Free Begin Again by Christy Newton Page B

and stronger. When Maisie had called Ginger at the diner and asked for a personal day then stopped in to get two coffees and two pieces of pie to go dressed in a skirt and ruffled shirt complete with heels, Ginger had about had heart failure. Once the initial shock had worn off, she’d smiled and rushed Maisie back out the exit door into the warmth of the sunshine.
    Maisie didn’t want people to get the wrong idea. It wasn’t like she was going on a date or something. She just knew Ryan could use some support and, after all he’d done for her, she wanted to repay his kindness. Pushing the doubt that she should be here away, she pulled her car into a parking spot.
    â€¢ • •
    After Ryan had told Jacob about Kate’s coldhearted phone call, Jacob had stared out the window, looking lost.
    Ryan swallowed the lump in his throat. He hated seeing his friend like this. “You’re too good for her, Jacob. You always were.”
    â€œLook at me.” Jacob shook his head and held up his cast. “What am I going to do?”
    Ryan walked over closer to Jacob’s bed. “You’re going to stay with me until you heal. I’ll get someone to help you while I’m at work.”
    Jacob closed his eyes then opened them with tears glistening in the sunlight. “I’m a burden.”
    Ryan shook his head. “You’re not. You’re my best friend, and you’d do the same for me if the situation were reversed.”
    â€œI can’t even walk without a crutch or bend my arm, man,” Jacob whispered. “I just wanted to make things work with Kate so bad. After all she’d done to me, despite her selfishness, I still loved her.”
    Ryan winced. He hated seeing his friend in emotional pain even more than physical. “I know.”
    Jacob reached his hand out for his cup of water on the bedside tray and moaned. “That hurts.” He closed his eyes. “I think my love for Kate has finally died.”
    Ryan lifted the straw up to Jacob’s lips so he could take a sip. “You’ll be okay. Time will heal your bones and your heart.”
    â€œI’m not one of your sick animals!” Jacob lashed out.
    Ryan pressed his lips together. “Never thought you were. Get some rest.” He needed a break. Jacob was angry, and he wasn’t in the mood to be his punching bag. They’d both feel better tomorrow.
    Ryan walked down the hall and, to his surprise, saw Maisie turn the corner carrying a drink holder and a white paper bag. His heart grew lighter at the sight of her rosy cheeks. She’d never looked so pretty. While she looked great in simple tennis shoes and jeans, a sexy skirt and heels screamed out that she was a beautiful woman.
    She held up the bag and the cardboard carrier. “I thought you could use some caffeine that didn’t taste like sludge.”
    Ryan smiled. “Thanks. How’d you know I’d be here?”
    Maisie handed him the coffee. “Your friend is in the hospital — where else would you be?”
    He took a much-needed drink of the liquid energy. The Styrofoam cup warmed his fingertips, but it was Maisie that warmed his heart. “Thanks for this. That was really sweet of you.”
    She held up the bag. “I also have pie.”
    His stomach growled at the thought. “Let’s find someplace to eat. I think I saw some picnic tables outside.”
    Maisie nodded, making a strand of hair fall over her eye. She reached up and pushed it over. “It’s a nice day. The warmest we’ve had so far.”
    Ryan led her outside and over to a picnic table under a huge oak tree. Most of the grass was still brown, but patches were turning green. Hyacinths peeked out of the earth nearby as if reaching for the sunshine. Maisie sat down across from him, which was a good thing. If she got too close he would be tempted to pull her into his arms.
    â€œHow’s your friend