Adrian surprised Natalie yet again by casually explaining he would call a cab for her doctor's appointment, and sitting with her in the back seat on the way there. He seemed completely calm, not at all bothered by the "filthy death trap" as he would've referred to it a few years ago.
The appointment went well enough. The doctor confirmed that it was, indeed, just a sprain. There were no fractures or breaks, and she simply needed to stay off of her ankle as much as possible for the next ten days, after which she would return for a follow up appointment. Natalie received a pair of crutches to help her get around a little better.
Adrian offered for Natalie to come back to his apartment, where he prepared dinner for the two of them. He had then insisted that Natalie stay one more night, just so he could be there to help her. Natalie knew she would have been fine on her own. She didn't really need Adrian's help. But, truth be told, she had missed him so much, and she relished the opportunity to get to spend a bit more time with him. Natalie wondered if Adrian was really that worried about her ankle or if, perhaps, he was really just happy to see her, too.
Now the two of them sat on Adrian's couch, Natalie with her foot propped on the coffee table, an ice pack on her ankle.
"Adrian," she began, reaching over and resting her hand on his arm, "I really appreciate everything you've done for me. You've been a great help."
"It's the least I could do," he replied. "After all, I was the one who knocked you down."
Natalie chuckled, squeezing his arm gently.
"It's okay, really. So, how is work going?" She ventured.
"Good," he replied. "My position as a private consultant for the force has been sealed for another two years, at least, which is good. Are you still working in the administrative assistant position at that office downtown?"
"Yep," she answered.
"Do you...like your job? I mean, are you, you know, happy?"
Natalie wondered if he was simply asking if she was happy with her job or if he was asking if she was happy with life – with how things were now. Natalie felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't want to lie to Adrian.
"Well, I do really like my job. But, honestly, Adrian," she paused, choosing her words carefully. "I just..." She hesitated still, nervous to reveal too much. "I really miss you."
She glanced up, gauging his reaction before continuing. He looked somewhat hopeful, she thought.
"I mean, my job is fine, and Julie comes and visits me almost every other weekend, and I have been working on eating healthier and exercising, but I just... I can't shake this feeling. It just...feels like...something is missing without you," she finished, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. She looked down at her hands, hoping she hadn't said too much.
"I feel the same way, Natalie," Adrian replied, surprising her.
She looked up to see his eyes were filled with tears.
"Oh, Adrian," she exclaimed, touched by his display of emotion.
She leaned in and wrapped her arms around him, nestling her face against his chest. Adrian wrapped an arm around Natalie's waist, lifting his other arm and resting his hand on her head. The two stayed just like that for a good half hour, neither of them speaking, just comfortable to be close to one another again.
