Christmas Therapy

“Good.”

She grinned. “Glad you approve.”

At that moment, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” played through the speakers. Heather then released his hands, needing the space, and shuffled to the doorway. The patients were dancing.

Despite the injuries they’d experienced, bright smiles covered their faces. From the young to the older patients, joy shined on them all. There was no denying the Christmas spirit.

Heather glanced back at Allen. “When are you going to get out there with them? I see some nice moves going on.”

He inched closer. “It’s not my thing.”

“What? Having fun? Enjoying Christmas? Dancing in public?”

He frowned.

Heather’s stomach felt hard. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to keep my thoughts to myself.”

“No, that doesn’t come naturally to me,” Allen said.

“So… if I asked you to dance with me at the Sawyer’s Christmas party, you would have said no?” Heather raised an eyebrow.

He stared. His eye contact firm with hers. “I’m not sure. That would be different.”

She swallowed. “It would? Why?” Would it be different because she asked him? Would he do it for her?

Did Allen draw closer? Perhaps Heather was seeing things.

He blinked. “You should… call your Mom and tell her we’re through for the day.”

Heather rubbed the side of her neck. Blowing out her cheeks, she hoped her heart would stop hammering.

Chapter 13

Allen smiled at the ten-year-old boy who lifted his arm during his therapy reps. A few more patients worked around them at work tables, parallel bars, and adjustable staircases. Young Theo’s arm was in a cast because of a broken arm, but he was on the road to recovery.

His family was in a car accident. While his parents suffered from minor injuries, Theo endured the most since a car hit them from behind coming into Maple Meadow from out of town.

“Are we through yet?” Theo asked through gritted teeth.

“One more and that’s it.” Allen gave the boy’s good hand a fist bump once he finished. “Good job.”

Theo smiled back as his mother walked over. Allen shook her hand, and she walked with her son to the front door. As he faced the entryway, he saw Heather with her one crutch at the reception desk. Though she’d been there before, seeing her at his job was new. What was worse? He looked forward to seeing her over his other patients.

A lump formed in his throat as he watched her interact with Maggie the receptionist. Heather was natural at conversation, making those around her comfortable. Then she turned to face him and she tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Then Heather leaned into the crutch and walked towards him.

Allen met her halfway as he did the time before. “Welcome again to Maple Meadow Physical Therapy.”

“Some welcoming committee.” She winked at him.

Another thing he liked. She never ceased to speak what was on her mind.

“Are you ready?” Allen asked.

“Yeah, and I’m ready to get off this crutch.” Heather wobbled some, but she steadied herself and followed him.

“Where’s Tinsel this time?”

“Keeping my neighbors company again. Why? Is he growing on you?”