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“Are you always like this? Not letting people take care of you?”

“No. But you don’t have to. I’m okay.”

“Your ankle is wrapped, and you just flew across the ocean. Did it swell? I can get you some ice.” She dropped the bags down and moved to Aspen’s side. “And it should be elevated,” she added.

“The swelling has gone down, actually. I also upgraded to business class for the flight home, so I was able to keep it elevated. Worth it. I wouldn’t mind the ice, though.”

“I’ll get it and be right back.”

“Thank you.”

Kendra made her way into Aspen’s kitchen, found a plastic bag in a cabinet, and filled it with ice before she headed back to the living room.

“Do you want to get set up in your bed instead of out here?”

“I’m good here for now,” Aspen said. “I need to text my mom that I’m home, though.” She pulled out her phone.

Kendra sat down, moved Aspen’s legs into her lap as if she’d done it a hundred times, and unwrapped her ankle.

“Done,” Aspen added.

Kendra looked down at the ankle in front of her, and it didn’t appear to be swollen at all, which made her feel better. She set the bag of ice on it and earned a grimace and a hiss from Aspen before she wrapped it back up.

“Better?” she asked, rubbing Aspen’s calf.

Aspen smiled at her and said, “Yes, much.” Her phone dinged. “My mom is asking if I need her to come over.”

Kendra looked down because she expected Aspen to want her mother there.

“I’ll tell her I’m good.”

Kendra looked up at her and asked, “Are you sure?”

“Are you staying?” Aspen asked back.

“Yes, if you want me to.”

Aspen nodded and looked down at her phone.

“I told her that I have help, so I’m okay.”

“Are you hungry?” Kendra asked.

“Yes, but I don’t think we should do the cookout thing right now.”

Kendra smiled and said, “I’m guessing you have no food here.”

“You’d be correct.”

“I’ll order us something,” she said and pulled her own phone out of her front pocket. “You can eat, and then, I’ll help you get to your bed. I’m sure you’re tired, too.”

“I slept on the plane, so I’m okay.”

“Still, you should rest,” Kendra told her.

“If I rest, will you go home, though?”

“What?”