For the pastcouple of weeks, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. I don’t like lounging around for too long and am often bored.
Though I enjoyed having Archer take care of me and being around, I felt bad I was keeping him from work. Between him and Tyler constantly worrying about me, I was more than ready to get back to work.
I can’t lift anything over fifteen pounds for another month per doctor’s orders. I’ve been doing physical therapy exercises at home to prepare me for my first shift back at work today.
“Ev, you look so good,” Lexie says when she walks through the front door. “You’re here early.”
“I couldn’t get out of my house fast enough,” I tell her as she gives me a gentle hug. “I can only watch Netflix for so long before I go stir-crazy.”
“I figured you would’ve loved being locked in with Mr. Hunky Roommate,” she taunts, grabbing the clipboard and looking at today’s task list.
“Oh I did, but it’s more of a tease than anything since he’d walk around shirtless and wouldn’t let me touch him below the waist. He took his job of making sure I rested a bittooseriously, if you know what I mean.”
“Aw…I bet he was happy to take care of you, though. Archer seems like good company.”
“Yeah, he was. I just hate being fussed over, ya know?”
“That’s because you’re independent to a fault.” She shrugs, then heads to the back. “I’ll get these racks unloaded.”
“Don’t baby me.” I scowl. “I can hang stuff!”
Lexie chuckles, rolling the rack of clothes to the front of the store. “Yes, boss, I know.”
Heidi comes in a few hours later, and I take my lunch break, though I’m not super hungry. My appetite hasn’t quite returned since the accident.
Archer: How’s your first day back?
I read Archer’s text as soon as I sit at my small desk.
Everleigh: Lexie’s treating me like a baby, so don’t worry about me doing too much.
Archer: Good, then she’s earning her raise.
Everleigh: Did you tell her to keep an eye on me?
Archer: I told everyone who would listen to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
I roll my eyes and sigh, though I appreciate where his heart is.
Everleigh: Babe, I love you, but you’re worrying too much. The doc cleared me. My wound is basically healed. I’m fine. I mean, I’d be better if my boyfriend would finally rail me…
Archer: Don’t think I haven’t wanted to, but I don’t want to hurt you.
Everleigh: PLEASE…HURT ME!
I add a few eggplant and water drop emojis, to which he responds with an eye roll and tongue-sticking out emoji.
Once my break ends, I continue checking out customers because it’s the least taxing. Everyone has heard about the incident, so I’ve been asked about it at least a dozen times. By the end of my shift, I’m more mentally exhausted than physically.
“Alright, I’m out before I hear ‘oh honey’ one more time after I explain where I’ve been,” I tell Heidi, who chuckles and gives me a side hug.
“Oh honey, you poor thing. I just hate that someone’s out there stabbin’ people for no good reason,” she mocks in a thick Southern accent.
I burst out laughing, grateful it no longer hurts to do so. “Yep, you nailed it.”
As I drive home, I spot a very sexy man on the sidewalk and slow down.
“Hey good lookin’, you want a ride?” I shout out the window. “Or perhaps I can ride you.”