Chapter 37 Good Luck With That
WREN
Istick the Post-it note that Tanner left me this morning on the bulletin board in my office. It’s his normal doodle of a dog and a cheetah, but this time he’s drawn a little heart in the middle above their heads.
“Did one of the resident’s grandkids draw you a picture?” Gray asks, walking into my office with her lunch box.
“Huh?”
“The Post-it?”
“Oh, no, it’s the doodle Tanner left me this morning,” I say, smiling. “He’s not the best artist in the world, but I like it.”
“Doodle Tanner left?” she asks, confused. “What’s it supposed to be?” She cocks her head to the side and studies the drawing.
“Oh, it’s a dog and a cheetah.”
“I can kinda see it. Care to explain what it means and why I’m just now learning he’s been leaving you doodles?” she asks, sitting in one of the chairs in front of my desk and pulling out a salad.
“It’s our thing I guess.” I shrug, sitting in my chair and grabbing for my lunch.
“When I went over to tour his place for the first time, he told me this story about how at the San Diego Zoo, they pair cheetahs with dogs to help the cats feel less nervous. I misunderstood, and thought he was trying to give me this dramatic metaphor about us moving in together, and it stuck. The doodles started the first morning I was living with him, and I get one every day. I’m not sure why I haven’t mentioned it, but I’ve saved every single one. ”
“Do they always have a heart?”
“No, that’s new.” My stomach does the swoopy thing that it does every time I think about the man who continues to surprise me in the best ways. “Most of the time they reference something that happened or that we talked about.”
“That’s really sweet,” she says. “So, spill. I know you’ve been holding back in the group text, and I want every last detail about your slutty little three day staycation with your new boyfriend.”
“It was amazing. We spent most of it in his bed, but when we weren’t there, he cooked for me, took me to an escape room, we went on a couple walks, and on Friday he surprised me by taking me to Logan’s mom’s studio.”
“Girl, you texted us about that. I need to know the dirty, filthy details of this weekend.”
My face heats, and I take a bite of my sandwich. “Close the door.”
She jumps up and quickly shuts the door and spins around. “Spill.”
“It’s hands down the best sex I’ve ever had, and I know I haven’t had sex with a ton of people, but holy shit, I didn’t know it could be like this.”
“No, you’re gonna have to do better than that.”
“Fine,” I whisper. “The man eats like I’m his last fucking meal. The first time he went down on me, I squirted. Which isn’t even something I knew my body could do. We literally cannot get enough of each other. It’s mind-blowing.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” She laughs. “So, you’re having mind-blowing sex with Tanner?”
“It’s so good, girl. Like, maybe the best ever.”
“Well I won’t pretend like I’m not a little jealous. Not of Tanner, but of the sex.”
“How’s pelvic floor PT going?”
“Slow, but I’m seeing progress. I just hope one day I’ll have what you, Poppy, and Lacey have found and that I’ll actually maybe enjoy penetrative sex again.” She breathes out.
“I know this is going to sound insane, but it feels like my body and Tanner’s were made for one another. Maybe you just have to find the right person who’s willing to be patient and gentle.”
“Maybe. You sound like your feelings are getting serious though.”
“You think it’s too fast?”
“I mean, you’ve known him since May. I don’t think it’s fast.”
I take another bite of my sandwich. “Logan’s mom thought we were in love.”
“Are you?” Her eyes go wide.
“No, we’ve only been together a few days, but when I think about it, I can see us ending up there.”
“Does that mean your plan to move out after a few months is on hold? Or are you still going to look for another place to stay?”
“I don’t know. I know serious relationships have never been his thing, and I don’t want to be the type of girlfriend who doesn’t give him space or comes off as clingy. I haven’t looked for another place yet, but we also haven’t talked about it.”
“I mean he’s drawing you pictures and fucking you’re brains out. It sounds like he really likes you too.” She laughs.
My office phone begins to ring, and I grab the receiver. “Hello, this is Wren.”
“Hey, Wren. This is Johnny, the pickleball instructor. I’ve got a mad cold, and I don’t want to get any of your people sick, so I’m going to have to cancel our lesson today. You’re welcome to still use the court, but I won’t be there.”
“I understand. Feel better,” I say, massaging my temple. “Thanks for calling and we’ll see you Wednesday if you’re up to it.”
“Who was that?” Gray asks once I’ve hung up the phone.
“The guy who volunteers to give pickleball lessons. He’s sick, so it looks like I’m going to have to cancel the outing. God, I can already hear Ethel and Clara complaining.”
Gray laughs. “If only you were dating someone who loves pickleball,” she jokes. “Then maybe he could come help you.”
“It’s a good idea, but I don’t know if he can come. Things are really weird at his job, and he’s at the office today. We texted a little this morning, but he mentioned having a lot of meetings.”
“You never know.”
I pull out my cell phone and click on his name.
Whatcha doing?
Tanner :
Missing you
I might have an idea of how you can see me before tonight.
Tanner :
I’m listening
Any chance you want to help me teach a pickleball lesson this afternoon? The usual instructor is sick and if I don’t do it, the residents are going to revolt against me.
Tanner :
I’m there
Tanner :
Send me the address and the time
You sure? I know you’re at the office today.
Tanner :
I’m done with my meetings and my dad left early to check out a new project
Tanner :
I want to see you
Good! We should get there around 3. Here’s the address.
“Look at you smiling,” Gray says. “I guess that means he’s coming.”
“Yeah, he said he’d help me.”
“What’s going on with his job?”
“It’s a whole mess, but I’m not sure it’s my story to tell.”
“I get that. Is there anything we can do to help?”
Ever since Tanner brought me to Gwen’s studio, I’ve been trying to think of a way to help him. He told me that he understood what it was like to be scared to fail and that he thought I could use a friendly push.
“Actually, now that you mention it, can you help me get everyone to The Local on Friday?”
“That should be easy. Why though?”
“I have an idea, and I think having everyone there will help. I still have to work out some things, but if you can get everyone to come that would be a good start.”
“You got it. Oh, shoot—what time is it?” she asks, turning and looking at the clock on my wall.
“Twelve twenty-seven.”
“Fuck, the orthotist is coming today at twelve-thirty to measure Mr. Benson for his AFO and I completely forgot. I guess I’ll be finishing my lunch later.”
“Oh, no. I’ll actually walk with you if you don’t mind. I need to talk to Margaret about something.”
“You don’t want to finish eating?”
“I’m done. I really should try to convince Tanner to pack my lunches. There is only so much turkey and bread a person can eat.” We both stand and head out of my office and toward the therapy gym.
“Hey, Wren, what brings you to our neck of the woods,” Jasmine, the physical therapy assistant asks when we walk in.
“I came to talk to Margaret about Thanksgiving for the residents. Is she in her office?”
“No, you just missed her. I think she had a doctor’s appointment or something,” Jasmine explains, walking by us and out of the room.
“Hey, y’all,” Poppy says, walking into the gym. “Sorry I missed lunch. Chloe and I are swamped.”
“It’s fine. We actually had to cut it short because I forgot the orthotist was coming today,” Gray says. “You did miss all the good gossip about Wren and Tanner though.”
“No way. That’s not fair.”
“What’s not fair?” Lacey asks, joining us.
“Wren gave Gray all the dirty details about her new relationship and we missed it,” Poppy says.
“Yeah, sounds like you were wrong, Lace, and Tanner is far from mediocre in bed” Gray laughs, and my cheeks blush.
“Way to make it weird,” I deadpan.
“Ha!” Lacey laughs. “It’s not weird. Look, he and I were both drunk and obviously had no connection. I’m happy for you both. It’s crazy how good sex can be when you’re doing it with the right person, and it sounds like Tanner is yours and Jace is definitely mine.” She wiggles her eyes at me.
“You’re so right,” I say, thinking back to my weekend.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for the physical therapist,” a deep voice says, in an accent I can’t place, causing all of us to turn toward the door and stare.
The man standing before us is tall, and if I had to guess, he’s around Tanner’s age. He has dark hair and a beard. He’s wearing blue scrubs and glasses.
“Cal?” Gray says, staring stunned at the man still standing in the doorway. “What are you doing here?”
He chuckles, “Grayson Arceneaux? Is that really you?” He moves into the room and wraps her up in a hug. “Your brother said you lived outside Atlanta and that I should reach out, and I just haven’t had the time. It’s really good to see you.”
“Yeah, same. I’m guessing since you’re here looking for the PT that you’re the orthotist I’m meeting?”
“I guess I am.”
Lacey clears her throat, and Gray turns to see all three of us staring at her.
“Oh, I’m sorry. These are my friends, Lacey, Poppy, and Wren.” She points to each of us as she says our names. “Girls, this is Cal. He’s my older brother, Torren’s, best friend.
“What a small world,” I say, looking at Gray, who fidgets nervously.
“It really is. Okay, well Mr. Benson is in his room. If you follow me, I’ll take you down there so you can get him measured.”
“It was nice to meet you,” he says. “Maybe I’ll see you all around.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say. Lacey and Poppy offer him a wave.
We all smile, and the two of them disappear down the hall.
“Was it just me or did she seem a little nervous?” Lacey asks, once they’re out of ear shot.
“Oh, she definitely did,” Poppy says. “He was cute too.”
“You think there’s a history there?” I ask.
Poppy shrugs. “I’m not sure, but we should ask her.”
“I told Gray earlier that I was thinking we could all go to The Local on Friday…maybe we can convince her to invite him.”
“Yes,” Lacey says. “I like that idea.”
“I’m in, and I’m sure Logan will be too,” Poppy says, glancing at her watch. “Ugh, I gotta go. My productivity is going to be shit today.”
“Same,” Lacey says.
“When is your productivity not shit?” Poppy teases as the three of us walk back into the hall.
“That’s not true. Margaret hasn’t talked to me about it in over a month,” Lacey quips. “What do you have the rest of the day, Wren?”
“Book club, and then Tanner is meeting me at the pickleball courts. He’s helping me with lessons because the normal guy is sick.”
“You’re really going to bring him around Clara and Ethel?” Lacey’s eyes go wide. “Good luck with that!”