Page 47 of Fragile Love (Fragile 3)
As they ate, Cayden continued explaining about muscles and building strength. Andrew really seemed to be listening; Lillian sat back and watched them as she curled up in the corner of the couch, warm mug of coffee in hand.
Finally, they reached a stopping point in the conversation. “Well,” she said, “it’s good to see you two not arguing anymore.” That was a lame attempt at making light of earlier.
“You aren’t in a silk nightdress anymore,” Andrew said. “What is there to argue about?”
“Hey.” Cayden pushed him enough that he nearly fell off the gym ball.
“I’m just saying!”
“How’s it going? All this, I mean.” She waved a hand at Andrew’s leg and the exercise instructions from the therapist.
“I think I’ve finally convinced him that this is all worth it,” Cayden replied.
The silliness faded from Andrew’s face. “He has, actually.”
Lillian gasped. “Is Andrew being serious about this?”
“I am,” he said. “I mean, your boyfriend has told me enough horror stories about bad recoveries from either not doing these dumb exercises or from doing them wrong, he could have struck fear into anyone.”
“So, you’re saying I scared you into recovering well?” Cayden asked.
“Something like that. The stories combined with what you say will happen if I don’t do them right—not being able to bend my leg much and limping and all—” he shook his head. “Really, there’s no other option now except to make sure I do this right.”
“I guess this is one of the few times that the fear tactic does work.” Lillian winked at Cayden.
“Whatever tactic I use, it always works,” he gloated. “This is a pretty inconvenient injury, but there’s absolutely no reason why he wouldn’t make a full recovery.”
“Awww,” Lillian grinned at Andrew. “Am I sensing a little bromance here?”
“No,” they said at the same time.
She rolled her eyes. “Okay, whatever.” Standing up, she stacked the plates on the trays. “You two have fun. I’m going to read until there’s something more fun planned.”
“Oh, there will be,” Andrew kidded in a mischievous tone. “It might not involve me, but it will definitely involve both of—oof!” He grunted as Cayden hit him in the chest. “What was that for?”
“Just for good measure, Drew,” Cayden replied simply.
Lillian, with a little chuckle, carried the trays into the kitchen, leaving the guys to their own devices. I think it’s going well, Amelia, she thought, hoping Amelia’s spirit would hear somehow. I think things are finally working between the two of them.
“ARE YOU ON THE PLANE yet?”
“Not yet.” Cayden sounded tired, but happy. “We’re lining up for boarding. It’s not moving yet, though. Are you driving?”
“I’m actually just sitting in the car, enjoying the sunshine.” She pushed her sunglasses up and leaned the seat back. The wind was blowing like crazy outside, but in here she was enjoying the warmth. “I’ll leave in a minute. I’m meeting Claire around lunchtime.”
“Is that the lady who always makes food for you?”
“Yeah. She likes to feed me. It’s sweet. It doesn’t make her any less draining to be around, but she’s very sweet.” Lillian yawned. “Are you meeting any clients today?”
“I’m heading to meet Katharina after I land.”
Lillian thought about the photos he and Katharina had taken together last week, and frowned. “Oh. Cool.”
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“Thinking?”
“Lil, she’s a client. Nothing more.”
