We specifically decided against that. Troy didnt have to remind him of their determination to give back to the community. Mike opened the laundry compartment on the supply cart and Troy tossed both towels inside. We wanted to be here in the city where the people who needed us most could have access to our services.
I still believe in that. Mike stared at the CAPT logo for the Cutler-Anthony Physical Therapy Center embroidered on the chest of his own shirt before pulling it over his head and tugging the hem down to cover his long torso. But those are the same people who dont always have insurance and cant always pay. I was certain that urban development grant for small businesses would help us.
Therell be other grants. Troy donned his shirt and peeled off the fingerless gloves he wore when he played anything competitive in his wheelchair. Caroline said shed fund a grant for us. To thank you for being there when she needed you.
And that would be right up until the night she turned down my proposal? The fact that he could talk about it now told Mike that his ego had taken a bigger blow than his heart had. But that blow had been the third strike in the relationship game. He had no plans to step up to the plate and put his heart on the line anymore. If he couldnt tell the difference between a friends-with-benefits package and a connection that was leading to forever, hed do well to steer clear of anything serious. Hed been the shoulder to cry on, the protective big brother and the best friend too many times to risk it. He could rely on his principles, his family and friends like Troy. But he wasnt about to rely on his heart again. No. No asking Caroline. I didnt propose because I wanted her money, and Im not going to take it now as a consolation prize.
Troy knew just how far he could push the relationship button before he made a joke. Maybe you could hock the engagement ring. Thatd keep us open another month.
Mike glared down at his friend for a moment before laughter shook through his chest. More like a day and a half.
Dude, no wonder she said no.
The shared laughter carried them through the rest of putting away the equipment theyd used and prepping for their firstand, as far as Mike knew, their onlyappointment of the morning. But even Troys mood had sobered by the time they headed toward the door leading into the entry area and hallway that led to a row of offices and locker rooms. Youre a smart guy, Mikey. Youll figure out a way to keep us solvent.
Without losing your apartment or my house?
Id be happy to go out and recruit us more female clientele. Its Ladies Night at the Shamrock tonight. I can pour on some of that legendary Anthony charm.
Creeper.
You got a better plan?
Not at the moment.
Youre thinkin too hard on this, Mike. We havent even been open a year. Well get more paying customers soon. I feel it in my bones. He held up a fist and waited for Mike to absorb some of his positive thinking.
Trusting his friends outlook more than his own, Mike bumped his fist against Troys. I just have to be patient, right?
Nobody waits out trouble better than you.
Mike shook his head. Is that supposed to be a compli? The door opened before they reached it, and the centers office manager, Frannie Mesner, stepped into the gym. Good morning.
Hey, Sun...shine. Troys effusive greeting fell flat when they saw the puffy, red-rimmed eyes behind Frannies glasses. He rolled his chair over to get a box of tissues off the supply cart and take them to her. She sniffed back a sob as she took the box.
Was she hurt? Had she gotten some bad news? Mike moved in beside her and dropped a comforting arm around her trembling shoulders. Frannie?
The flush of distress on Frannies pale cheeks made her freckles disappear. She pulled out a handful of tissues and dabbed her eyes before blowing her nose. Leo gets released on parole today.
Her ex. She wasnt hurt. But definitely bad news.
Has he contacted you? Mike asked.
Hes not supposed to.
Has he contacted you? he repeated, articulating the protective concern in his voice. Frannie shook her head, stirring short wisps of copper hair over her damp cheeks.
Troy set the tissue box in his lap. Is the restraining order still in effect?
Mike watched the confidence shed built over the past few months disappear in the span of a few heartbeats.
When she didnt answer, Mike pulled away to face her. Take a few minutes to call your attorney and make sure it is. If not, make an appointment to get it reinstated. Troy or I can go with you, if you want.
Troy slid Frannie a worried glance before spinning away from the conversation to return the box to its shelf. Yeah. I can do that. Wed have to take my van, though. If you dont mind riding shotgun. And you trust my driving.
What happened to that legendary Anthony charm? The Troy he knew was all mouth and swagger 99 percent of the time. Except when it came to the office manager Mike had hired for their fledgling physical therapy center. Frannie had been their first client. But more than rebuilding her physical strength after a beatdown from her ex that had cost her the sight in one eye, she had needed a job, and Mike and Troy had provided it. He suspected she also appreciated the offices predictable routine and the haven of a well-built workplace run by the son of a cop and a paraplegic, whose friends were also cops.
Mike might not carry a gun but, because of his dad and friends at KCPD, he knew how to keep a woman safe. Avoiding dangerous situations in the first place was rule one. You know well give you the time off for personal business like that. Make sure that protection order is in place. Beyond that, Troy or I will escort you to your car and follow you home. You notify the police if he calls or you see his face anywhere close to you.
I can swing by your place and double check the locks on the windows and door, Troy offered.
Mike nodded. Sounds like a plan.
My building isnt handicapped accessible. Frannie sniffed away the last of her tears and dabbed at the pink tip of her nose. Im sorry.
Troy shrugged, then reached for her hand. There was definitely something going on with him where Frannie was concerned. Dont you apologize for that.
Mike wasnt sure how to help his friend, other than alleviate his concern about Frannie. Ill stop by after work, then.
At least she felt safe here at the clinic. She tucked the used tissues into the pocket of her khaki slacks and dredged up a shy smile. You guys are the best bosses ever. Thank you. Although shed started the job with no secretarial experience, Frannie had eventually found her feet and her own system of organization that workedfor her. And, when she wasnt afraid for her life like she was this morning, she was a friendly, quiet presence who made their patients feel welcome at the clinic. She wound her arm around Mikes waist and squeezed him in a shy hug. Thanks. She turned toward Troy with her arms outstretched and leaned over to give him a hug, too. Thank you.
Troy turned his nose into her hair, breathing deeply. No sweat, Sunshine.
Either sensing Troys interest or feeling a similar longing herself, Frannie quickly pulled away and tipped her face to Mike. Your eight oclock appointment is here. Hes already changing in the locker room.