Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“I just can’t believe it,” I gush as I take him in, and I realize all of a sudden that my happiness to see him has almost nothing to do with my prior feelings but everything to do with the fact that I’ve had a low-burning worry about him doing such dangerous work. “You look great. And you’re in one piece.”
He nods somberly. “I’ve been in some hair-raising situations for sure.”
“Well, come on in,” I say as I step backward and press against the door to give him room to pass.
Aiden bobs his head in acknowledgment, gives me a shy smile, and steps over my threshold.
After I close the door, I go first into the living room and find Reed still kneeling by the TV with an expectant but pleasant smile on his face.
I make hasty introductions. “Reed…this is Aiden. We were in residency together. And Aiden, this is Reed. My neighbor.”
The minute I say the word neighbor, I know it’s wrong, but I don’t know why I’m feeling awkward about these two men meeting and how I characterize them. Reed, however, doesn’t seem fazed by my characterization as he pops to his feet and gives an outgoing smile to Aiden along with an outstretched hand. “Pleased to meet you, man.”
“Yeah, likewise,” Aiden says with a hearty handshake. He turns to look at the TV and mishmash of cords. “New TV?”
“Yeah,” I say with a nervous laugh, because all of a sudden I’m worried that these two are standing in the same room with me. “Reed’s been trying to figure it out for hours now.”
I wince internally at what could be deemed a backhanded slap at Reed’s abilities, but again, he laughs and points to the TV. “I’m about ready to give up.”
“What’s the problem?” Aiden asks as he takes a step closer to the TV and looks at it with grave concentration.
“I can’t get the Xbox to connect and I’m thinking maybe the HDMI cable is bad because I’ve tried everything else,” Reed says as he points to the mess.
“Mind if I try?” Aiden asks, but doesn’t wait for an answer. He just jumps in and starts rearranging things while Reed watches raptly.
I watch mesmerized as Aiden works and Reed offers suggestions. I focus in on Aiden’s hands. A doctor’s hands that can whip stitches or comfort a child who is sick. I compare them to Reed’s hands, which are large, calloused, and scarred on a few knuckles. Hands that know my body far better than Aiden’s ever did.
That thought requires a hard shake of my head and I inhale a quavering breath.
Reed’s head snaps my way. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sure,” I say with a tiny laugh.
“There, that should do it,” Aiden says as he straightens up. He takes the remote, points it at the TV, and turns it on. He then presses a button, and lo and behold, Reed’s Xbox menu appears on the screen. “Voilà.”
“Awesome, dude,” Reed says exuberantly. “Thanks so much.”
“Yeah,” I mutter in agreement. “Thanks, Aiden.”
“Well, listen,” Aiden says as he rubs his hands together while turning to me. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Just wanted to let you know I was back in town and maybe we could get lunch sometime next week.”
“Um…yeah, sure,” I say with a bright, forced smile. “That would be great.”
“Still got your same cell phone number?” he asks.
I nod dumbly, feeling all kinds of weird about this, and yet…I want to know what he has to say.
“Great, I’ll text you and we’ll work around your schedule,” Aiden says cheerily. He turns back to Reed and sticks his hand out. “Nice meeting you.”
“Likewise,” Reed says with a return smile. “Thanks again on the TV.”
Aiden nods and then turns to the door. I walk behind him, realizing that my palms are suddenly sweaty. I get a final smile and nod of the head from Aiden, and then he’s gone.
My heart is hammering as I turn back to face Reed. Again, I get a carefree smile from him and he says, “Nice guy.”
“Yeah, nice guy,” I murmur, and then decide to put a little more distance between us. I walk to the kitchen and say, “I’m going to start boiling the pasta.”
“Sweet,” Reed says casually, then flops down on the couch, picking up a game controller. “I’m going to kill some enemies while you do that. Unless you want me to help?”
“No, I’ve got it,” I return breezily. “Happy hunting.”
“You’re the best, Josie,” he replies, but then his attention is fixed on his game. My attention is only half on the pasta, wondering why in the hell Aiden would ever come to see me when things ended so badly between us.
Chapter 15
Reed
I wait for Josie to explain Aiden to me but it never comes. Not while she finishes our dinner and not while we eat. Not while I clean the kitchen and she piddles around with her puzzle. Not while we watch a movie together on her couch.