Free Just a Little Hope by Amy J. Norris Page B

into Carter at the stadium this morning before they headed for the airport.”
    Tori tapped Seb on the leg with her foot. “So, did he say anything about last night?”
    â€œLast night? Did something happen last night?”
    Tori groaned and hit Seb on the shoulder. “Come on.”
    â€œHe might have mentioned he had a nice time and you were fun to be around.”
    A surge of happiness bubbled up inside Tori.
    â€œBut Pax, I’m more anxious to hear what the doctor said today.” He glanced in Tori’s direction. ”No offense, Tori.”
    Tori held her hands up and shook her head. “None taken. What’s the scoop, Pax?”
    â€œWell, everything is going well. The doctor said I can probably move to a cane in the next week. My leg seems to be healing well. Therapy is going well, too. I’ve still got a few weeks to wear the shoulder brace, but it looks good as well.”
    â€œThat’s good to hear because not only did I see Carter today, but I went by LLS to see Michael, too.”
    Surprised by Seb’s statement, Tori stared at him. “When were you there?”
    â€œWhen you were off at lunch… probably buying a pair of shoes or two.”
    Tori crossed her arms and bit her lip to keep from saying anything. She was more than a pair of cute shoes, no matter how many pairs were in her closet.
    Seb grinned and continued. “Anyway, I talked to Michael about you getting a couple of days off in the next week or so.”
    Tori’s arms fell to her side. “Did I hear you right? Why would you be talking to my boss about a vacation for me?”
    â€œSince Pax is doing better, I thought we’d take a trip. Janet can go home for a few days and spend some time with her husband and not worry about Pax for a few days. The caveat, though, is you’d have to come, too, Tori. Although I don’t think you’ll mind where we’ll be going.”
    Pax reached over to grab Seb’s hand. “Where? What have you been planning in that cute but devilish head of yours?”
    â€œHow about we head over to the west coast for a few days? We can see my parents, I can check on the house, and our trip just happens to coincide with the team playing the Dodgers in L.A.”
    Tori stared into space trying to process this information. Go to L.A.? See Carter’s games? Was Seb playing a joke on her? Surely not. He was like a big brother to her, but even this would be pushing it. Surely. “Are you joking, Seb? ‘Cause if you are, it’s not funny.”
    â€œI’m not joking. Michael thought you could use a couple of days away from the office. In fact, he’s just going to shut it down while you are gone. He said he’s going to take a few days, too.”
    Sitting back, Tori rubbed her hand on her chin as she put two and two together. “I bet he is. More time with Elisa.”
    Pax sat up from her reclining position as fast as she could. “What did you say? Michael met someone?”
    Stirred from her thoughts, Tori jumped. “Did I say that out loud? Oh! I forgot to tell you! He met some lady at church. Her name’s Elisa, and she just moved here. He’s smitten like a kitten.”
    â€œHow wonderful for him!”
    Tori waved off Pax and grabbed Seb by the arm. Her pulse was through the roof with anticipation of a few days away with Carter. “Yeah, yeah. Back to this trip. Seb, my wonderful friend. Tell. Me. More.”
    â€œThere’s not much more to tell. The guys are going to be in Colorado for three days, then Arizona and then California. So I plan for us to go out there when they hit the L.A. portion of the trip… in about a week or so.”
    â€œThis sounds so wonderful. Thank you!” Pax leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss.
    Tori wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, Seb. What she said but without all the smooching.”
    â€œOh come on, Tori. How about one little kiss right here?”