Page 56 of A Match Made In Fall

“It was fine,” she says. “I saw Dexter.”

Just like that, the heaviness starts to return to my chest. Only this time, it's not frustration weighing me down. It’s jealousy hearing that she spent time with her ex.

“Oh?” I ask trying my best to sound casual. “How did that go?”

“Better than I expected,” she tells me. “We both got some closure we didn’t realize we needed.”

Hmm…closure might be a good thing if it means it’s over for good.

“Did Dexter ask about your boyfriend?” I ask playfully.

A shade of pink fills her face. “He had a lot of questions…”

“What kind of questions?”

She shrugs, but a faint smile appears on her face. “My recovery, dance. When I'm heading back to LA. Stuff like that.”

Admittedly, I’m wondering the same thing.

“Have you made a decision about that?” I ask.

She nods. “I’m staying through the holidays. Since I don’t know how long I’ll have before I can return to full activity.”

I grin. “I’m happy to hear that—the part about you staying longer. Not the recovery timeline.”

She giggles.

“Wait. Your doctor appointment is tomorrow, right? Are you ready?”

She groans and covers her face with both hands.

“Yes,” she says through her fingers. “But I’m so nervous about it. What if the doctor tells me I’m not ready?”

I slide a little closer and wrap my arm around her shoulders. “Hey, it's going to be fine,” I say softly.

She rests her head on my shoulder. “I hope you’re right.”

“Although,” I add with a grin, “I think I’m actually going to miss the boot.”

She laughs. “Really? Well, you’re the only one.”

“I don’t know. It’s kind of become part of who you are.” I gesture toward her injured foot. “People might not even recognize you without it.”

Her nose wrinkles as she frowns. “Very funny.”

She’s even adorable when she frowns.

“I’m serious. You and me and that boot have been through a lot together.”

“Okay, now you’re being ridiculous.”

“Maybe a little.”

She rolls her eyes, but at least she’s smiling again.

I pull her a little closer. “Anyway, your appointment will go great. Try not to stress.”

“I hope you’re right.”