Lauren:Really? That’s great! I didn’t know you applied.
Andrew:Right after you told me about it.
Lauren:When are you going to go?
Andrew:I was hoping I could come with you. The first time, at least. I don’t know what to expect. Would you mind?
Lauren:I don’t mind. I’m going this Saturday at nine.
Andrew:That sounds great. Will I see you tomorrow at my appointment?
Lauren: Actually, I took the day off. I have a dentist appointment and need to get my oil changed.
Andrew:I can’t help with the teeth but I could change your oil. Save you a few bucks.
Lauren: You know how to do that?
Andrew: Of course.
Lauren: Impressive. The appointment is all set up but I’ll remember that for next time.
She likely didn’t realize that meant they’d still need to be in touch several months down the road…but luckily for her, Andrew fully intended for that to be the case.
Andrew:Should I meet you at the hospital on Saturday?
Lauren:Where do you live?
Andrew: River Market.
Lauren: You’re close to the hospital. I guess I could pick you up on my way.
Andrew was surprised by the offer, but sure as hell wouldn’t decline it. He texted his address and said he’d see her Saturday. Jeni’s dry comment came as he hit the send button. “Get that ridiculous smile off your face. You look like a fool.”
He only smiled wider.
…
On Saturday morning, Lauren picked Andrew up at eight forty-five on the dot. She drove a black Honda Civic, and Andrew thought it fit her personality perfectly. A practical model that never seemed to go out of style.
He grinned at her after he settled in and buckled his seatbelt. “Hi.”
“Hey, you.”
She wore jeans that hugged her slim legs and a black Patagonia fleece. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, but a few pieces had escaped and rested along the creamy skin of her neck. He cleared his throat and looked through the windshield. “Long time, no see.”
She laughed once. “It’s been a week.”
“A week and two days,” he corrected, and immediately felt embarrassed. He didn’t need to be quite so obvious about his infatuation or how much he’d missed seeing her.
“How was your appointment yesterday? And chemo?”
“Good. They said my white count was a little low—”
“What was it?” she interrupted.
“I have no idea.”
“Do you have the cancer center’s app on your phone? Where you can check your test results?”