“No, definitely don’t do that. Women never say what they mean anyway. Just listen to her. If she mentions something that she likes, see if you can make it happen. Even if it’s Argentinian flamenco dancing or something you really don’t want to do.”

“I really hope she doesn’t want to see me dance. I definitely won’t have any chance with her then.”

Eli’s laugh rumbled over the line. “Just trust me. No matter what it is, if you can give her an experience she’ll remember, then you have a chance.”

*   *   *   *   *

WHEN MATT ARRIVED for his therapy appointment Friday morning, Penny was wearing her strictly business face. He would have laughed if he hadn’t been so frustrated. Every step forward he made with her seemed to be followed by two steps backward.

“Good morning, Matt. Are you ready to try something new?”

Matt clapped his hands. “I’m ready for anything. What have you got for me?”

Penny motioned for him to follow her. They walked down the hall and ended up in the gym. She crossed to the equipment rack in the corner and picked up a small white ball.

“You’re progressing well with the exercises we’ve done so far. So I thought we’d start some plyometric drills today. We’ll do some wall dribbles and some overhead throws.” She handed him the ball. “Let’s take it slowly.”

Matt dropped the ball and tried to bounce it back with his left hand. He frowned when his arm wouldn’t cooperate and the ball hit his hand and rolled to the side. Penny retrieved it and handed it back.

“You can do it at your own pace. It’s going to take a while to regain the flexibility you once had.”

Matt finally got his arm in a good position and was able to dribble the ball against the wall a few times. It was a challenge to catch it and hold it at chest level. It was still hard for him to believe just how many muscle groups were used in everyday activities such as reaching overhead or picking up a grocery bag. Things most people did and took for granted until they suddenly couldn’t do them anymore. He had a new appreciation for the human body.

He thought back to the little girl he’d seen the first day he’d come to the center. He had it easy compared to someone who’d been born with a disability. Someone like that little girl would probably give anything to be able to do the things he could do. It made him ashamed of the times he wanted to slack off and galvanized him to work twice as hard. There was no excuse for complaining when you had the chance to get better.

He looked up at Penny. When their eyes met she glanced away. He sighed. If her plan was to keep them from having time to talk about the weekend, it was working. He couldn’t talk and concentrate on the ball at the same time.

He waited until the ball bounced back and then grabbed it. “It doesn’t have to be awkward, you know.”

Penny’s mouth dropped slightly. “It’s not awkward, is it?”

“Yeah, kind of.”

She looked at the floor. “Sorry. I told you I’m not good at this.”

“How about we just rewind and go back to the way it was? I’ll make off-color jokes and you’ll give me that side-eye you’re so good at. Then we’ll get back to work.”

Penny shook her head. “I don’t know how you do that.”

“What?”

“Make me feel better.”

Warmth spread through him at her words. “Let’s try this. We’ll be all business when we’re here, and then in the evenings we can enjoy each other’s company as friends.”

“Just friends.” Penny narrowed her eyes. It was clear she didn’t believe him.

“I’m more than happy to make myself available for whatever you want to do. But there’s no pressure. However, if you can’t stop yourself, I promise I won’t be offended if you take advantage of me.”

A laugh escaped before she could stop it. Matt grinned unrepentantly when she tried to regain her stern expression.

“I think I can control myself.”

“Well, then, you have nothing to worry about. Right?” Matt stared at her until she acknowledged the point with a small nod.

Penny crossed her arms. “What did you have in mind?”

“Nothing special. Just meeting up after you get off. I don’t know anyone else up here and I hate eating alone. You have to eat dinner anyway, so does it really matter if you eat it with me?”

“I guess not.”

“Okay, so I’ll see you tonight. I’ll meet you at your house. I’d invite you over, but I still feel weird about entertaining in my buddy’s house. I’m sure he wouldn’t care, but still.”

Matt doubted Eli would care one way or the other, but this was a great opportunity to see where she lived. Eli said he should pay attention to her to find out what she liked. Her house was probably full of clues.

“No! I mean, my house is a wreck.” She flushed a second later when Matt raised his eyebrows. “Let’s meet at the Italian restaurant across the street. I should be done around seven. Is that too late?”

Matt decided not to push. If she didn’t want to invite him to her house then he could wait. “Okay. I’m always in the mood for Italian food.”

Penny smiled. “Me, too. Italian is one of my favorites other than seafood.”

Listen to her.

Matt bounced the ball a few times. “Great. So why don’t you distract me while I practice by telling me what else you like to do in your spare time besides check out new restaurants.”