Chapter 24

It took Zena some time to calm down from the event. They sat in Ken Lee's office until she began to feel better. She steadfastly refused to go to the hospital and have her arm looked at. She was sure it was just a strain and would be better in a day or so. Besides, she had a job to do. Bill and Ken sat on either side of her, making sure she was alright.

"OK, Zena, you head on home now. Take the rest of the day off and tomorrow if necessary. You've had a big shock to your system and the best thing you can do now is rest. We'll still have a lease department when you get back," Ken smiled.

"Ken's right, Zena. Get some rest and you'll feel better. I'll take you home," Bill offered.

"OK -- two against one, I can't win," she smiled wanly. She stood and held Bill's arm as they left the office and headed for Bill's car. He helped her into the seat and after closing the door, moved to the driver's side. He pulled carefully out into traffic and headed west down the boulevard. Zena looked at him in surprise.

"I though you were taking me home," she said.

"I am. I just didn't say whose home," he smiled. "I think you'll be more comfortable at my place and anyway, I wanted to introduce you to Junior. Then, I thought I would invite my folks over for a barbeque and a 'get reacquainted' session."

"Is this what they call a 'full court press' in basketball?" she asked with a vague smile.

"Yah ... I guess it is. You don't mind, do you?"

"No, I guess not. But remember, I said no funny business, remember?"

"Yah ... I remember," he said solemnly.

"Cheer up, Bill. I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just trying to slow things down a bit. You've been in my thoughts every minute since we met on Saturday morning. Just give me some space, please," she pleaded.

"Of course. I guess I have been coming on pretty strong. I'm sorry, especially with this Traubel problem on your mind. It wasn't very thoughtful of me." Bill was genuinely contrite and Zena recognized it.

"We'll have some time to ourselves, Bill. I promise. I want this to work for us too. I just want to go a bit easy for a while until we get to know each other again. I remember that very first night when we made love, Bill. You were the one who told me that we needed to take the time to know each other. You wanted a love like your parents have. I remember that as if it were yesterday," she said quietly.

Bill reached out to her and took her hand as he drove carefully through the subdivision streets. It was the gentle squeeze that acknowledged Zena's truth. He smiled to himself. The notoriously cautious man had thrown his caution to the wind and had no regrets whatsoever. Everything was going to be just fine. This time he was certain.