“Well, which is it then, Avery? Friend or patient?” Grey stared at her, thinking about all the times she’d suddenly withdrawn from their flirtations just when he thought he’d made progress. “Or is it that when you need something from me, I’m your friend. Otherwise, I’m just a patient.”
“That’s not fair, Grey.” She frowned. Her voice grew soft. “You are my patient. It’s complicated.”
Complicated.
“Exactly!” He scrubbed his hands over his face. “I don’t want you to suffer for something you didn’t do, but I’m in a tight spot. I can’t afford to make my decisions based on how they affect you, Avery. I’ve got to follow my lawyer’s advice, not yours, especially when our needs don’t necessarily align. What happens if I don’t sue the OS? Will your anger compromise our work together?”
Her misty eyes made him feel like a prize ass. But he didn’t have much income right now, and his dwindling bank balance put him at risk of missing a business loan payment in the near future. He had to secure his finances, no matter what.
“If you don’t trust me, maybe you should be working with a different PT.” Avery’s voice faltered just a bit before she regained control of her emotions.
If her words hadn’t carved him up like a field skinner blade, he might’ve admired her moxie.
Maybe she was right. This was probably exactly why things like her stupid code of ethics existed.
From the outset he’d let his interest in Bambi persuade him he could have it all—a full physical recovery, a legal victory that didn’t hurt her, and some kind of relationship. Obviously his beliefs had been nothing more than wishful thinking.
Damned fool.
He let the silence stretch for a minute, hoping she couldn’t hear his thundering heartbeat. “I’m going to leave now, before either of us says something we regret.”
She stayed on the bench, fingers gripping the edge of the seat, as he turned and walked away.
Chapter Ten
Grey massaged his thigh and knee, dismayed by the fact he still felt discomfort—sometimes pain—despite all the work he’d been doing. The other day’s confrontation with Avery hadn’t helped matters either. The indignant look in her eyes had haunted him all night as he’d alternatively battled feelings of disappointment and hope.
Shaman rounded the block as they returned to Backtrax. He glanced at his watch, sighing. Time to meet with Kelsey to discuss social media. For months he’d been trying to gently discourage her interest. Now Trip was forcing him to ask for her help.
Of course, Grey couldn’t argue with Trip’s logic. Kelsey’s site looked professional, active, and proved she was an accomplished local businesswoman. Grey could probably learn a thing or two from Boomerang. Shit. He had to stop calling her that before it slipped out and hurt her feelings.
Shaman barked and copped a squat just as Grey’s phone rang. His lawyer’s name flashed on its screen as he fished for the plastic bag in his pocket.
“Hey, Warren.”
“Grey. I got your message about the events precipitating Andy Randall’s accident. Sounds like we might have grounds for a third-party Dram shop claim against the Outpost Saloon.”
“Dram shop?”
“That’s what we call the statute that establishes liability in cases where a person suffers injury from a drunk driver after said driver has been served by a negligent bartender. Colorado’s statutory cap on those claims is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, but these cases aren’t easy to win. If we find solid evidence, I’ll send a claims notice to its insurer and see if it offers a settlement.”
“Anything is better than what I’ve got now, which is nothing.”
“It’s tough to be patient with the pace of the legal process, but hang in there. I’ll make sure you’re compensated fairly. However, you should consider the backlash you might suffer if you file a claim against another local business owner in this small town. I’m not suggesting you refrain. Just giving you forewarning. Do you know Mark and Cindy Suttner?”
“Not personally.” Grey didn’t want to kick up a lot of dust in the community but, on the other hand, the majority of his business came from tourists. Over time, he and Trip would work to repair any short-term blowback from the locals. “Frankly, I can’t let anyone’s opinion factor into my decision. I need money to protect my business.”
“I agree. In the end, you should pursue all avenues of recovery.”
“So you’ll follow up and keep me posted?”
“I’ll be in touch.”
Grey pocketed his phone. When Shaman sniffed his calves, Grey tickled him under his jaw. Then, after bagging the dog poop and tossing it in the nearby trash can, he walked home.
He arrived at the office five minutes late for his meeting with Kelsey. Kelsey, however, seemed more than content to have been amused by Trip, who’d seated himself on the corner of Grey’s desk.
“Morning, Kelsey.” He noticed her plunging neckline and high heels. The woman was curvy enough without needing to call extra attention to her chest. He tried to keep his eyes up. “Sorry I’m late.”
“No problem.” She glanced at Trip and grinned, flipping her long, blond hair back. “I had ample entertainment.”
Trip tipped his cowboy hat at her and grinned. “Glad to be of service.”
“I thought you were going to investigate some intermediate rock-climbing areas we could use for touring groups,” Grey said to him while unleashing Shaman.
“I am.” Trip pointed to his bag of gear and rock-climbing shoes. “Just waiting for Jon to pick me up.”
“Could you take some photos for me?” Grey walked into the small office bathroom to wash his hands, then returned. “When you get back, let’s go over the mountain safety lecture we’re giving tomorrow at the high school.”
“Sure.” Trip turned and smiled at Kelsey before rising off the edge of the desk. “Something tells me you’re gonna need a lotta luck convincing Grey to embrace technology.”
“Don’t underestimate me.” Kelsey gently swayed, her hands clasped together in front of her hips. “I’m nothing if not persistent.”
No one would argue that claim. Grey noticed Trip swallow a smart-ass remark before turning away from her and grinning at Grey. “You two have fun, now.”
“Bye!” Kelsey called out just as Trip escaped through the office door. Then she turned her full attention on Grey. “So, did you look at my site?”
“Briefly.” Grey crossed to his desk and punched in his password, praying he could get through this meeting without a lot of discomfort. “I’ve been a bit preoccupied, but what I saw looked nice.”
“Thanks. I try to strike a balance between professional and personal. Selling real estate requires both.” Kelsey pulled a chair right next to him, overwhelming him with a sweet-smelling perfume. She reached into her mammoth bag to retrieve a thick manual. It landed on his desk with a thwack. Patting its cover, she said, “I used this to get started. And if you don’t have your own photos, you can use Photobucket or other sites to buy images.”
Grey shoved the manual away. “That won’t work for me, thanks.”
“Why not?” She pushed it toward him again. “It’s a little intimidating at first. It just takes time to play around and get comfortable.”
He stared at it then looked at her. “I can’t learn that way.”
“Why not?”