Melanie
FOR THE NEXT few sessions, I continue to watch as Roman progresses with Tom. I’ve seen a change in him and it’s starting to reflect in his attitude. His confidence level has greatly increased and his temper has gotten more under control. With each new session that rolls on by, his body is starting to regain its strength. It’s not happening overnight, but I’m noticing subtle changes.
His legs are lifting higher off the ground, his core is strengthening, and his balance is steadier. Tom hasn’t needed me to assist anymore. He just prefers that I stand by and watch, but deep down, I know I’m there for Roman. Every single time he sees me he greets me with a smile. That smile of his melts my heart and causes my breathing to become erratic. I can’t help but feel drawn to him. It’s this force that keeps pulling me toward him and I’m not going to fight it.
Today, I decide to sit outside in the waiting area while Roman and Tom work in the back. I figure I’ll give them a little privacy this time around. Besides, Roman does need to concentrate and I wouldn’t want to be his distraction.
Sitting at the waiting area, I grab a book out of my bag and begin reading the next chapter. Engrossed in the material, I lose track of time and don’t even notice Roman staring at me until he clears his throat.
Startled from my book, I yelp. “Goodness, you scared me.”
He wheels himself toward me. “What are you reading?”
I hand him the novel. “It’s my favorite book. I’ve read it so many times, I’ve lost count.”
He glances at the cover and back at me. “Pride and Prejudice?” He shrugs. “Never heard of it.”
I scoff. “What? How have you never heard of this book? Jane Austen? Emma? Sense and Sensibility? Mr. Darcy? Anything ring a bell?”
He gives an apologizing look. “Sorry, drawing a blank.”
I snatch the book out of his hand. “I can’t believe this. You do not have the right to hold this until you read at least one book of hers.”
“How about you read it to me?”
I chuckle. “You want me to read to you? What are you, three years old?”
He pleads, “Come on, you know I hate reading. Why can’t you read it?”
“Well, I guess I could, but I’ll have to start from the beginning so you can understand what’s going on.”
He raises his palm. “Wait, what’s it about anyway?”
“It’s the story of a poor farmer’s daughter and the new neighbor that moves in next door. The daughter sees the handsome Mr. Darcy as a rich snob and loathes him. But, in the end, she realizes that her prejudice has caused her to be blind to truly seeing what an amazing man he is. It’s such a beautiful love story and god, I have the hots for Mr. Darcy. I mean like bad.”
He laughs. “You have the hots for a fictional character?”
I scoff. “Don’t judge. It happens. Trust me.”
He nods. “So, my competition is a book. Duly noted.”
Stunned by his statement, I glance away, embarrassed. My cheeks immediately heat as I feel my cheeks blush and rise in temperature. Shit, I must be beet red.
The soft brush of his fingers glides along the bottom of my chin as he lifts it, begging me to look in his eyes. His face is warm and comforting.
Clearing his throat, he swallows loud. “Melanie, I…I want to tell you some—”
Just as he’s about to say the words, Mrs. Zeppieri waltzes in the door and greets me with welcoming arms. “Hi Melanie, great to see you again!”
She pulls me into a hug and presses a kiss on my cheek.
“I’m happy to see you too Mrs. Zeppieri. Did you finish Christmas shopping?”
She snickers. “How many times do I have to tell you? Please call me Maggie. And yes, I’m finally finished. Oh, you’re still coming on Saturday, right?”
Shit, Christmas dinner. I completely forgot about it and now that she mentions it, I’m hesitant about attending. I’m not sure how I feel about Roman at this point and being around him might not be a good idea right now.
Roman glances at Maggie. “Wait, what’s going on?”