Alex walked back into the closet as she said, "I'm trying. Come help me decide on a blouse while I get these pants on over this damn brace." She waved her towards the row of garments in question as she pulled the pants from their hanger and said, "I hope these are loose enough to cover this thing." She pulled them on and stepped up to the mirror. "What do you think? Can you still see it?"
Dani watched as she walked a few steps. "Maybe just a little, but I think that's because I know it's there. You'd better hurry or else we'll be late." She pulled a cobalt blue Burberry shirt from the rack and said, "What about this one? It would look stunning with your blonde hair, and really set off your eyes." Alex took the shirt, pulled it on, and turned for inspection. "Very nice, but now I'm feeling a bit under dressed."
Alex walked over to her supply of shirts and pulled out a button up the color of the setting sun. She handed it to Dani and said, "Here, try this one on. It's a little roomier through the chest, so it should fit you just fine. Hurry up, we don't want to be late." She turned and searched for a comfortable pair of loafers. When she stood back up, Dani had finished changing and was inspecting herself in the mirror. She walked up behind her and hummed her approval. "You look beautiful, Dani. That color is perfect with your skin tone. Now, let's go conquer the world."
Alex directed Dani through town to the Wellington Center. It was a privately owned luxury care facility for the elderly, with a reputation for the best care available. As Dani parked, she looked around in awe. "Your friend works here? I've heard this place is amazing."
"It is rather fancy," Alex replied as she climbed from the vehicle. Together they walked through the front entrance and into the lobby. Dani's steps slowed as she looked around. After checking in with the receptionist, Alex watched her walk around the lobby, admiring the various pieces of art on display. She was startled from her thoughts by a hand on her arm, and looked up into Kelly's pale blue eyes.
"She's beautiful." At Alex's confused look, Kelly tilted her head in Dani's direction.
As understanding dawned, she smiled. "Yes, she is."
Alex admired Kelly as she sat down in the chair beside her. Her soft yellow blouse and brown dress slacks fit her perfectly, and her sandy colored hair fell in waves just past her shoulders. Kelly watched as Dani slowly moved to the next painting. "Please tell me you aren't wasting my time in an effort to get in her pants."
She shook her head and sighed. "Kelly, I have no desire to get in her pants, and I fully expected you to check out her background and references thoroughly before you even agreed to meet her. Please tell me you still do your homework."
Kelly chuckled and nodded. "I do, and if what I found is accurate, she would be a true asset to my team." She smiled at Dani as she turned toward them with a guilty look.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. You are so lucky to work here, this place is amazing and all I've seen so far is the lobby." Dani held her hand out to Kelly. "By the way, my name is Dani. I'm a friend of Alex's. I hope you don't mind my crashing your lunch."
Kelly shook the offered hand. "I'm Kelly. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I don't mind at all. I enjoy showing the place off to those that appreciate it. How would you like a tour before we eat?" As she quickly agreed, Alex rose from her chair. She followed behind as Kelly led the way with Dani at her side. It soon became very obvious to her that the two had hit it off, and had several things in common. She listened as they discussed some of the medical equipment Wellington had available, and was quickly lost in the medical jargon. Her attention began to wander, and thoughts of Nikki rose in her mind.
Dani walked beside Kelly as they discussed the benefits of privatized hospitalization. She realized she hadn't heard Alex offer her opinion, and turned to say something. She noticed Alex was lagging behind and her limp was more pronounced than usual. "Alex, are you okay?" When she didn't get a response, she stepped up to her and placed a hand on her arm. "Alex, honey." When she focused on her, Dani continued, "Are you doing all right?"
Alex blinked several times and focused on the two women before her. "Yes, of course. I'm fine, why do you ask?"
"You were limping more than usual. I just wanted to make sure you're not in pain. We can stop to rest for a moment if you like."
Kelly stepped up beside her, and placed a supportive arm around her waist. "There is a small recreational room right over here. How about we go in for a moment?" Alex allowed Kelly to lead her into the room and towards a chair. "Would you like some water?"
"I'll get it." Dani turned and headed for the drink machine across the room.
"What happened?"
Alex opened her purse, pulled out her prescription pain medication, and opened the bottle. "It's no big deal." She took the water Dani offered and downed a pill.
Kelly took the bottle of pills from her hand and read the label. "It's a fairly big deal if you're taking these." She looked closely at her as she asked, "Does Jo have something to do with this?"
Alex took the bottle from Kelly and tossed it back into her purse. "No. Jo is out of my life and has been for a couple of years. This was just an accident." At her disbelieving stare she said,
