Just a Click Away

Chapter 37

Several weeks passed, and Leslie began to find her new normal. She had returned to work at the hospital once Jack was released and taken to the county jail to await his trial. Things were definitely looking up, and she knew it was time to start looking for a place of her own. As much as she loved staying with Will and Jenna, she didn't want to trespass on their hospitality any longer. If she was going to live a normal life, she knew that she needed to be on her own once again.

After work one evening, she found Will and Jenna talking in the living room. As soon as she entered, the room fell awkwardly quiet as they both turned to look at her with expressions she couldn't quite read. Her mind began to race, and she knew that they must be anxious to have their place to themselves again.

"Hi, there." Jenna flashed her a sweet and rather odd smile.

"Hey, you two! You know, I've been thinking...I have really been imposing on you long enough. I am feeling much better, and I'm back to work now. It's time for me to do some apartment hunting. Hopefully I will be out of your hair in a few weeks. I really can't thank you enough for all you have done for me. Ya'll are the best!"

Will scrambled to his feet with a frazzled look in his eyes. "Nonsense! We love having you! You can't leave us yet!"

"He's right. I think it's still too soon." Jenna tugged on his shirt, and he plopped back down on the couch. She shot her husband a warning look. "You have plenty of time to find another place. We would miss you terribly if you left us now. Besides, wouldn't you rather wait until spring to move. Winter could hit us hard any time now."

Why were they both acting so strangely? Something wasn't right here.

"Ok, whatever you say, but I really think I should start looking for a place. I'm sure you must be anxious to have your lives back."

"You're practically family, Leslie. In fact, Thanksgiving is next Thursday, and we were wonding if you would spend it here...with us. Greg's mom is coming, and she will be bringing Ashley. Unless you already have other plans with your family." Jenna was obviously scrambling to have a normal tone in her voice.

Leslie narrowed her eyes with suspicion, "I don't have any family. I usually go to my friend, Margaret's, but she and her husband will be going out of town."

"It's settled, then, " Will's face broke into a too-excited smile. "You will spend Thanksgiving with us!"

"Do you know when Greg will be back? I feel like I haven't seen him in two weeks."

"I think he will be working late tonight." Jenna bit her lower lip.

"He has been working late every night, and I've been trying to wake up early and catch him, and no matter what time I get up, he's already left for work. He has been leaving me notes, but I really miss talking to him."

"I know he's been really busy with a project he and the crew are working on. They want to take advantage of this unseasonably warm weather before the snow starts to fly." Will offered her a sympathetic look.

"It has been very nice. These Indian summer days have been absolutely beautiful." Leslie sighed.

"True, and with the business Greg's in, they have to make the most of days like these." Jenna flashed her a warm and almost normal smile.

When Leslie returned to her room, she started looking online at apartments. Even though Will and Jenna wanted her to stay until spring, she wanted to have a back up plan in case they got tired of her.

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The moon was shining brightly in the star-studded sky, and though the air was cool, it was not cold or blustery. Slipping into her jacket, Leslie decided to go on a short walk. As she stepped onto the pavement and made her way toward the little playground, her mind drifted to Waldo. This was the first real walk she had taken without him. Her heart ached to see him at the end of his leash wagging his stumpy tail. When the realization hit her afresh that she would not get any more time with him, her eyes filled with tears which traced paths down her cheeks that were rosy from the chill.

Sniffing and wiping her nose on her sleeve, she tried to continue walking and focus on the good times she had with her dear friend. She could not let her mind go to the last time she saw him, or she would be back in a cavern of despair.

After walking a little farther, she sat down on her usual bench. She wished that Greg would come sit with her like he used to. Even though she knew he was working late, she still longed to spend time with him. Work had been keeping him way too busy.

Leslie thought she was imagining things, but she faintly smelled the familiar cologne that reminded her of pine needles and happiness. "Just wishful thinking." She said aloud to herself.

"What's just wishful thinking?" A familiar voice made her heart flutter.

When she turned around, she saw Greg sliding onto the bench beside her. "I was just wishing you were here so badly. When I smelled your cologne, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me." Normally she would have been embarrased to admit that she could usually smell him coming, but she was so excited to see him that none of it seemed to matter. She scooted closer to him on the bench.

When he put his arm around her, heart heart was filled with a warm sense of belonging like she had never known before. "I've missed you so much." She looked into his eyes, and wished he would kiss her.

"I'm sorry if I've been neglecting you. I have missed you too, and couldn't stay at work any longer."

"I'm so glad you came back early tonight. Will and Jenna have been acting a little strangely...they say that they want me to stay with them, but I feel like I should start looking for a place of my own. They must want their lives back by now." She leaned her head against his shoulder.

Feeling him tense up, she quickly lifted her head.

"If they said they want you to stay, then I'm sure they do. They would never say something they didn't mean. Just stay here for the winter. We'll find you a place in the spring."

"If you say so. I am just afraid that I will wear out my welcome." Why did she have this feeling that everyone was in cahoots against her?

"You know, since I've been so absent lately, I was hoping you might want to go out on Saturday. I'll get off work early and we can go out for dinner and some bowling...what do you think?"

"That sounds wonderful! I can't wait!"

He reached his rough, work-worn hand to stroke her cheek.

"You know Greg, I don't think I ever thanked you properly for saving me." She bit her lip.

"You don't have to thank me, I love you, Leslie. I would have done anything to keep you safe." He let his thumb run over her lips, and she stopped breathing for a moment as he lowered his head. Meeting him in the middle, she pressed her lips to his and closed her eyes. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she held him close as she felt her heart begin to pound wildly. When he pulled her closer, she felt her body go limp against his chest. In that moment, as he kissed her tenderly, she felt as if she was coming home.

When she pulled away, she whispered. "Thank you for coming for me, Greg. I love you."

"Leslie, you know I love you, and will always come for you...especially when you thank me like that." The loving smile he gave her made her heart melt as he took her hand and began to lead her back to the apartment.