Page 5 of Thanks for the Love
As soon as I’m inside, I’m met with an intoxicating smell of new leather and delicious men’s cologne.
“Nice car.”
“Thank you,” he says, running his hand over the dashboard fondly. It’s obvious that he’s very proud of it. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he’s named it. I know a few guys who have named their cars.
A few seconds later, he peels out of the driveway in true show-off flare. I expected nothing less.
“How’s your wrist feeling?”
I’m still carefully cradling my arm, but at least the ice has made the pain subside for now. I’m silently praying that it’s not something serious.
“It’s actually feeling a little better. I’m sure I could’ve driven myself.”
He nods. “Maybe, but this is the least I can do since it’s my fault.”
I grow more embarrassed each time I think about it.Who falls out of a hammock?
“So, where are you from?” he asks. I appreciate that he’s changing the subject from my graceful moment.
“Orlando.”
“Orlando is a great city. There’s so much to do there.”
“Yes. It’s a lot of fun.”
I look out the window as we drive through this tropical paradise that I now call home.
“So, you grew up here?” I ask, changing the subject. I’m not really prepared to get into a discussion about Orlando or why I left.
“I did, but I just recently moved back.”
“Where were you living?” I ask.
“I lived in Dallas for two years and Chicago for the two years before that.”
“Oh, nice,” I say. “I’ve never really been a big fan of change, but there is something exhilarating about being in a new city.”
“I agree,” he says. “And here we are.”
We pull up in front of the urgent care, and sure enough there’s only parallel parking. I guess it was meant to be that Theo drove me here. I’d be freaking out if I had to squeeze in between two other vehicles with only one hand. Theo effortlessly maneuvers his way into the smallest spot I’ve ever seen, one that would send me into a state of sheer panic. As soon as he turns off the car, he practically jumps out and races to my door. He either feels really guilty about my unfortunate accident, or he’s trying to impress me. Or maybe both.
When we approach the front desk, Theo asks if Dr. Sims is working. Why does it not surprise me that he knows the doctor?
The receptionist hands me a clipboard of forms to fill out, and Theo and I take a seat.
“You know the doctor?” I whisper.
He leans in close enough for me to get a whiff of his cologne. It’s the same intoxicating smell from inside his car.
“Yep, Cal is one of my closest friends. That’s why I wanted to bring you here.”
Cal, huh? Well, I guess VIP treatment isn’t such a bad thing, especially since they seem to be pretty busy. I could be here for hours.
I quickly finish filling out the fun medical forms, and I’m called back a few minutes later. Theo naturally follows me to the exam room. I guess it doesn’t matter if he’s with me, especially since he’s friends with Dr. Sims. I mean—it’s not like it’s an appointment with a gynecologist.
Ew. I cringe at the thought.
A nurse comes in immediately to take my vitals, but her focus seems to be on Theo. I can’t say I blame her either. He’s not hard on the eyes.
