Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
Durango
The next couple of months go by in a blur. The casts are off, and I've been in physical therapy most of that time. I had hoped to be back to work by now, but apparently, sitting on my ass all those weeks I was ordered to rest made me very weak. I shouldn't complain. My injuries could have been worse.
But there was a moment in the hospital when I wasn't sure I'd get to go back to work. I've saved enough money that I can get by without working for a long time. But mentally, I can't sit around or simply take up some hobby. No, I need to be out there, working with my friends.
I finish my last rep with the medicine ball.
"Looking good."
The therapist working with me is on the other side of the room, so I turn to find who spoke. Reed grins at me.
"What are you doing here?"
He knows I'm in physical therapy, but I didn't share my appointment schedule with him.
"Just thought I'd check in. Ozzie says you're pushing yourself hard to get back to work. There's no rush. Your job will be there when you're ready."
Ah, Ozzie told him where to find me. Ozzie has expressed concern that I'm overdoing it.
"I appreciate that." And I do.
When I was first in the hospital and the doctor said my recovery could take months, I was worried Reed would need to let me go and fill the spot with someone else.
"But the sooner I get my strength back and can work, the better. Also, pushing has been for the best. I was going crazy in Ozzie's apartment. Nothing beats sleeping in your own bed."
The moment the casts came off and I was able to go up stairs, I moved back to my house. It means I have to take Ubers to and from therapy, but trust me, it's worth it not to have to listen to them have sex.
Reed chuckles. "I can understand that. Look, I didn't want to interrupt your appointment. I just wanted to see how you are doing."
"No worries, I'm finished for today. And if everything stays on track, I should be ready for an assignment in two weeks at most."
I walk over to a set of chairs and sit down. Reed joins me.
"Two weeks? Well, you provide a doctor's note stating you are cleared, and I'll find something for you."
I nod toward the therapist. "How about a note from this place?"
Reed grows serious. "I'd like you to be cleared by a doctor. You did have a concussion and brain swelling. That's a very serious thing, Durango."
"It is. And fortunately, it was the first—and hopefully only—concussion I'll ever have. The doctor said I healed really quickly."
I've been lucky and never had any serious injuries in the line of duty. Nor did I on assignments with RHS.
He nods but doesn't say anything.
"Hey, how is Moose doing?"
Moose is the newest guy at RHS. He was hired a few months before my accident.
"He's doing great. I'm keeping him busy, and he's bonded with most of the guys."
"Most? Not all?"
A smile plays at his lips. "Well, Ozzie hasn't warmed up to him as much. I think it's because he flirts with Piper."
I laugh. Moose did flirt with my cousin when he first started at RHS, and I'm not upset that he still does. It will keep Ozzie on his toes. I don't want him taking Piper for granted. Not that he's shown any sign that he would.
"Do you need a lift? I got my car parked nearby," Reed offers.
"That would be great. Thank you."
Reed gives me a ride home. After he leaves, I send Willow a text canceling our plans for lunch, telling her I need to sleep. I don't want to lie to her, but I need space right now. Whenever we are together, we laugh and everything feels right. But if I suggest we go out anywhere, she backtracks and appears uncomfortable.
It's been a couple of months since we last talked about her needing space. There have been a few times when I thought she was going to open up to me or bring up the topic of us, but twice we were interrupted, and the third, she changed the subject. I don't want to pressure her, but at the same time, I'm going crazy waiting. Does she need another week? Month? Year?
Do I need to accept the fact that whatever we may once have felt, the moment is gone? And I may never understand why.
It was great to catch up, but I need to put distance between us. Being around her without knowing why she's keeping me at a distance is becoming too hard. She mentioned an ex but hasn't gone into any detail. And if she were to suggest we just be friends…honestly, I don't think I could.
If she brought some douchebag around, I doubt I'd handle it well. I rub my chin. She's been getting close to Piper, Alicia, and Madison, which means she might be at any party or get-together.
Maybe I should try to find someone else to focus on. I have to laugh. Yeah, find someone in the shape I'm in right now. Not just physically. Mentally, I'd probably compare everyone to Willow.
I sit down and lay my head back on the couch. It's no use trying to convince myself of all of this. I want Willow. I've had feelings for her for nearly twenty years. I can't wish them away.
When I think about what she did with Ozzie to try to get to me ten years ago, I'm pissed. But talking to her these last several months has taught me one thing. She's really matured over the years. But she also lost that glow that used to radiate from her. I think I catch glimpses here and there.
The front door opens, and Piper runs in with a bag. "Hey, I brought you lunch."
This is the distraction I need right now. Piper sets the bag on the kitchen table.
"Thank you, but you didn't need to leave work to do that."
She shrugs. "It's fine, and I like the walk. Besides, Willow texted me that you changed your mind about having lunch with her and plan to sleep instead. I knew that was bullshit the moment I heard it, so I'm here to check up on you. What's going on?"
I join her in the kitchen and open the bag. It contains a sandwich. I unwrap it. A meatball sub. "You're right. Thanks."
She sits in a chair, staring at me. She isn't going anywhere until I tell her what's going on, but I'm starving, so she's going to have to wait. I take a bite. The issue with Willow isn't something I really want to talk about, but I should. My cousin might provide some womanly insight.
"Did something bad happen at physical therapy?" she asks.
"Nothing bad. Reed stopped in to see me."
She nods. "How did that go?"
I finish chewing. "Thanks again for this." I nod to the sandwich. "It went fine. He told me not to rush and I'll still have a job when I'm ready."
"Good. He's right. You shouldn't push so hard."
"My doctor says it's fine. I need to get back to work. I'm going to drive myself crazy by sitting around, thinking too much." I take another bite.
She watches me, which makes me uncomfortable.
"Don't watch me when I eat," I say.
"Okay." She goes to the kitchen and fills up two glasses of water, setting one in front of me. "Are you going stir-crazy? Or thinking about Willow too much?" Piper is perceptive; I'll give her that.
"Both." I set my sandwich down and launch into what's been bothering me. "Ever since Willow and I have been back in touch, I've made it clear I want to date her. She told me she wasn't ready to date yet. She's said this many times over the past many months. I'm starting to wonder if there's something more going on."
"Like what?" Piper asks.
"It's possible she's playing games again." It's not something I've voiced out loud, but it is what I'm worried about. "I think I need some distance from her."
Piper reaches across and takes my hand in hers. "She's not playing games. Willow is dealing with something, and that's why she's hesitating. Now, it's not my place to say what it is, but I've told her she needs to tell you."
I cock my head. "You seem to know a lot of things. She's confided in you about whatever she's dealing with?"
Piper avoids my gaze. "Well, I wouldn't say confided. I mean, she talked about it when we were all out at happy hour one time."
"We?"
She shrugs. "Madison, Alicia, Willow, and me."
I pull my hand from hers. "Great. She can talk to everyone else but not me." I stand on my wobbly legs. Perhaps I did push too hard in therapy today.
I leave the half-eaten sub and walk as well as I can to my room. Suddenly, I need to be alone.
"Durango! It's not like that. Please, just talk to her."
I walk to my bedroom, close the door, and flop onto the bed.
Once I hear the front door click and the lock engage, I relax a little. Willow has said she had a bad situation with her ex and that's why she's hesitating. But why won't she tell me what happened? Is she still in contact with him? Is she not over him?
I can think about this all day, but that doesn't move me forward or answer any of my questions. Only one thing will. I grab my phone and type up a message.
Durango: We need to talk.