Page 15 of Love Her

“Yeah, I bet.”

“Damn dude, you stink. Why don’t you go inside and shower while I fire up the grill?”

A shower sounds perfect. Turning my attention to him, I note the beer he’s offering and accept it. The cold liquid is a welcome relief as I down it in one pull. As I stand here, my hip and back begin to tighten, the first signs of the spasms to come hitting me hard. I need that shower for more than the stench I’m offering. I need to relax those muscles.

“What’s with that grimace? I just pulled these beers from the fridge; I know they’re cold.”

Shaking my head I reply, “It’s just my back. I probably pushed myself a little too much. Thank goodness I have PT tomorrow.”

“How long has it been hurting? What are you doing for the pain?”

“Whoa, Dad. Relax. I slacked off on PT for a bit and am paying for it. But, I’m back and Brian is kicking my ass in a way you’d approve. I just should have been mindful of how much I did today.”

Remorse skirts his face as he shoulders sag. He’s going to feel bad for asking me to help. I know my limits. I understand my injuries more than anyone. It doesn’t take much to undo all efforts of physical therapy when it comes to my back and hip. I’m here because I want to be. It has never been my intention to make Taylor, or anyone else, feel guilty for my choice to push myself. “I’m hitting the shower. I won’t be long.”

Only nodding, Taylor follows me toward the house. Once inside, I grab my gym bag from where I set it earlier and turn toward the stairs. Taking a deep breath, I lift my foot, the pain radiating through my hip and around to my back, as I take the first step. Closing my eyes, I breathe through the discomfort as I take another step. Just as I’m about to turn and make an excuse to leave, Taylor says my name.

“Nah, man. Use ours.”

Relief floods through me as I look over my shoulder to him. Holding Nick who is gnawing on some sort of cookie, sympathy fills his eyes. Pity. I hate that he pities me, but I also know he is familiar with the aches and pains. Both of us destroyed our bodies, his in worse ways than my own. At least my discomfort isn’t visible to the eye. Well, except when I push myself.

“Thanks. I won’t be long.”

Shuffling down the hall, my movements are slow, but I make it to the master bedroom and strip off my clothes quickly as I step into the shower. I’ve been in the house a few minutes, so my core temperature is down, but I welcome the first shock of cool water before it begins to warm.

The stream beats down on my shoulders and neck as I drop my chin to my chest. Each drop of water is like a razorblade to my skin, causing me to wince. Minutes tick by and the tension releases one tendon at a time. Bracing my hands on the wall, I maneuver my body so my lower back receives the direct hit of the water.

I’m not sure how long I stand there but it’s enough for the water to cool. Completing my shower, I move about the bathroom and dress quickly. My back is looser than it was, but I know it’s going to be a night for some anti-inflammatory meds and a heating pad when I get home.

As I make my way to the great room, I hear the laughter of Scarlett and Taylor. Tossing my bag to the floor, I cross to the sliding door and back deck to find them standing together. Thank goodness Nick is here so I’m not the third wheel.

“Hey there. You look better. How’s the back?” Scarlett asks.

“Better, thanks. Anything I can do?”

Shaking his head, Taylor lifts the lid of the grill, turning his attention from us and on our dinner. Meanwhile, Scarlett skips over to me. She actually skips across the deck to where I’m standing and pulls out a chair, motioning for me to sit. Suddenly, I feel like a child about to be scolded. I’m sure Taylor ratted me out about not going to PT. Scarlett’s been around me for years and has seen how bad things can get when I don’t follow through with my therapy.

When we lived in Fayhill, before her husband passed away and she found her way to Taylor, she had to drive a few times when even getting behind the wheel was too difficult for me. We’ve been through a lot together, so I don’t mind the tongue lashing I’m about to get. I appreciate it. I’d do the same thing to my sister.

“I think we need to find you a girlfriend.”

Okay, that was not what I was expecting. “I’m sorry?”

“A girlfriend. Or partner in life. Whatever you want to call it. Not some hookup or whatever it is you’ve been doing. A nice girl for you to spend time with. Someone to care for you and show you some love.”

Smirking, I waggle my eyebrows at her. “Red, I don’t have any trouble getting some lovin’.”

Scarlett rolls her eyes and smacks my leg. “You idiot. I don’t mean getting laid. I mean love. Romance. I swear y’all are a royal pain in the ass. I’m worried about you, Con.”

The smile falls from my lips and I lean forward. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not going to hook up with customers. I went to that bar Ashton recommended and am going to see if Brian wants to hang out next week. I need more friends. The ones I have are a little nosy.”

“I’ll pretend you’re talking about the guys and not me. So this bar, meet anyone?”

Long legs, short shorts, and a killer smile flash in my mind like a slide show. Her sweet voice as she teased me. The heat of her lips on my cheek.

“And by that look in your eye I’m going to assume you did. Maybe just confirm they don’t have a significant other. Your face is too pretty for another black eye.”

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