Page 75 of For You I'd Mend
I raised my eyes to Poppy’s soft green ones.
“Here,” another voice said, and something cold and wet pressed against my neck.
“Let’s sit,” Poppy said, grabbing my hands and sinking onto the freezing sidewalk. I flopped onto my ass beside her, and she ran her fingers through my hair in soothing strokes. I leaned against her, filling my lungs with the sweetest air.
My vision sharpened, and I took in the spectacle I’d created. Poppy beside me with her dress spread across the filthy concrete. Mr. Wilson hovering nearby with a water bottle. A small crowd gathering around us.
“Drink,” Mr. Wilson said, handing me the bottle. “Small sips.”
Poppy glared at the crowd. “He’s fine. You can move along now.”
No one moved.
“We’ve got it under control,” she yelled. “Get the hell out of here.”
Everyone listened except Mr. Wilson. “Where are you parked?” he asked.
“Thanks for your help, Wilson, but Theo and I can manage.”
“I’m sure you can,” he said. “But I’ve been where he’s sitting, and I want to help.”
Poppy nodded and Wilson crouched down, his knees popping as he lowered himself until he could look me in the eyes. “All right, Theo, let’s get you up, if you’re ready.”
I raised my arms, and he lifted me to my feet with surprising strength. “I’m fine,” I said, though my legs shook.
“That’s right,” Mr. Wilson said. “We’re going to take a few steps. Then rest a minute.” He gripped my elbow on one side, and Poppy held the other. It felt like it took half an hour to reach my truck, even though it was right there.
“Keys,” Poppy said.
“Jacket,” I answered.
She’d slipped into my leather coat when we left the restaurant. I remember hoping it would smell like her when she gave it back. She dug in my pockets until she found the keys. After unlocking the door, she reached for me, but Mr. Wilson waved her off.
“I’ll get him settled, Poppy. Just get in and warm up the engine.”
“Thank you,” I said as he guided me into the passenger seat.
He gripped my shoulder after I’d buckled my seatbelt. “Panic attacks are the worst, ain’t they?”
I nodded and rested my head against the seat. Poppy took one of my sweaty hands.
“Thanks, Wilson,” Poppy said, her eyes still wide.
“Glad to help. Call if you need anything, sweetie. You too, Theo. I’ve had more than my share of those, and I’m here to talk anytime you want.”
I nodded and closed my eyes. I kept them closed while Poppy drove us back to my house. The better my body felt, the more my embarrassment grew. The truck slowed to a stop, and I heard her set the parking brake.
“Do you want to sit here a minute or are you good to go inside?” she asked.
“Are you coming with me?”
“Of course, I’m coming with you,” she snapped. “I’m going to help you onto that new mattress and then I’m going to take off this dress because this tulle is itchy as fuck and then I’m going to cuddle the shit out of you.”
I nodded and this time, she escorted me inside.
Chapter twenty-three
Poppy
