“A little slow.” She reached for her phone.
“Heather, we need to—”
“You mind if I play some music. It helps take my mind off the pain.”
“You’re in pa
in. What can I—”
“I guess more of discomfort. I’m used to music when I work out. It helps take my mind off what I’m doing.”
“Whatever’s best for you,” he said. However, when The Temptations’ “Everything for Christmas” played, Allen’s gaze flicked upward.
“Okay, what’s the problem?” Heather asked.
“What? We’re doing knee slides, so I need you to lie back.”
She did, propping her good knee up, leaving her injured one straight. “You don’t like Christmas decorations and now you’re frowning at my music?”
He swallowed. “If it helps you during our session, that’s all that matters.”
Heather’s eyebrows rose. She wasn’t giving up. “Well?”
“I like Christmas. I just haven’t celebrated the way I used to. Knee up.”
Heather followed his instructions. “Sorry.”
Allen sighed. “It was my mom’s favorite holiday. She passed away two years ago.” He didn’t have to explain himself, but perhaps some information would satisfy her.
Heather raised on her forearms, her forehead wrinkling. “I’ll turn it off.”
“No, don’t.”
“Allen, I don’t have—”
“It’s fine.” He patted her good leg. “A few more knee slides and we can move on to the next exercise.”
Heather did as he told her with no argument, much to his surprise. Yet, when he heard humming, the corners of his mouth quirked up.
“You sing?”
She giggled. “I prefer dancing.”
“Ah, that number I saw in the grocery store.”
“I’m not a professional. I like music.”
“What’s your favorite?”
“Depends on my mood. You?”
“I grew up listening to 90s music, so Aaliyah, Tevin Campbell, Brian McKnight…”
“No rap or jazz?”
He laughed. “You like rap?”
“Again, it depends on my mood.” She smiled and her eyes sparkled.