“I’m sorry,” James said. “I don’t want her here alone.”
“So you want me to sit outside and just watch the apartment?”
“She’ll probably let you inside,” James said. “If she does, try to keep her calm. Oh, and make sure that you change the bandage on her back. You might not like it, but it’s overdue.”
Grady waved him off. “I’ll change her bandage, man. That stuff doesn’t bother me.”
“Well, it bothers her.”
“I think it bothers her because it’s you,” Grady said. “She’s not sleeping with me.”
“She’s not sleeping with me either right now.”
“Yeah, Ally said that was part of the problem.”
“I’m going to kick Ally’s ass the next time I see her,” James said. “She’d better get a running start.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I have a few quick errands to run,” James said. “I won’t be long. I’ll text you when I’m back. We’ll figure things out from there.”
Grady reached over, gripping James’ shoulder tightly. “I’ll take care of her.”
“I know.”
“She’s just upset.”
“I upset her. Again. I keep doing that.”
“That’s love, man. It’s going to be okay.”
“I know,” James said. “I just need to get a few things. I’ll bring breakfast back when I come. She doesn’t have any food in there.”
“I’m on it.”
GRADY was nervous when he knocked on the door. This wasn’t the first time he’d been in this situation. After James’ morning-after jilting, Grady had been the one left to pick up the pieces. It hadn’t gone well.
This time, it seemed James had been acting out of love – not neglect or self-preservation. He just hoped Mandy wasn’t going to blame him for James’ actions.
Grady heard noise on the other side of the door, the slight shuffling of feet on the carpet catching his ear. He stood back, making it clear he was alone in case she was peering out of the peephole.
“What do you want?”
“I came to see you,” Grady said. “You don’t have to worry. I’m alone.”
“Where is James?”
“He had a few errands to run.”
“What if I think you’re lying?”
“Go to your bedroom and look out the window. His vehicle is gone. It’s just me.”
Grady waited. A few minutes later, he heard the security chain sliding on the other side of the door. After another moment, Mandy’s face appeared in the gap. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Good. I’m not here to babysit.”
“Why are you here then?”
“I’m here to change your bandage.”
Mandy pursed her lips. “I can change it.”
“That’s not what James said,” Grady said. “Just let me come in and handle it, and then I’ll be on my way. It’s not a big deal.”
“Fine.”
Grady followed Mandy into the apartment, watching as she engaged the deadbolt and then secured the chain again for added assurance. She really didn’t want to talk to James.
Grady took the opportunity to look Mandy over. He’d never seen her look worse – and he’d been a witness to the Clearasil nights with Ally back in the day. “You look rough, kid.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’ve been crying.”
“I have a cold.”
“Okay,” Grady said. “I can pick you up some medicine if you need it.”
“I don’t need medicine,” Mandy said, scowling. “I’ve had my fill of freaking medicine.”
“I bet.”
Mandy shifted, placing her hands on her hips as she faced off with the middle Hardy brother. “How does Sophie put up with you?”
“She’s an angel.”
Mandy’s locked frame softened. “She is an angel.”
“Are you going to let me look at your back?”
“I don’t have a lot of choice,” Mandy said. “It’s really itchy.”
“That means it’s healing,” Grady said. “I know it’s uncomfortable, but in another couple of days you’re going to be so much better.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so. How about we go into the dining room? I can sit on the floor and you can sit on one of the chairs.”
“Okay. I’m warning you now that it’s gross, though.”
“I’ve seen gross.”
“It’s really gross,” Mandy said. “It drove your brother away.”