Page 66 of Right in Front of You

Her cheeks flushed red. “No, it wasn’t. It was my idea… but that was long ago.” She waved her hand, probably hoping that I’d forget. I’d never forget the way she stayed underneath the surface, barely covering her perky breasts. Even though I’d been with Daisy, I was still a boy who was curious about a woman’s body, and Molly’s was definitely developed by then.

“Sorry, but you’re not getting out of a promise.”

She sighed and winked. “Why don’t we first see how you manage over the next few weeks with your wounds before you venture into a bacteria-infested lake?”

If she was trying to scare me, it wouldn’t work. I moved in closer. “One way or another, I’m getting you naked in that lake,” I whispered. I saw her skin pepper with goosebumps, which elated me beyond reason.

She held my arm so that I could still use my crutches, and we headed for the front door. The left leg was killing me, but not as much as the torso. Though having this lady under my arm was totally worth the pain a million times over.

With my best efforts, we went inside the rustic, family-oriented restaurant. For a moment, I wondered whether Molly was taking me out on a date without telling me. That would have sucked, because if there was anyone who would be doing the taking out, it would be me. After all, she had agreed to a date earlier in the day. I hoped this wasn’t it because what I had planned would blow her socks off – and I definitely wanted her socks blown off.

“Is this the surprise you were talking about? Us having dinner?” I asked.

“You think I’m taking you out on a date?”

“How can I not?”

“Well, it’s not a date, and the surprise is around the corner.”

We walked between a few tables before turning to the right. As soon as I saw two heads full of gray hair, I felt my energy skyrocket.

“Mom?”

My mother ran to me, almost knocking me down. “I’m so sorry we were away when you were released,” she cried into my shoulder. I let go of the crutches, which fell to the floor, and lifted her up in the air.

“Carter, you shouldn’t,” Molly cautioned, and when I felt a slight pull at the side I set my mother down.

“I’m good, I’m good.” I took the crutches Molly had picked up and rested my weight on them once again.

“I don’t know what I’ll ever do to thank you for helping him,” she said to Molly.

“Really, there’s no need. It’s my pleasure. And Carter’s been a great patient – for the most part,” she teased.

“Are you giving Molly any trouble, Carter?” My mom gave me a disapproving look.

“Oh, you know me. Trouble’s my middle name.”

“He’s joking.” Molly punched me playfully on my right arm.

I shook hands with my father, and with relief, sat down on the chair he pulled out for me. Pain slowly dissipated from my left leg.

“How are you feeling? How’s the infection?” my mother asked.

“Pretty much gone. The antibiotics helped and Molly’s taking care of the dressings.”

“He’s barely letting me help, and he does everything himself before I get home from work.”

“Tattletale.”

My mother smiled and took my hand. “Carter, honey, you know that we’d be more than happy to rent an apartment out here to help you. We could hire a nurse to come to the house or drive you back to the hospital every day.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Why not? I have nothing better to do. You should have told us you were being released.”

Molly tilted her head to the side, questioning what I’d told her at the hospital. Actually, I was pretty sure that she knew I’d lied to her. If she did, then she wasn’t letting my parents know.

“I trust Molly. She’s doing a great job.”

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