Helen woke itching. The rash had gotten worse overnight, and she was miserable. Davis had been so understanding, but their evening together hadn't been much of a date. Still, it was nice to just sit and talk sometimes. But then Davis had gone back to New York, leaving Helen with an oily rash and a night of fitful sleep.
She was debating whether to go in to work when the doorbell rang. Who would be stopping by so early in the morning?
"Delivery for Helen Chappel." The young man handed her a basket and hightailed it off her porch. No doubt the blotches on her arms had scared him away.
Helen examined the basket and saw a collection of comfort items – a backscratcher, scented candles, arnica cream, and some oatmeal bath. Helen smiled at Davis's thoughtfulness; he must have noticed how uncomfortable she was last night.
As she started to unpack the items, she found a card tucked among them. She eagerly opened it; then her eyes grew wide as she began to read:
Dear Helen,
Sorry your special night didn't turn out the way you wanted. I took your friend Stella and her weird little boyfriend to get some dinner and then flew them back to New York. Stella said she would call you today. I thought you might be pretty miserable, so take a day off and take care of yourself. The arnica should reduce the bruising, and the oatmeal will help with the itching.
-J
Helen couldn't help but smile at the kind gesture Joe had made. He really had gone above and beyond, especially considering that his night had been ruined, too. Not for the first time, Helen thanked her lucky stars that she had a best friend as loyal and as considerate as Joe Hackett.