Page 2 of Come Home to Me

And sure enough, the wail of sirens sounds from somewhere down the street.

“She okay?” asks the man, gesturing toward the bleeding woman.

“I don’t know, man. She hasn’t said much. How about you? You good?”

The man nods, then grimaces and runs his hand along the back of his neck. “I hurt, but I’ll live. She better have fantastic insurance. I’m going to sue her straight to oblivion.”

I crouch in front of the woman again. “Hey.” I put my hand on her thigh. “You okay?”

She drops her head back on the headrest and takes a long breath in through her nose. “Yeah. I think I’m okay.” She wipes at her forehead again and then fumbles with the latch on her seatbelt.

I reach into the vehicle and shut off her ignition, overly aware of our proximity as my body stretches across hers.

“Good idea,” she says and then groans, resting her head in her hands. “This is so not good,” she murmurs before bending down to rescue her phone from its place on the floor next to an empty Rockstar energy drink.

“What’s your name?” I ask, intent on getting her focused on anything other than the accident. I don’t think she’s hurt, but the last thing she needs is to panic. Focusing on familiar things like her name and the casual introduction of a stranger will keep her calm. I don’t know how I know that, but I do. The human psyche is an interesting thing, picking up bits and pieces of information along the way. Storing them in the subconscious mind until they’re needed.

“I’m Sarah.” Her voice is low and sultry, like sunlight filtering through amber. Her raven-colored hair hangs in long waves in front of her face. She tucks a strand behind her ear and peeks at me, her light blue eyes glazed and unfocused.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sarah.” I reply with the most pleasant voice I can muster, as if I’m not crouching in the middle of an intersection, sweat trailing down my spine as heat radiates from the asphalt, the passenger door of Sarah’s car sitting firmly in the passenger seat. “I’m Frank.” I consider shaking her hand but touch her shoulder instead, hoping the more intimate contact will soothe her. She sighs with shaky breath. Closes her eyes and inclines her cheek toward my hand. Her features soften and for a moment, it’s as if I’ve known her forever but I blink and the moment’s gone.

An ambulance inches around the corner, fighting the throng of bystanders and vehicles with drivers too concerned about making it to wherever they’re going to offer assistance. The emergency vehicle pulls to a stop. EMTs hop out and swarm the scene. I step back, allowing them space to work as they check out the woman and the driver of the other car.

Police turn the intersection into a beacon of flashing lights and men in uniform standing around with clipboards. I offer my assistance, providing as much information as I can, and then step away and let the professionals do their work. Sarah stands, obviously shaken, but looking stronger and more aware of herself by the minute. The EMTs check the injury on her forehead and gesture toward the ambulance, but she shakes her head, squaring her shoulders as she declines care.

I stay longer than I should, eager to help.

Maybe I can get Sarah’s last name.

Her phone number.

Offer her…what? What could I possibly offer her?

She’s beautiful. Even injured and shaken, she holds herself with a level of confidence that intrigues me. She gathers her hair over her shoulders and glances my way, lifting a hand in gratitude before turning her attention back to the police officer. The man places a hand on her arm as if he has the right to touch her.

Jealousy flares in my stomach.

Clenched jaw.

Tight fists.

One step off the sidewalk and into the street.

Before I make a fool of myself, I take a breath. Surely, the officer is using the same techniques I did, a calming touch to soothe frayed nerves. Besides, I have no claim to Sarah. No reason to be jealous.

I’ve never seen this woman before and I’ll never see her again.

As the throng of people dissipates and I continue to linger, I feel more and more out of place. I catch Sarah’s gaze, nod once, and then head back to work.

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