At that, she laughed. “If it only were that easy.”
He chuckled. “Still, it’s not all bad news.”
“If you say so,” she replied, with a big grin.
“Well, when you’ve got time,” he said, “I’ve got time for you. So do the best you can.”
And, on that note, he headed over to work with other students.
Too tired to shower here, she walked out the door. The air was fresh, and she stood still for a few long moments, just taking in deep breaths. When a shadow detached from the wall beside her, she was momentarily startled, only to realize it was Simon. “What are you doing here?” she asked bluntly.
He winced. “Always rolling out the welcome wagon, aren’t you? But anyway I’m here,” he said, “and it doesn’t look like you’re in any shape to walk home.”
“That bad? I could catch a cab or maybe the bus,” she said, with a shrug. “Honestly I just needed to come and to blow off some steam.”
“Hard day?”
“Frustrating,” she said. “We can’t get any answers, and apparently you aren’t getting anything on this one. Maybe it’s only when there are children at risk,” she said, with a side glance at him.
“I hope so,” he said casually. “I’d just as soon never have that happen again.”
She nodded. “And that’s what makes you so unique.”
“Not unique enough,” he said. “It’s still disconcerting to have any of this happen.”
“Sorry about that,” she said, but her tone was so obviously unrepentant that he had to laugh.
“You could make it sound like you care a little bit at least,” he said, chuckling.
She gave him a wave of her hand. “Trying not to lie.”
“How was your session?” he asked, nodding his head at the club doors behind her.
“Really good, but, as I stand here, I’m realizing you could be right about my ability to make it home, at least walking.”
“No, I’m not walking for sure,” he said. “Come on. My car is around the corner.”
“You don’t have to keep looking after me,” she said in exasperation, yet inordinately pleased that he cared enough to. It’s like she craved what wasn’t good for her. Or what she was trying to convince herself was a bad idea—but was it? Still?
“Well, if you—uh—managed to look after yourself,” he said, “I wouldn’t have to.”
When she glared at him, he chuckled. “Come on. Don’t be stubborn. There’s a time and a place, and this isn’t it.”
“Says you,” she muttered.
He gave her a flat stare, and she groaned. “Fine, I am tired.”
“Right,” he said, “at least we can agree on that.”
She just tipped her head side to side and rotated her shoulders.
“You should really get a massage.”
“Yeah, well, that’s not likely to happen,” she said, waving her hand. Then realizing she was being ungrateful, she said, “Look. I’ll take the ride home, if you’ve got time, but that’s it. I’m going to bed and crashing.”
“And that’s a hint for me, I suppose.”
“I’ve told you that we aren’t a good idea.”