“Can I hang out for a while?” Mara spoke as if she hadn’t heard him. He figured that was her way of saying she didn’t want to talk about it.
“Of course. You can stay as long as you want. Anytime.”
Mara wiped her cheeks with the edge of her sleeve. “I’ll put on a movie. No chick flicks, I promise.”
Matt loved Trent like a brother but he’d better fix things and soon. He’d never liked to see his sister cry, especially not when it was his fault.
“Go ahead and put on one of those sappy movies you like so much. I’m man enough to take it.”
Mara smiled tremulously through her tears. “I know you are.”
* * * * *
THE FIRST WEEK that Matt showed up for therapy looking like someone kicked his dog, Penny let it go. He had to be getting run-down driving back and forth so much. He was probably just tired. She could use a weekend to relax, herself.
When he showed up the next Monday looking just as dejected, she tried to pry it out of him subtly. He answered all her questions and was perfectly polite, but there were no jokes or inappropriate comments. He was like a robot. He did his therapy, followed all her directions without complaint, and then left.
Something was definitely wrong.
By Wednesday afternoon, she decided to just ambush him. Before he even sat down on the table, she turned to him and said, “What’s wrong with you?”
Matt shook his head. “Nothing. Wait, you mean with my shoulder?”
“No, not your shoulder. Your shoulder is great. But you aren’t. You’ve been in a funk for the past week and a half. It’s depressing and completely unlike you. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I liked you better when you were a smartass.”
A hint of his trademark smirk appeared. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired.”
This was what she’d wanted, she reminded herself. He was probably just trying to respect her wishes. She couldn’t get involved with a patient and wasn’t looking to get involved with anyone, actually. If they were going to keep their distance, this was how it had to be. Unless he was unhappy with her for some reason. The thought made her feel a little sick. Was that what it was?
Was Matt angry with her?
She ran through everything they’d covered the past four weeks. Other than small talk about their parents and catching up on what they’d been doing the past few years, they’d been completely focused. They hadn’t discussed anything that deep or controversial. Nothing that would cause him to give her the cold shoulder. His therapy was going well. He was gaining strength and flexibility at astounding rates.
It couldn’t be about his treatment, she assured herself.
“You know, we could restrict your appointments to Tuesday through Thursday or even just go to twice a week if you want. It would keep your driving to a minimum.”
Matt leaned back against the wall and rolled his head to look at her. “Actually, I’ve been staying at a friend’s house in Springfield. It’s about fifteen minutes away.”
Penny sat in the plastic chair next to the treatment table. “If driving isn’t what’s putting those circles under your eyes, what is?”
“It’s nothing. I’ll be fine. I just need to relax.” He must have realized his explanation was pretty weak because he added, “I’ll be fine after I get a good night’s sleep.”
“Right. Insomnia is what makes you look like someone just stole all your toys from the sandbox.” Penny pursed her lips and stood. “Look, since you’re in town we should hang out. I feel bad. If I’d known you were in town all this time, I would have invited you out before. Georgia loves to plan happy hours.”
“You want to hang out with me?” Disbelief dripped from every word. “What happened to keeping our distance?”
“Surely we can have a drink in a public place without incident. Besides, we’ll have a whole group of people with us. Meet me back here at five o’clock. No excuses.”
Matt stood slowly, stretching his arms overhead. His shirt rose up, flashing an irresistible patch of bronze skin. “Fine. I’ll see you at five.”
Penny let out a soft sigh of appreciation as soon as he left. After making a few notes in his file, she walked down the hallway to the reception desk. Georgia looked up when she leaned over the counter.
“Could you work your magic and plan a happy hour? Get some people together and I’ll actually go this time.”
“What’s got you interested in happy hour all of a sudden? You’ve never attended any of the ones I’ve organized before now.”
“It’s for Matt. He doesn’t know anyone in town. We should take him out.”
Georgia narrowed her eyes. “Penelope Lewis. Are you trying to seduce Sergeant Sexy?”
Penny gasped and glanced around them. “Would you be quiet? What if he were to walk up and hear you call him that?”
“He’d probably be flattered. He doesn’t have a stick up his butt like some people I know. And I say that as your friend.”
“Hah. Some friend,” Penny muttered.
Georgia just grinned back at her and then bent down to rummage in her handbag. When she straightened, she held her cell phone. “Give me a few minutes and we’ll have a group for happy hour. But you will owe me. I will want details. Lots of dirty, kinky details.”
Penny let her head drop into her hands. She’d been trying so hard to keep things platonic and casual between her and Matt. How could she do that when everything around them seemed determined to throw them together? There was only so much a girl could take.