Page 60 of After All

No way. I’m trying to be sweet.

I know…that’s really sexy.

ARGH!!

Scott finished season one ofGrey’s Anatomywith a huge, stupid smile on his face.

* * *

Alittle aftertwo in the afternoon, Scott heard a knock at his front door.

He got up from the couch smoothly, pleased that there was only the slightest twinge in his leg. He limped slightly on his way across the room, but made it without his crutch and without it taking an inordinate amount of time. All in all, something to be proud of.

He pulled the door open. And straightened.

Chase Walker, the kid who had shot him, stood on the other side. Holding a plate of brownies. And looking like he wanted to throw up.

“Hey, Chase,” Scott said easily. He pushed the screen door open. “What’s up?”

It was clear that the kid was not comfortable, but he held up the plate. “Peyton asked me to bring these over to you. Said you needed them today.”

So, Peyton had sent the kid over.

“She did, huh?” He took the plate.

Chase nodded. “Said it was easier for someone to bring them over than for you to get out and go to the bakery yourself.”

“Yeah. That’s true for the time being.”

Chase’s eyes drifted to Scott’s leg. The bandages were visible under the edge of Scott’s shorts. He watched the kid swallow hard.

He wasn’t sure if Peyton had sent Chase to make him face the consequence of his actions in person or to make the kid feel better that Scott was still alive and getting better, but it seemed like both things were happening.

“You know, I’ve been feeling pretty good the last couple of days,” Scott said. “But I was wondering, since you’re here, could you give me a hand with something?”

Chase looked up at him. “You really want my help?”

“Sure. If you’re up for it.”

“Yeah, definitely.” Chase almost looked relieved. “I’ll do anything you want me to.”

Scott could tell the kid he was fine, that Scott had forgiven him, that he knew Chase had learned his lesson. But he knew that actuallydoingsomething for Scott would go a long way toward making the boy feel better.

Now he just needed to come up with something for the kid to do.

“Well, it’s kind of a big job,” Scott said, thinking fast.

“That’s okay, I don’t care. I’ll do whatever,” Chase said quickly.

“You ever wash a truck before?” Scott asked. He mostly drove his squad car, so rarely had little use for his F-150. But he was a Sapphire Falls boy, so he still had to own one.

“I’ve helped my dad,” Chase said.

“Great. My truck could use a wash. The hose is on the back of the house, buckets in the shed. I’ll grab the soap and rags and meet you in the drive, okay?”

“Okay!” Chase turned to descend the steps, but looked back. “Thanks.”

Scott gave him a smile. “And after you’re done, I’ll show you the bullet hole. It’s pretty cool. And gross.”

---