“Lori’s been having nightmares since the incident. She had one again last night and couldn’t sleep,” Maggie blurted out and Lori punched her sister lightly in the arm.
“Well, I suppose that’s understanda
ble, honey, everything considered. Maybe you need to talk to someone about it. A professional I mean,” her father said rather nervously.
Lori and Maggie looked at one another and then back at their father and simultaneously they laughed. The subject wouldn’t be brought up again.
“Are you ready, honey?” Diana asked as she entered the kitchen carrying her purse and fixing her lipstick.
“What are you getting all dolled up for?” Lou asked, as Ben ran inside the house and jumped into his Aunt Lori’s arms.
She kissed him and they hugged one another saying good morning.
“She’s dragging me into town to see some doctor,” Lori said, sounding annoyed.
“Oh…Dr. Henley, huh. You better keep an eye on your mother. I think she has the hots for that young man.” Lou gave his wife a tap with his hand on her backside. She scolded him for making such a move in front of the children and they all laughed.
“He’s married and has two children, Lou, so cut it out. As a matter of fact his mother Terry, and his wife Michelle, are going to stop by with the kids today for lunch. I thought Ben might like to make some new friends. Plus they’re dying to meet you two.”
“Sounds like women stuff to me. I’ll be working on the apartment. You stop by, Lori, when you get back, all right?” Lou said as Lori nodded yes. Lou headed outside.
* * * *
The town was really nice and all the small stores took up about a half block. The main supermarket was another mile past the small town, which was surrounded by farmland.
Lori’s mom pulled into the parking space in front of the hardware store, which was next to Dr. Henley’s office. An attractive man stood outside talking to three other men whom her mom recognized immediately.
So did Lori, as she stepped out of the car and saw the man she had words with yesterday on the dirt road. He was tall and muscular and instantly recognized her as well.
* * * *
“Well lookey there,” he blurted out, ready to start a fight with her as the others listened. “It’s the crazy driver,” he added.
“It’s the loudmouthed jerk!” Lori retorted.
“Hey, Charlie, this is Diana’s daughter Lori. Have you two met or something?” Dr. Andrew Henley asked as Jasper and Matt laughed.
Lori removed her sunglasses and introduced herself to the doctor. She gave Charlie a dirty look as the other men absorbed Lori’s good looks and stunning green eyes.
“You’ll have to excuse my brother, Miss. He failed the course our mamma gave on good manners and the proper way to speak to a lovely young lady like yourself. My name’s Matt Henley.” He reached out his hand to shake Lori’s. Charlie appeared annoyed at his brother and even more so at Lori. Her mom laughed and smiled as if she were finding this conversation interesting.
“I’m going go over to the pharmacy. We’ll meet up when you’re done here, okay?” Diana said as she walked away.
Charlie and the others looked directly at Lori’s hand and the cast as Andrew opened the office door for Lori and they headed inside.
* * * *
“Wow. She’s a knockout. Did you see those green eyes?” Matt asked as he gave his brother Charlie a light backhand to his stomach.
“No, he was too busy pissing her off. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that’s no way to get a woman to like you,” stated Jasper as Matt started laughing.
“Let’s get back to work. Lou is probably wondering what’s taking us so long,” Charlie said as he walked toward the truck.
“Maybe you’ll get another chance to make a better impression at her house,” Matt added. Charlie wasn’t looking forward to seeing her again. Her reckless driving could have hurt someone. As annoyed as he was, he wondered what happened to her hand.
* * * *
Lori was hesitant to tell Dr. Henley about how she sustained her broken wrist.