Page 18 of Love Her

Chapter 9

Connor

Jokes on Brian if he thinks standing at the foot of the therapy table staring down at me is going to break me. I’m a vault. Surprised and confused but a vault, nonetheless. I never thought I’d see her again. Memories of her stomping around the dancefloor at Doris’s Tavern, her hair sticking to her sweat dampened skin and red lips puckered as she concentrates, have invaded my dreams for weeks.

Walking into therapy today, all I wanted was a solid fifteen on the electric stim machine, maybe a little massage, and a lot of stretching to work out the kinks from building the playset. I slept like shit and was grumpy as fuck on the drive here. Pissed at Brian for being thirty miles away.

Then I caught sight of his new employee and all of that faded away. Sure, my back still feels like I’ve been beat up, and I’m exhausted, but all the rest dissipated with one look. Her hair isn’t wild like the first night I saw her, and the red lips are a light pink but she’s still the same woman who enamored me.

“This is not at all relaxing,” I say, never opening my eyes as I attempt to relax and allow the machine to send little charges through my body.

“How do you know Lis?”

Lis. I wonder if it’s short for something. Elizabeth? Alisson?

“Hmm . . .”

“Grr . . .”

We sound like two Neanderthals with our grunting conversation. Not only is it humorous but it also allows me an opportunity to explain how we met. Or should I? We’ve not had an actual conversation. Maybe that should happen before I start telling her boss what she does on the weekends.

Startled when Brian smacks my leg, I kick out instinctively and narrowly miss his family jewels. Serves him right. Asshole.

“What the hell? I’m supposed to be relaxing. You’re the therapist; shouldn’t you be allowing me this quiet time to let the stim do its thing?”

With his arm crossed, he returns my glare and says, “Yes but I also want to know what that was about out there. I felt like I was intruding on a private moment.”

“We spoke maybe ten words to each other a few weeks ago at a bar. No big deal. I was just surprised to see her. That’s all. Now, if you’re done gossiping like a schoolgirl at a sleepover, I actually need you to fix my fucking back.”

Hesitating for only a moment, he nods his head and begins the actual therapy. After the time in the therapy room, I’m a little looser, the machine having done its job. Brian has me doing various exercises, my focus solely on maintaining the right form and breathing. Primarily breathing. I tend to hold my breath with any discomfort and some of the positions he twists me in make discomfort sound like a walk in the park.

He maneuvers my body like a pretzel for almost an hour, but it works. When he calls the session complete, the pain is more of a dull ache and I can walk normally instead of like I just climbed off a horse.

Following Brian to the front desk, I will admit to a slight set of nerves settling in my gut. I’ve never been nervous to talk to a woman before and not sure why this stranger is having an effect on me. We’ve spoken a few words at best, and still, the minute I saw her I lost all ability to compile a thought. Hell, I’m not sure what color her eyes are. Green? Light brown? Yet, here I am wanting to know. As we approach her workstation, I note she’s on the phone and return my attention back to Brian.

“I want to see you again tomorrow. I think it may be a three session week. And, the next time you feel a twinge of discomfort, stop what you’re doing. Do not push through it.”

“Aye, aye.” The salute I offer Brian includes a middle finger to which he just rolls his eyes. Thankfully I’m saved from any commentary from him when the next patient arrives.

While Lis finishes her call, I keep myself busy restacking the brochures on the counter. Moving the pens in their holder. Finding a lot of interest in artwork hanging on the wall. Artwork. Sketches of spines in various shades of the rainbow isn’t exactly what I’d have displayed in my house, but I suppose it makes sense here.

Tilting my head to the side, I don’t notice the woman next to me until her scent hits my nose. It’s floral but with a hint of something else I can’t quite figure out.

“I think after I’ve been here a little longer, I’ll ask if I can change out the décor. Staring at this spine all day kind of freaks me out.”

Smiling, I turn to face Lis. “Not a fan of the human body?” I ask, flirtation lacing my question.

Her cheeks flush as she smiles and shrugs. “I don’t mind a nice body. Shall we get you rescheduled?”

I guess I’m the only one flirting today. That’s unfortunate. Turning back toward the counter, I do as suggested and not only schedule my appointment for later this week but the next four.

“It doesn’t look like you have a co-pay, so I guess—”

“Do you go to Doris’s often?”

My question must catch her off guard because she sputters the rest of her statement about insurance. Resting my elbows on the counter, I lean forward. Her scent hits my senses again as I scan her face. She swallows and if this were a cartoon, we would hear an actual “gulp” sound.

“Not often. Maybe once a month.”

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