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“Oh, that’s a good endorsement.” They were pinging again. Back on track and she could breathe.

“So, did you bring any with you tonight?” An easy rise of the eyebrow came next. Oh, there were the flutters. Good ones, too. She felt the familiar stirrings lower that only Megan could elicit in her. Some sort of magic she’d never understand.

“Well. I didn’t want to assume anything.” They were just being playful now. Of course she’d be staying over, and they both knew it.

“My bed misses you as much as I do.”

“So what do we do about that?” Her phone buzzed in her purse. She glanced down, deciding to ignore it.

“Should I get the check?” Megan asked, following her cue.

The phone buzzed again. If it was possible, it seemed louder this time, more insistent. She closed her eyes. “I better check. Just in case.”

Megan made a go-ahead gesture. “Yeah. Please.”

Brent. She slid on to the call, planning to make it quick. Maybe just a question about his meds. “Hey, everything okay?”

“Ah, I think so. Honestly, I’m not sure. I fell in the hallway, and now I have this shooting pain up my arm.”

“You were wearing your brace, though, right?”

“I took it off just to let my arm breathe a little. But I realize how stupid a mistake that was now, and I’m thinking I should ice it, but I just finally got settled upstairs, and I’m afraid of falling again if I go back down.”

“Don’t do it alone. Get your nurse to help.”

“She already left. I told her I was good and going to sleep. Another mistake.”

“Yeah. It was.” She sighed. Trapped. Megan watched her carefully. Brent waited quietly on the line. “I’ll swing by. Give me fifteen.”

She could hear the relief in his voice when he said, “You’re a lifesaver and a saint.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She clicked off the call. “Brent.”

“Yeah. I ascertained.”

“I’m really sorry.” She gestured to the phone. “But he’s had an incident and hurt himself and needs a little assistance.”

Megan went still. Finally, she nodded. “Of course. No. I understand.”

They stared at each other, Ally’s mind racing with how to make this work. “Why don’t I see if I can get him settled and then head back over later tonight? We could pick up again. Please? I will make this up to you.”

Megan stared at the table before raising her gaze. “You know what? Let’s not. I think we’ve both had long days and could use some sleep.”

A pause. This was not the ending to the evening she’d wanted. “Megan. Please. I’m sorry.”

But Megan was already standing, dropping several twenties on the table. “You have nothing to apologize for. I think we both know you’re where you’re supposed to be.” She kissed Allison’s cheek and turned to the bar. “You know what? You go on ahead. I think I’ll have one more at the bar. My night has suddenly opened up.”

Allison nodded, helpless, but doing what she felt was best, even if it meant sacrificing herself and what it was she wanted. They’d get through this, she reminded herself as she drove the near twenty minutes to Brent’s place. And then at last, they could finally live their lives. Take those vacations they’d daydreamed about. Maybe they’d even move in together at some point. The thought brought a much needed smile to Allison’s face as she imagined domesticity alongside Megan. Doing dishes. Laundry. Arguing over TV shows before falling into bed together and doing it all over the next day. Nothing in the world would make her happier.

She just had to be patient. That’s all.

Chapter Eighteen

The gossip surrounding the Carmichaels’ oldest son had run rampant. But Megan held her tongue.

“Did you hear about Brent?”

“The word on the street is that he might not walk again.”