Remember This (Virgin River)

A Great Relief

"One plate of scrambled eggs." He announced, setting the plate in front of me. The mixed scent of eggs and pepper was a welcomed sight as I twisted the fork in my hand. "Was that Mel I just heard come in?"

"She mentioned something about it being a long day, so she just picked up her order." I stabbed at a piece of the scrambled masterpiece that almost had that melt-in-your-mouth effect. "Something going on between the two of you?"

"I guess you could say we're working through some things. Nothing we can't handle." Stepping to the side, he wiped down the counter in front of him. "I heard the two of you are going out for drinks tonight."

"We are. It's good to have someone like Mel to go out with, especially being kind of new in town." I took another bite, my stomach finally settling now I was getting some food in me. "You remembered the pepper."

"Yeah, well, I know how much it bugged you when Mom forgot." Walking out to the tables, he busied himself clearing off dishes and checking on people as they went along. By the time I was finished, he came back with a full container of dishes in hand.

"I should get going." Putting down the money I owed, I pulled my purse from the chair next to me and got ready to head upstairs to brush my teeth before heading out. "Thanks for the eggs and coffee."

"Of course." He disappeared back into the kitchen to wash up everything. My phone buzzed in my pocket when I reached the landing. It was another string of texts from Brady, I knew I couldn't keep putting off writing him back.

You okay?

Give me a call if you want.

If you're up for a ride, meet me outside Jack's in ten.

Give me 15. Pausing by the door frame, I focused on typing out a simple response. Whether I told him yes or no, he was still putting himself out there to wait outside the bar. I threw my purse and phone onto the bed. It was only a few seconds after I entered the bathroom that I heard the familiar ring.

"Hello." The caller ID showed it was my doctor's office. I nearly forgot I called them earlier last week to see if I could get a refill without having to go in since it was almost a three-hour drive back to Sacramento.

"Mrs. Sheridan?"

"Yes."

"This is Annie from Dr. Fisher's office."

"Hi." Realizing my door was still open, I quickly closed it so I could have a little more privacy between me and the chatter of the bar downstairs. Jack was also known to come up here from time to time since this room was technically his.

"I wanted to let you know Dr. Fisher okayed refilling your Xanax prescription for an additional thirty days."

"Oh, thank you." Great relief flooded through me knowing I wouldn't be making a long trip just yet. My nerves were shot and I was still on a journey to figure out how to move past the trauma.

"You'll need to come in for an appointment if you want another refill."

"Okay."

"Where should I call in the prescription?"

"Um, Dixon's Pharmacy over in Eureka."

"Is that the same location as last time?"

"Yes."

"They should have it ready in a few hours."

"Thank you." My heart was still beating wildly out of my chest, at the same time I realized I only had about five minutes to finish getting ready. "And please thank Dr. Fisher for me."

"I will." She told me as I hung up. I let out another sigh of relief but hardly relished in the moment to head back into the bathroom. Spitting my toothpaste into the sink, I couldn't help feeling off but I wondered if it was from all the stress I had been under the past few months. Wiping my mouth on my towel, I walked back into the room and tucked my phone safely back into my purse before heading out the door.

"Hey." He greeted me as I came around the corner. Brady was sitting on his motorcycle, waiting patiently for whether I would really come out of the bar to see him. He greeted me with a hesitant kiss, finally pulling away to hand me my helmet. I could tell he wasn't sure about the other night but didn't want to push it as I climbed on.

It wasn't until we stopped at a clearing, the sun rays peeking through the trees and the view of the clear lake running for miles in both directions that he began addressing the situation. "Thought you could use a place to clear your head."

"It's beautiful. Thank you." Letting my helmet dangle in my hands, he gently took it and hung it over the bike handle. The dry pine crunching under my feet, the smell enveloping me as I walked through the trees. "Why have I never been here before?"

"This place isn't really well known. I like to say we took the scenic route, but I'm also not sure many people come this way if they don't have to. For me, it's one place I like to go when I need a minute to think."

"I think I will have to come here more often then." With him now standing beside me, I grabbed at his hand and held it tightly in mine. "I know another place we could go if you're up for it?"

"What did you have in mind?" His dark brown eyes danced at the thought of getting a second chance with me. He was trying to keep it from his expression, but I could feel his anguish at not possibly having this moment together.

"We could go to your place, start a cozy fire, cuddle up on the couch and talk."

"I would like that." He sucked in a deep breath as he watched the water lapping over the dirt. "If you're not ready, I totally understand."

"I'm sure." I nodded, putting on a hand on his chest to physically let him know I was fine, and somehow I hoped to convey in some way I hadn't thought of how to tell him everything yet, but I would one day. "Besides, I could use a good nap on that couch of yours."

"You don't have to tell me twice." He smirked, pulling me back towards the bike. "I could always use a good nap."