Page 28 of Rocky

She didn’t answer immediately, but when she did, I could relate.

“As long as I stay busy, I’m fine.”

“That’s interesting.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s how I cope with the loss of my younger brother, RJ’s dad.”

“Rocky, I’m so sorry. I assumed RJ enjoyed hanging with his uncles. I had no idea his father had passed away.”

“He does enjoy hanging with us, but me and Russ got custody of him after my brother died from a severe case of pneumonia.”

She struggled to sit up and face me. “You’ve been through so much, and I apologize for misjudging you.”

“I can say the same about you. I understand why you’re so guarded and protective of Briar. I want to genuinely apologize for taking him for a ride on my bike without your verbal permission.”

“Thank you. Umm, my shoulder and back are throbbing. I need to take some meds and get some ice.”

“You mind if I take a look?”

“Are you in the medical field?”

“No, but I grew up with two younger brothers, and I’m raising a seven-year-old boy. Lots of accidents have happened on my watch. Let me help you.”

She slowly moved to the edge of the couch and attempted to remove her arm from the sleeve of her shirt.

“It hurts too much.”

“Can I slip my hand into your shirt?”

“You didn’t ask if you could put your face between my legs, but you think this would be a problem?”

“Touché.” I grabbed the neck of her shirt with one hand and slipped the other hand into it. “It feels like your shoulder is out of place.”

“Do I need to go to the hospital?”

“Let me check. Hold your breath for me.”

“What are you—Ah!” She screamed when I pressed her shoulder back into place. “Oh my God! You could’ve warned me.”

“I did. Roll your shoulder and see how it feels.”

She did as I asked, squinting from the discomfort. “It’s sore but feels better. Thank you.”

“Does anything else hurt?”

“My back is a little sore, but I’ll take some ibuprofen.”

“That should help. Let me help you up.”

The feisty Rue I was used to must have been on a break. When I extended my hand, she took it and allowed me to help her.

“Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

She looked up at me, and I winked.

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