Free Here With Me by Megan Nugen Isbell Page B

Nate waved to them and left the room.
    Mallory looked over and noticed he was taking the last bite of his lobster roll. 
    “All done with that?” Ryan nodded and she gathered up the Styrofoam cup and cellophane, turning to throw it into the trash can.
    “Thanks again.  That was the best meal I’ve had since I got here.”
    “Sure.  No problem,” she said, pushing the chair back against the wall where she’d found it.
    “What time do you think they’ll discharge me tomorrow?”
    “Probably around eleven o’clock, kinda like a hotel,” she answered and then Ryan looked up.  He seemed nervous, but perhaps she was reading into it and she was the one who was nervous.
    “Will you be here tomorrow when I leave?”
    “It’s my day off.”
    “Oh,” he nodded. “I was kind of hoping you’d be here.” She felt her cheeks flush when his eyes met hers.
    “I can…I can be here…if you want me to be,” she stammered.
    “I’d like that.  Maybe you can help me get settled back at my place.  I am an invalid after all.” She knew her face was flaming red now. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Mallory,” Ryan said quickly. 
    “You didn’t.” She was lying and she knew he knew that too. “And I’ll be here tomorrow when you leave.  I’ll take you home and get you settled.  I mean…you don’t have anyone here, except for Nate.”
    “Thank you.”  He smiled appreciatively.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” 
    “Thanks again.”  She just smiled and walked out.

Chapter Ten
     
    Her nerves took over when she walked through the hospital doors the next morning.  She told herself there was no reason to be nervous, but that didn’t stop her heart from beating a little bit faster and the butterflies in her stomach to flap a little harder as she got closer to Ryan’s room.  It hadn’t been that long since he’d blown her off and now she was about to take him home and help him recuperate.  He’d been so sure they’d had no future, but now she wasn’t sure he still felt that way.
    She shook her head.  She was being ridiculous.  They were only friends.  Not even friends.  More like acquaintances.  A twist of fate had brought him back into her life, but it was only until he was settled and it was only temporary.
    “Is the patient in 213 ready to be discharged?” she asked, stopping at the nurse’s station.               
    Savannah was working and she pulled up his chart.
    “Dr. Shaver signed his release papers a few minutes ago,” Savannah said with a pout. “We’re going to miss him.”
    “Thank s,” she said and quickly left before Savannah could ask any questions.
    Ryan was busy packing his duffel bag when she walked in.  He looked up and smiled. 
    “You actually showed up?”
    “Of course.   I said I would.”
    “I can’t wait to get outta this place,” he said, zipping his bag.
    “We can go whenever you’re ready.”
    “Let’s go then.”  He started to lift the bag before Mallory walked over quickly and took it from him.  
    “You shouldn’t be lifting things,” she said, pulling the bag over her shoulder.
    “I can handle a bag of clothes.”
    “No, you can’t.  Not yet.  Now don’t argue,” she said, turning towards the door.  She heard him laugh, but he followed her. 
     
    ****
     
    “So, where do you live?” she asked as she started the car.
    “Head towards the Bush estate.”
    “Are you serious?” she asked, her mouth agape.
    “Yes.” He was staring ahead like it was no big deal.
    She just shook her head and turned out of the parking lot. 
    They were quiet as she drove past the grand houses of Ocean Avenue.  Cole’s house came into view.  She hadn’t told him about what was happening with Ryan.  She knew he wouldn’t approve, but she didn’t care.
    When they came to the top of the hill, the most famous house in Kennebunkport appeared.  It wasn’t the most beautiful house in town, but it commanded attention