Page 100 of Renewal After Dark

“Sounds good.”

After Laura left, McKenzie stepped up to the reception desk. “This must be what it feels like to be the Good Witch of the North.”

Sierra laughed. “For sure. It’s something we’re sorely lacking here, and everyone runs small businesses. Once the word gets out, you’ll have more business than you can handle.”

“That’d be incredible. It never occurred to me that I might be able to do something like this here.”

“Well, now you know. Let me show you my setup, and we’ll see if you can straighten me out.”

“Sounds good.”

Kelsey was late gettingto the hospital to see Jeff. The bulky cast on her arm made everything take twice as long as usual, especially showering and attempting to dry her hair. She’d been so frustrated by trying to blow-dry with her left hand that she’d given up and let her curls take over.

When she walked into his room, she was surprised to find Jeff sitting up in the chair next to the bed. He had a blanket over his lap, and his face was pale and pinched with pain.

“Look at you out of bed!”

“And what a treat it was getting here.”

Kelsey winced. “Are you okay?”

“I’m told I will be, eventually, but the pain is pretty tough.”

Her heart ached for his suffering. As a recovering addict, he’d refused all narcotics, which had him relying on Tylenol and Motrin, which barely made a dent.

“I wish there was something they could do for you.”

“There’s plenty they can do, but I’m not willing to risk it.” He held out his hand to her. “Come sit next to me and tell me why you looked annoyed when you came in.”

“I did?”

“Uh-huh. What’s up?”

“This stupid cast is a pain. I can’t dry my hair, so it’s gone wild with curls. I look ridiculous.”

“You look beautiful, as always.”

“You have to say that as my fiancé.”

“I don’t have to say anything, and I only speak the truth.”

Kelsey moved her chair to his right side and then took a seat, reaching for his hand.

He kissed the back of her hand. “Hi there.”

“Hi.”

“I’m sorry your arm is making everything harder.”

“Oh please, it’s nothing compared to what you’re dealing with.”

“It’s not nothing, so don’t say that.”

“It’s a nuisance more than anything. I tell myself it’s temporary and to get over it.”

“My mom would’ve helped you with your hair, you know.”

“I didn’t want to ask her for that.”

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