The restof the afternoon passed quickly. While she waited to hear back from the hospital, Willow helped out River Young, who was organizing chairs around the hangout area. River was newly home too, and it seemed like he had really been throwing himself into volunteer work with the center. Willow had seen his name pop up in the chat a lot. River seemed a little distracted today though.
Maybe I’m not the only one with something on my mind today…
When the admin at Tarker County General called, Willow came back to her booth to accept a donation of supplies from the hospital. Jensen wound up helping them carry in some of the items, and he reorganized the booth with her afterward.
Back when she was younger, Willow had been on the shy side. But now that she had come out of her shell a bit more, and Ransom wasn’t there to take up all his attention, it was really fun to talk and joke with Jensen. And the work was easier with extra hands.
“Time to wrap up,” someone yelled out as the interior lights were dimmed, highlighting the fact that it had gotten dark outside while they worked.
“Today flew by,” Jensen said softly.
He was looking down at her, but suddenly it felt like they were standing too close together for her to meet his eyes. She nodded, wishing they didn’t have to say goodbye. Today was the most fun she’d had in a long time.
“Hey guys,” Sam said with a happy smile as she approached. “It’s time for us to wrap up here, but all volunteers are invited to the Chinese place in town for dinner, Captain Anderson’s treat. Will we see you there?”
Bowl of Joyhadn’t been in town when Willow left for college, but she’d heard it was a wonderful spot. She had been meaning to try it.
Biting her lip, she glanced over at Jensen. It wouldn’t be a good idea for her brother to see the two of them there together before they’d both had a chance to make peace with him.
“I can’t tonight,” Jensen said quickly, as if he had read her mind. “Maybe another time.”
“Are you sure?” Sam asked him. “You could just stop by for a few minutes.”
“Nah,” he said. “Tell the Captain I said thanks, though. I’ll see you later.”
He grabbed his coat from the chair behind the audio table, gave Willow a quick wave, and headed out.
Sam leaned in, as if she were about to say something about Jensen, and Willow braced herself, hoping she could handle it without giving herself away.
“Willow,” a familiar voice called out before Sam had the chance to say anything.
Willow looked up to see her old friend Mallory Fisher approaching, her auburn ponytail swinging behind her as she jogged up.
“Hey, Mal,” Willow replied. “How’s it going?”
“You’re going toBowl of Joy, right?” Mal asked. “Valerie and Ana and I are going to grab a table now. If you want to sit with us, we’ll save you a spot.”
“Go on,” Sam said, patting Willow’s shoulder. “I’ll see you guys over there.”
“Okay, thanks, Sam,” Willow said.
But the young woman was already hurrying off to speak with the people at another booth. Her enthusiastic energy was obviously contagious.
“She’s super nice, right?” Mal said with a smile.
“She really is,” Willow agreed. “Yes, I’d love to hang with you guys. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Want to meet over there, or ride with us?” Mal asked.
“I drove, so I’ll meet you there,” Willow told her. “I just need to grab my stuff.”
“See you in a few minutes,” Mal said before turning away.“Valerie, wait up. Table for four.”
Willow smiled. It would be good to hang out with friends. She already missed the women she had served with. Those friendships were deeper than any she hadknown before. All of them had spent so many hours together doing important work with real consequences. Sometimes she wondered if she would ever have a friendship like that again.
I’m home,she reminded herself.I’ll be back at work soon, and I know everything will fall into place.
Today with Jensen had been so much fun. Their friendship wasn’t exactly new, but even with so much history between them, it felt like she was getting to know him all over again.
