Page 11 of Home Changes
The woman patted her gently on the leg. “Not a problem. You’re good to go now. The doctor looked over the x-rays. Everything’s healing beautifully. If you have any problems at all, just give us a call.Honestly, I’m surprised by how much mobility you already have. Most people who follow physical therapy to the letter don’t progress this fast.”
Allison hopped down from the exam table smoothly, landing lightly on her feet.
“Well, I didn’t exactly follow the prescribed PT.” She gave a sheepish grin. “I own and run a bakery. Kneading dough, shaping bread, carrying heavy trays, it was all built-in therapy. When I looked at the exercises, I figured I was already doing most of them, just a lot more reps.”
The PA blinked, her mouth falling open slightly.
“You mean to tell me you’ve been using that hand to knead bread this whole time, and you haven’t had any issues?”
Allison shook her head. “No, none. I put on a glove and worked. Not much else I could’ve done. That bakery is my livelihood. Don’t get me wrong, it ached for quite a while. It was a pain in the butt, but I took some Tylenol and kept going. The first two weeks? Oh my goodness, my bread looked awful. I gave the practice ones to the local diner to use for toast. I wasn’t about to sell them.”
She laughed softly, remembering the mess.
“My mom helped me with orders, but I had nothing in the display case for at least two weeks.After that, though, I adapted. The more I worked, the more I could work.”
The PA shook her head with what looked like admiration. “I wish more patients were like you. Some people get injured and never put in the effort to rebuild the muscle. They lose mobility just because they give up too early. I’m so glad you didn’t.”
Allison lifted her hand and flexed her fingers, giving a small, confident wiggle. There was no pain, no weakness. “Nope. The doctor did a great job. I’m fine.”
“You are indeed,” the PA said with a smile. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Allison. And I hope I never see you again.”
Allison grinned and reached out to shake her hand. “Same to you. But if you’re ever up in Hollister, stop by the bakery. I’ll give you a sample of something sweet.”
“Hollister?” the woman asked with a laugh. “That’s a long way north. I think I’m staying right here … maybe wander down to Rapid City. No plans to head north anytime soon. But if I do, I’ll let you know.”
Allison waved goodbye and left the exam room. She stopped at the nurses’ desk to ensure her copaywas handled and her insurance information was complete. Satisfied, she walked down the long, tiled hallway, her purse slung over her shoulder.
As she approached the glass double doors at the end of the corridor, she saw a man standing outside.
She slowed, a frown pulling at her brow.
She knew him.
Didn’t she?
Then it clicked.
Seth. Seth Hansen.
She remembered him as clearly as if it were yesterday. He’d been a senior when she was a freshman, a big, strong ranch kid, starting defense and offense, the cornerstone of their thirteen-man football team. Big. Broad. Quiet. And, from a freshman girl’s perspective, utterly unreachable. She didn’t remember if he’d dated much. But if he had, none of the cheerleaders had claimed him, though if memory served, they’d all tried.
He’d always seemed … above it all.
And now, he was standing right there, just beyond the doors.
She ducked her head quickly and kept walking. She wasn’t about to say anything. He probably didn’t even remember her. Besides, she was taking time forherself. Healing. Or so she kept reminding herself. Two years and counting.
Allison pressed the door’s metal bar, stepped outside, and let the fresh air hit her skin as she adjusted the strap on her purse. She didn’t look left or right. It would be embarrassing to say hi to him and have him not know who the hell she was. Allison headed out to her truck, flexing her hand, glad the staples were gone.
Behind her, a voice called out. “Allison? Allison Sanderson?”
She stopped mid-step and turned. Seth Hansen stood behind her, tall, broad, and familiar in a way that made her chest flutter. Only this version of Seth was rugged, handsome, and not a teenager anymore.Wowza, so not a teenager.
She smiled. “Hey, Seth. Long time no see.”
He let out a laugh, the sound low and surprised. “Over twenty years.”
“As I said … a long time.” Her smile widened, a little shy but genuine. “How have you been?”
