Page 28 of The Wayward Son

“I’ll take some coffee while the soup is warming up. And some water. I’m sure I’m dehydrated.”

“I’ll be right back.” She headed for the door, but stopped when he called to her.

“Thank you, Jade.”

“Sawyer. You took care of me more times than I can even remember. If it wasn’t for you and your family, God knows where I’d be. So, me taking care of you is a drop in the bucket of what I owe you.”

“You don’t own me anything. You were my friend. It never occurred to me not to help you.”

Chapter nine

"I hope the other guy looks worse."

Even though Sawyer could use another day to recover, he decided it’d be best to leave the following day. There was a big storm blowing in from the northwest, and if they left in the morning, they’d stay ahead of it and get to Castle Springs before the weather got to the town.

If they waited, it could be another few days before the roads were clear. Once they left Billings, the roads got smaller and steeper, with a slow snow removal response from the county. He wanted to be safe at the ranch before the snow got to them. Once they were there, it could snow all it wanted. Being snowed in at the ranch was actually quite appealing.

Jade wanted to do another load of laundry before they left. It’d been a few days since their last trip to the laundry room, and with her limited wardrobe, she wanted to bring everything she had. She gathered her things, then went to see Sawyer, who was still dozing in the bedroom.

He opened his eyes when she came into the room. She gave him a smile. “You’re looking a little better. And by that I mean you seem to be in less pain. Your face is still…”

“Thanks. Great bedside manner.”

“I believe in being completely honest with my patients.” She nodded at the laundry basket in her arms. “I’m going to do a load of wash tonight. Do you have anything to add to it?”

“There are a couple of things in the hamper, I think.” He started to get up, and she put up a hand.

“Stay there. I’ll get them.” She went into the bathroom and dumped the hamper into the laundry basket. When she came out, Sawyer was sitting on the edge of the bed. “What are you doing?”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re not.”

He stood up slowly. “I need to move. You can carry the basket, and we’ll take the elevator if it’s working again.”

“It’s not working?”

“There was a sign on it last night. Or I think there was. I might have dreamt it.”

“If it’s not working.” She pointed at him. “Then you’re staying here. Because, no stairs.”

“No stairs. Bring a coat. I want to take a short walk.”

“Isn’t it really cold out tonight?”

“Yeah. It’s probably closing in on thirty.”

“So maybe a drive would be better.”

“A drive won’t get me moving.” He took his coat from a rack on the back of the bedroom door.

They left the apartment and found no sign on the elevator. So, they took it down to the basement. Tonight there were two washers in use and one dryer going. The room was warm and damp.

“It’s like a sauna in here.” Jade set the basket on top of a washer. “I guess Sunday night is laundry night.” She loaded the washer with their things while Sawyer hovered near the doorway. She had the quarters this time, and she started the washer, then looked at him. “Are you okay? You look a little unsteady.”

He gave her a thumbs up and stuck his hands in his coat pockets.

“Do you still want to take a walk?”

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