Simon checked his watch. If he left the office now, he'd have just enough time to drive home, shower, and change before the dinner meeting. He grabbed his briefcase, nodded to his secretary, and headed for the door.
Simon cut an elegant figure. In his mid-thirties, he was darkly handsome, with deep brown hair, sharply defined features, penetrating grey eyes, and a square jaw. His well-tailored suit jacket encased broad shoulders and tapered to a trim waist. His looks combined with his English accent -- he had moved from London in his late twenties -- left women weak-kneed on a regular basis.
But women weren't on his mind tonight. This was a crucial client for his team, and tonight was a night he had anticipated for months. The deal was so close to sealed, he could taste it. He walked out into the dark night, confident but the slightest bit tense. He sighed, knowing he would feel better when everything was settled.
The sun had set over an hour ago, and clouds covered the moon. The construction crew working on the new parking lot had left recently. Some debris still littered the edges of the space. Simon strode briskly toward the parking lot, his mind churning with all of the small things he had to take care of before the meeting. It wouldn't do to show up late, not tonight. He'd need all the wit and charm he could muster at his disposal.
Simon stepped off the curb, and suddenly everything switched to slow motion. In the dark, he had accidentally planted his right foot on a rock, but by the time he realized that, it was too late to shift his weight to his left foot, and the rock overturned. Simon gasped, his eyes wide, and tried to scramble backward and regain his balance, but it was no use. He landed with his full weight on the outer edge of his right foot. The pain was immediate and excruciating.
"AH!" He shouted, falling to the ground and clutching his ankle. "Ahhh!" He closed his eyes, clenching his teeth in an agonized grimace. He could do nothing but rock back and forth for a minute or two, gripping his ankle in both hands. His mind was aware of nothing but the sharp pain in his foot.
After a few moments, he tried to slow his breathing and think of a plan. He opened his eyes. His car was parked directly across from where he now sat, at about a hundred yards. If he could manage to rise to his feet, he might hobble over to it, but the pain in his ankle discouraged him. He was unsure whether he could place his foot on the ground or not. He closed his eyes again and groaned softly, frustrated. It was poor timing. His team had worked hard for this client, and bringing them in would be sweet satisfaction.
"Simon!"
Simon glanced to his left. A colleague from a different section, Nick, was approaching at a slow jog. Nick was about the same age, with dark blond hair and the easy grace Simon equated with the American west coast.
Nick crouched next to him, worry in his ocean-blue eyes. "Are you all right? What happened?"
Simon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There was a stone in my path. I'm afraid I may have sprained my ankle."
Nick glanced at Simon's foot and gestured politely. "Do you mind if I take a look?"
Simon hesitated. "Well, I really don't know..."
"Trust me, I've managed to do this to myself more times than I can count. I should know what I'm doing by now."
Simon shrugged. He couldn't politely refuse. "All right." He braced himself, his muscles tense.
Nick gently took hold of his right foot. A wave of pain hit Simon immediately, and he sucked in a breath.
Nick looked up apologetically. "I know it hurts. I'm sorry." He prodded a little more, causing more pain, and very gently turned the ankle to and fro. "How does that feel?"
It hurt. To his great embarrassment, Simon couldn't suppress a moan.
Nick glanced up at the sound. "It's bearable, then? You're not on the verge of passing out?"
Simon closed his eyes. "It is very painful, but I suppose it's all right."
Nick sat back on his heels. "I don't think anything's broken."
That was indeed a relief. Simon hadn't thought he'd broken anything, either, but a sprain was still a problem.
"If I could inconvenience you to just help me to my car...," Simon began.