Page 59 of None Of Your Business

No, she won’t. I know exactly what will happen: she’ll push herself off the couch, get dizzy halfway to the studio, then collapse in the driveway before admitting she needs help.

I should call Piper. Better yet, I should step back entirely. I’m not her doctor, her husband, or her keeper.

My thumb moves anyway.

Me: Be ready in an hour.

Rowan: For what?

Me: Groceries.

A longer pause follows this time.

Rowan: Dr. Vaughn, are you asking me on a hot date to Ralphs? Should I wear my nice sweatpants?

I blow out an exasperated breath.

Me: Eat something before I get there.

Rowan: Does coffee count?

Me: No.

Rowan: This date isn’t off to a good start.

Me: It isn’t a date.

Rowan: Whatever you need to tell yourself, Shrink Wrap.

I shove the phone into my pocket before I make the mistake of replying.

Seventeen

I should be at my desk analyzing study data. Instead, I’m tracking Rowan through the grocery store while she rides a shopping cart like a scooter.

She lifts her feet, glides past the pineapples, and looks back at me with a grin.

“You didn’t have to come with me,” she calls out.

“I’m here now,” I say, keeping pace behind her.

The pale, washed-out look she had yesterday is gone, replaced by color in her cheeks. She’s wearing denim overalls over a white T-shirt, with her red hair pulled into a messy bun.

Our peaceful errand lasts three minutes before she stops in front of the pet food and hauls a twenty-pound bag of cat kibble from the bottom shelf.

“Rowan, let me—”

She spins, shielding the bag with her body, and hisses at me. “Stay on your side of the cart. I’m a strong, independent woman.”

I hold up my hands and step back. “Message received.”

She drops the bag into the cart with a heavy thud and wipes her hands on her T-shirt. “I’m stronger than I look.”

“I can see that,” I murmur, already tallying the joint strain in her wrists and shoulders.

She pushes the cart again. “I thought you should know I don’t always faint. I’m careful about my health.” She hesitates, her fingers tapping the plastic handle. “Things just got crazy. With the show coming up, I haven’t had time to breathe.”

I stay quiet because if I press her now, she’ll shut down.