Gavin leaned against the wall by the window, staring outside toward the water. A peaceful silence settled between them.
“I reconsidered, and I think you should stay home today. Stay off that foot.”
The peace was shattered. “I have work to do. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?”
“I am. And if you haven’t noticed, I don’t like being told what to do.”
He tossed her a lazy grin. “Oh, I’ve noticed.”
She set down her cup and pushed up out of the chair. “We should go.”
They headed to the door, and he paused, eyeing her. She shook her head. “You are not carrying me down those stairs.”
“Okay, then give me one of your crutches. You hang onto the railing with one hand and use the crutch with your other. I’ll walk right in front of you to make sure you don’t fall.”
She did as he suggested and the first few steps were awkward, but she started to get the hang of it by the time she’d gone down all the steps. He drove her to the theater and followed her back to her office. He was like her constant shadow. It annoyed her…
… and comforted her.
He got her settled onto her chair, setting her crutches within reach. “You all set? I’ve got to check in at The Bike Shop. Will you be okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” How many times did she have to tell him that?
“Okay, I’ll be back to check on you. How about I bring you lunch?” He held up a hand. “And don’t even try to tell me that I don’t have to do that. Because I want to.”
“Then, thank you. I appreciate it.”
He turned and walked across the room with one last look back at her before he left.
Silence thundered around her. But she ignored it. She had work to do.
Chapter16
They fell into an easy rhythm over the next few days. Gavin came to get her each morning and drove her to the theater. He picked up lunch for them. They grabbed dinner out a few times. And he’d drive her home and make sure she got safely up her stairs. By the seventh day, she was willing to give up the crutches. The ankle was a bit sore and throbbed a little if she overdid it, but it was healing.
She sat at her desk with her notebook, checking off her list. The dress rehearsals were booked. The sound system had finally been checked out, and it was ready to go. The programs were at the printer and would be delivered soon. She had a large poster placed in the outside window announcing the grand opening. Tickets were on sale online now, and soon she’d hire someone to work at the physical ticket counter. Beverly had recommended a few people that she could interview.
A phone rang, and she frowned until she remembered she’d had the theater’s phone line put back into service. She shoved some papers around on her desk and uncovered the phone. “Hello, Magnolia Key Theater.”
“Yes, hello. This is Felicity Moore from Southwest Florida Life magazine. May I speak to Tori Duran?”
“This is she.”
“I’m the head of the entertainment section. I heard you bought the theater and you’re reopening it. I’d love to set up a time to interview you.”
She swallowed hard as her heart skipped in her chest and she fought back a rising panic. “I… uh…” An interview was the last thing in the world she wanted right now. But… it would be good for publicity. And they needed that.
“I’d like to come get some photos before the opening, then come get some more on your opening night.”
She battled with her needs and the theater’s needs. She let out a sigh as the theater won. “Okay, that would be fine,” she said, hoping her voice didn’t betray the battle raging inside her.
“Can we do it later this week? Would Friday morning work for you?”
“Yes, that would work.”
“Okay, Tori, I’ll see you Friday.”
