Free Here With Me by Megan Nugen Isbell Page A

eyes drifted down to their hands and then looked back up.
    “I felt you squeeze my hand earlier,” he confessed.
    “How’d you know it was me?  You were still asleep,” she said, not bothering to deny it.
    “I was coming in and out and then I felt someone holding my hand.  I remembered holding your hand on the beach and I knew it was you.”
    “You have a good memory,” she said, squeezing his hand again.

Chapter Nine
     
    “I know I work here and all, but I also know the food sucks,” Mallory whispered, setting a brown paper bag on Ryan’s tray.  He pushed the plate of hospital food aside and opened the sack, pulling out a small Styrofoam c up and a cellophane wrapped roll.
    “What do we have here?” Ryan asked, smiling up to Mallory.  It had been three days since he’d been brought into the hospital and he was looking better.  If not for the bandage on his left shoulder, one would be hard pressed to believe he’d been shot only a few days before. 
    “Clam chowder and a lobster roll,” she said, pulling the chair up beside his bed.  It was her day off, but she came by to visit him anyway.  She hated to think of him being in the hospital alone, with only sporadic visits from Nate.  She didn’t want to be presumptuous, but she thought Ryan looked forward to her visits.  Savannah told her Ryan would ask about her schedule and that made her think he wanted to see her. 
    “You didn’t have to do this,” he said as he opened the lid of the chowder, steam spilling into the air. 
    “I know, but I figured you might like some real food.”
    “Thanks.  I appreciate it.”  He took his spoon and scooped up some chowder, blowing on it before putting it in his mouth. “This is good.”
    “It’s from the Clam Shack.  It’s kind of a landmark around here.”
    “I can see why.”
    “How’s the pain today ?” she asked as he ate.
    “A lot better.”
    “Have you spoken to your dad or your brother at all?” she asked and then wondered if she was being too personal.
    “ I finally called my dad last night.  I hate to worry him, so I didn’t want to scare him unnecessarily.  Philip called last night too, after my dad told him what had happened.”
    “I’ll bet they were relieved you’re going to be okay.”
    “They were.  Philip offered to come visit, but I told him no.”
    “That would’ve been nice to see your brother,” she hinted.
    “I’m not gonna make a big deal out of this.  This is just a minor setback.  I’ll be fine in no time.” 
    The door opened then and they both turned their heads to see Nate walking in.  He wasn’t wearing his uptight suit.  Instead, he looked like the Nate she remembered from the beach in a pair of long khaki shorts, white shirt and flip-flops. 
    “You’re looking better,” Nate said, pulling the other chair in the room to the opposite side of Ryan’s bed.
    “I’m gettin g there,” Ryan said, taking a bite of the lobster roll. 
    “So, when’re they letting you out of this place?  President Bush has been asking about you.”
    “Tomorrow.”
    “And when will you be coming back to work?”
    “Tomorrow,” Ryan answered and then Nate looked over to Mallory for the truth.
    “He needs to rest for a while, at least a few weeks,” she said, giving him a serious look. “Nothing rigorous, unless you want to injure it worse.  Just lay low for a while.”
    “I know what I’m capable of,” Ryan said, finishing up his chowder. “I can’t just sit around though.”
    “You can if you want to heal properly,” she shot back and then she turned to Nate. “Make sure he doesn’t overdue it.”
    “I’ll try, but he doesn’t listen to me.  You may need to stick around to help me out,” Nate said as he eased himself out of the chair. “Sorry I’ve gotta run, but I have to get back.  I just wanted to check in real quick.  I’ll be back tomorrow once you’re ready to leave.”
    “Alright, thanks, man,” Ryan said.
    “Later.”