Leaping Hearts(74)



“Bland food?” the doctor said.

“Long story,” Chester mumbled.

Devlin took the time to fill in the details. When he was finished, the physician was dumbfounded and the patient was looking sheepish.

“Mr. Raymond, why didn’t you tell me all this?”

“Didn’t think it really mattered.”

“You need to see a nutritionist.” The man scribbled on a piece of paper. “Here is a prescription-strength antacid and the name of someone who can work with you on that diet of yours.”

“Why do I need a nutritionist?”

“Sir, I’ve heard a lot of stories but your eating habits are right up there with the best of them. Call me if you need anything.”

With a nod to A.J. and Devlin, the doctor left.

“Don’t see why I need to go see someone about what I choose to put in my face,” Chester grumbled.

“You catch the MD after the guy’s name?” Devlin said. “It doesn’t stand for Me Dummy. If it did, you’d have the initials after yours.”

A.J. reached for Chester’s rough, worn hand. It felt like shoe leather and gripped hers back tightly. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

“I didn’t mean to worry the two a’ you.”

“Well, you sure as hell did,” Devlin told him gruffly. “We’ve been out of our wits.”

“Listen, I ain’t leavin’ you yet, boy,” Chester said emotionally.

“Thank God for that. I’m not ready to let you go.”

Wiping his eyes in the crook of his elbow, Chester cleared his throat. “So, can we unplug me and get me outta here? I’d justa soon have this all behind me and forget about it.”

“There’s going to be no forgetting about this. Things are going to change,” Devlin warned.

“Now, wait a minute. I don’t need no keeper.”

“Do what the doctor said and you won’t have one.”

“What the hell does he know? He looks like a paperboy.”

“Who’s the one who ended up in the ambulance?”

“Just checkin’ out the interior. Always wanted to know what the inside a’ one looked like.”

Just then, a nurse swept aside the curtain.

“You ready to go home?” she asked with a reassuring smile.

“We’ll go wait outside,” Devlin said, his arm going around A.J.’s shoulders.

“I’ll tell ya one thing,” Chester said as the nurse went to work. “I’m never mixin’ shellfish an’ pineapple upside-down cake again.”

It was a serious undertaking to wedge everyone into the convertible with the top up. A.J. had to move her seat forward as far as it could go to give Devlin any legroom as he squeezed into the back. Hunched over the steering wheel, she found driving difficult but at least Chester was comfortable up front. He liked it so much, he announced that he was going to invest in a chauffeur with his bingo money.

By the time they pulled up to the man’s small home, which was buried in the woods not far from the farmhouse, night had fallen. Devlin tried his best to con Chester into staying with them for a while but the man refused.

“Can we at least bring you dinner?” A.J. asked.

Chester shook his head. “I’ve got some chicken soup and saltines. Think I’m goin’ to take it easy tonight.”

“Wise idea. You may want to stick with white food for a week or so.”

“I was thinking the right same thing.” Chester got out of the car and Devlin walked him to the door. An argument ensued.

“Don’t bother showing up to work tomorrow.”

“Don’t be tellin’ me what to do. I don’t curry no favor over bossy types.”

“If that were true, you and I would have parted ways years ago.”

“I only make an exception for you a’cause ya need me so badly.”

“I’ll grant you that, but don’t change the subject. You’re taking a few days off.”

“One.”

“Several.”

“One.”

Devlin cursed.

“You ain’t winnin’ this round, boy. Now go take your woman home.”

A.J., who could hear them through the open car door, smiled at the words as she waved good night to Chester. When Devlin came back and sat down in the passenger seat, he gave her a long, appreciative look.

“What are you smiling about?” he asked as they headed home.

“I like the idea of being your woman.”

She felt his hand caress her thigh. “So do I.”

They were pulling up in front of the barn when she asked, “Does Chester do anything other than play bingo once a week?”

“I don’t think so. Why?”

“He seems lonely. I hate leaving him there by himself after all he went through today.”

“He’s a loner by nature. Always has been. I think he likes the peace and quiet.”

“Well, maybe he needs to expand his horizons.”

Over dinner, they traded riding stories and reminisced about horses they’d known. After cleaning up, they sat down on the couch in front of a crackling fire. It was as enjoyable an evening as A.J. had ever had, one that was free from worry and marked by loving touches and glances full of meaning. For several hours, she didn’t think of the Qualifier or her arm or Sabbath, just reveled in their love for each other.

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