Page 102 of Beyond the Stroke

I lift my chin in his direction, giving him a hard look.

It’s not an invitation, it’s an order.Move along.

“What’s on the agenda today?” I ask, redirecting my attention to Whitney.

“I just got myself settled into Winnie’s house and I’m meeting with Alex for weight training.”

“Winnie’s house?” Logan lets out a low whistle and shakes his head. “Good luck surviving all her rules.”

Whitney laughs. “Not eating on the couch isn’t the end of the world.”

Logan lifts his brows, looking personally offended. “Speak for yourself, Whit. Couch snacks are sacred.”

Whitney ignores him and flashes me a curious smile. “Oh, and I can’t wait to meet my new sister-in-law.”

“That’s right. You haven’t met Summer yet.” My chest tightens with a strange mix of excitement and nerves. Whitney’s opinion matters to me, and Summer’s quickly taking up residence in my thoughts and if I’m going to admit it, my heart.

What if they don’t hit it off?

“You’re going to love her,” I add quickly.

“She’s really great,” Vivi adds, saving me.

Whitney lifts a brow, but she lets me off the hook. “I’m sure I will.” Then she turns to go. “Gotta head to my training session.”

“Before you go, I’m having people over later. Bonfire on the beach. You in?”

“For sure. Text me.” She waves, then moves toward the locker rooms.

“I’ve got a meeting. I’ll see you guys later.” Vivi’s eyes drop to her phone as she walks toward the offices.

Charlie, Logan, Eli, and I keep walking toward the exit.

“You mentioned Summer is asthmatic,” Eli says. “Isn’t smoke a trigger for asthma?”

Oh shit. Is it? I can’t believe I didn’t even think about it.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

The more I think about it, the worse I feel. How am I supposed to be a supportive husband if I don’t know even know what her triggers are? Sure, I could Google it, but that’s not the same thing as knowing what Summer needs specifically.

Now, I’m recalling Summer has a doctor’s appointment today.

Thanks to the Current’s staff, they managed to fast-track her insurance application but first-time applicants have to do a full health exam. With how stubborn Summer was about getting her prescription filled, I can only imagine she’s not going to be the easiest to talk to about her triggers and limitations, but getting the information straight from her doctor would be helpful. It would put me at ease, that’s for sure.

I glance at my watch. She should be there now.

“I’ve got an appointment, but I’ll let you guys know about the bonfire later.”

After exiting the aquatic center, I head straight for my car, and then Coral Cove’s medical center.

twenty-six

. . .

SUMMER

After taking my vitals and paperwork, the nurse left me in a paper gown to await the doctor.

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