Marcie And Leo Ch 175

(As per tradition, this story which should have been done by Valentine's Day is late. My continued thanks to the people who read my stuff and respond. A huge thanks to my muse who's influence is still felt no matter where her life may lead her. )

It was a satisfying feeling when I finished that loop in the park where I broke my leg. I was alone because I wanted to be. Marcie didn't question me because she knew that thing was still inside my head. It was a while ago that I fell over a branch and landed on the asphalt. The subsequent time it took to heal was nerve-wracking. It was the first time I ever sustained a sports injury, so I wasn't ready for the time it took to get as close to one hundred percent as I could. (The initial injury happened in Marcie and Leo Ch. 45.) Through Marcie's encouragement, the patience of our friends and coworkers and me getting over my foolish pride, I was able to get through it.

Yet every time I push too hard, I still feel the small remnant of what happened. Every time I walk the trail; I still freeze a little when I get near the place where it happened. It just happens that way. This time, it was about conquering it the right way. The last time I tried (Marcie and Leo Ch. 99), I didn't think it through and by the time I made it around the whole loop, everyone was there. This time, I let Marcie know. She smiled, but I knew in my heart that she was letting me do this.

The walk was good. I stretched out at the end before I slid into my car and belted in. I sat there for a bit just thinking. It wasn't often that I found myself in a quiet spot like that without the chance of being interrupted. Some of the drawbacks of my situation I always thought. It was still a bit suspicious though. It was when I realized what day it was that I understood. It was time to get to work.

First stop, flower shop. I knew Sabrina would be sold out of roses. It was always that way on Valentine's Day. It was a good thing Marcie preferred other flowers. As I walked in, I saw the smile on Sabrina's face.

"This is a surprise, Leo. Normally you email or text," she said almost in a snarky way.

I smiled just because I knew she meant it in fun. Sabrina and Missy (my late wife) were workmates before we set her up with seed money to start her shop. It's been going strong for a few years. It was a no-brainer that she knew I'd need flowers that day.

"Has anyone told you how dependable you are lately?" I asked.

She stopped and looked at me.

"Well, it makes sense coming from my lead investor," she said. "I know you'd never take freebies from me, but that doesn't mean I wasn't prepared for days like this."

As she handed me the bouquet, her eyes began to gloss a little.

"I still remember when Missy told me what you two were doing. Years later, it reminds me every day that sometimes surprises happen from the weirdest places. Thank you, Leo."

I opened my arms for a hug, and she fell in.

"No need for thanks. The fact you're doing well is the best present. I just enjoy making friends happy. Make sure you let Josh know that."

She smiled as she pulled away. It was then I made my exit. As I started thinking about what else to do, there was the ring almost like clockwork.

"Everything okay, Aubrey?"

"Yes, Boss except your eleven o'clock appointment arrived early. How many minutes are you out?"

I checked the GPS.

"Ten minutes. Think they would be okay sitting in my office, or could you keep them busy?"

The sound of laughter in the background told me the answer. I started heading towards the office before I reached the parking space. It took a few moments to grab the flowers before I walked towards the elevator. The ride up was the normal speed, but it felt like it was taking forever. When the door opened, I saw that Aubrey was sitting at her desk, with a huge smile across her face.

"How was the walk?" she asked.

"It felt good. I mean...yeah," I commented before walking towards the door to my office.

I opened the door and my eleven o'clock appointment stood there smiling, her body leaning against my desk. I never said she was a model. She looked like one in that pose, however.

"It's not like you to keep a client waiting, Leo," Marcie said as she crossed the floor.

Her arms were around me in an instant. The feeling of her being close made me smile more than I could ever put in words. Sometimes, we face challenges on our own and attempt to conquer them. Other times, we need motivation that only someone who truly gets us could provide. I am glad my motivation is always around to help me push forward.