on. This too would pass. It always did.

She closed her eyes and concentrated on taking slow, deep, cleansing breaths. She focused on breathing in through her nose and out of her mouth. Counting to herself would help her get a handle on the panic attack. It had been a long time since she had one.

She lost track of time. Forgetting that she wasn’t alone, she was surprised to hear, “Melinda?” She felt Stacey gently shake her. “Talk to me.”

Slowly unfolding her arms, she stretched them over her head as if she was limbering up to exercise. “I’m fine.”

“I’m not buying it.” Stacey pulled up the stool and sat quietly, for what seemed like forever to Melinda.

Her voice cracked. “I hate the smell of the hospital.”

“And…” Stacey prodded. Melinda started to get up, but Stacey placed a hand on her arm. “Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on.”

Melinda hung her head. “Today, being in the ER, was a razor-sharp reminder of the day John died.” She blinked away the tears that threatened to blur her vision.

“I’m sorry.”

“I told Adam. Everything,” she stated with simplicity.

“I’m sure he was sympathetic. He is a good man, one of the best.”

Melinda exhaled softly. “He was sweet. Despite being in extreme pain and unsure if he was going to lose part of his finger, he was more concerned when I passed out than for himself.”

“I didn’t know you fainted.”

Melinda felt a flush of embarrassment. “I think the stress of the entire situation overwhelmed me. Before I could stop myself, everything went black and I was down for the count. If I had been a boxer, I would have lost the bout.”

“Interesting analogy.” Stacey gave her a half smile. “You’re one tough cookie.”

“Ha. You wouldn’t say that if you could have seen a nurse help me up off the floor. He brought me some water while Adam was waiting to be wheeled to X-ray.”

“I’ve known Adam for a long time, and I’m sure he didn’t give a thought to his situation. His concern would have been for you.”

Melinda looked at Stacey. “You do like him, and not just because he’s Will’s best friend.”

“Adam has become my dear friend too.”

Deciding to divert the subject from the emergency room, she said, “I found a match for him.”

Stacey said, “I know.” She smiled. “We drove by the lookout to make sure that he didn’t need a reason to escape.”

“I had no idea people still did that.” Her smile grew. “What did you think of her?”

“We only saw her from a distance, but she was very pretty.” Stacey grinned. “You may have just let your Cupid’s arrow find a new target.”

“I wouldn’t liken me to Cupid.” Melinda cocked her head and then the corners of her lips twitched. “Well, maybe I could add that to my website and business cards. Cupid’s Matchmaker.”

“It has a nice ring to it.” Stacey nodded. “Now, how about I help you whip up something delicious for dinner?”

“I’d like that.” Melinda opened the refrigerator and studied the contents. “I’ve got nothing suitable to cook. I told Adam I was going to throw together some kind of casserole but all I have are eggs. I could make a frittata.”

Stacey picked up her handbag and keys. “I’ve got a stew in the crockpot and more than enough for four.”

“Are you sure? If you provide dinner, I’ll swing by and pick up some bread and dessert.”

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