Page 56 of Searching for Bristol
The other woman held up a key. “Lots more chairs where that one came from. Here, let me help you, then I’ll go grab another one real fast.”
Feeling thankful, even if she was pissed at herself for not even being able to walk halfway around the downtown area without needing a break, Bristol did as Khloe ordered. Gratefully, she sat in the chair and propped her leg up on the knee walker.
Khloe was gone only a minute or two before she returned, plopping another chair down next to Bristol and sinking into it.
“I heard the break wasn’t that bad,” Khloe said after a minute, gesturing to Bristol’s leg with her head.
“It wasn’t,” she agreed. “Only one pin, and the doctor said it probably really didn’t even need that, but because of how much time had gone by between the break and when I got to the hospital, he wanted to be safe rather than sorry.” She paused, then asked, “Can I ask what happened toyourleg?”
Khloe shrugged, but didn’t turn to look at Bristol. “Broken in four places, including a compound fracture. Was in traction for a while, and spent some time in a nursing home until I could walk again.”
“I’m so sorry,” Bristol said. “I can’t imagine how awful that would’ve been.”
“It wasn’t fun,” Khloe agreed.
Bristol figured that was the understatement of the year. She wanted to ask if anyone had been there for her while she was healing, but she really didn’t know the woman well enough.
“You should take it easy for a while. I’m sure you’re itching to get back to normal, but even a small fracture like you had can take it out of you. You’re probably gonna be able to tell when a storm’s comin’ in the future.”
Bristol smiled at that. “Maybe. You probably know when it’s supposed to rain four counties over then, huh?”
Khloe turned to Bristol then, and her wide grin completely changed her countenance. “Pretty much,” she agreed.
A loud whistle sounded over the crowd, and Khloe immediately looked up. Bristol saw Raiden’s bloodhound weaving his way through the locals, heading toward them. Raid lifted his chin in their direction, and Khloe waved a hand in response.
“Wow,” Bristol said.
“What?” Khloe asked as Duke walked right up to her and put his slobbery face on her lap.
“You guys just had a whole conversation with a chin lift and a hand wave.”
Khloe smirked. “He’s annoyed because Duke here likesmealmost as much as he likes his owner.” She leaned over and snuggled the big dog’s head, scratching his ears.
“From what Rocky said, Duke doesn’t bond with anyone…other than Raid, that is.”
“Animals like me,” she said with a shrug.
Bristol swore she heard a note of wistfulness in her tone, but when she spoke again, figured she was wrong.
“Anyway, he was asking if I’d keep an eye out for Duke while he did his thing over there with the contest. I told him it was fine, and of course I would.” The bloodhound heaved out a sigh and collapsed at Khloe’s feet. “Raid doesn’t like me much, but when it’s convenient, he doesn’t hesitate to use me.”
Bristol frowned in surprise. “I’m sure that’s not true. You guys work together.”
“Well, he sureactslike he doesn’t like me. But whatever. He’s got a cute dog, so I put up with him.”
Bristol couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Raiden’s kind of cute himself,” she said. “Although too tall for me.”
Khloe laughed. “Everyone’stall for you.”
“True,” Bristol agreed, glad that the other woman seemed to be a little more relaxed now. “What’s up with the SAR guys and beards?” she asked. “Except for Brock, they’ve all got one.”
“No clue,” Khloe said with a shrug. “But you have to admit, they all rock the hairy look.”
“You aren’t lying,” Bristol agreed.
“Rocky’s staring over here,” Khloe said, nodding toward the square.
Looking over at the contest sign-up table, Bristol saw that he was indeed staring in their direction. When she caught his eye, he smiled and lifted a hand and crooked his finger at her.
