Page 98 of Devoured By Peace
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LACHLAN
Aidan lent me his SUV, which had been modified to transport Ollie. He and Clarissa had decided on a quiet dinner and passed on joining us for a jam.
It had been a while since I performed with the jazz outfit, and I couldn’t wait to hit those skins.
I lifted Ollie out of the car and placed him on his chair.
When Miranda offered to help, I shook my head. “I lift heavier weights.”
“Now you’re bragging,” Ollie said.
“I’ve got this.” Harriet took the handles of his chair and pushed him along.
“I’m getting a motorized one on Monday. That should be fun.”
“You won’t be needing it for long,” she replied.
In response to my questioning frown, Harriet added, “Ollie’s moving his legs. He couldn’t do that until a few days ago.”
Ollie kicked his legs out to prove the point.
Miranda shook her head in wonder. “That’s fantastic. Well done, you.”
“Thanks.” Ollie lifted his chin toward Harriet. “I couldn’t have done it without Harry.”
She smiled sweetly, and they shared lingering gazes. Miranda raised an eyebrow at me. All that mattered to me was that Ollie was happy.
When we entered the band room, the musicians from Round Midnight patted us on the back. Excited to see us both, they treated Orlando as they would have before his accident, which I was sure he appreciated.
“Hey,” Eddie said. “The band hasn’t been the same without you two.”
I smiled. “Thanks, man. It’s good to be here.”
Miranda wore a pair of jeans that hugged her curves like a second skin. Her hair was down, and a hint of mascara accentuated her gorgeous eyes. She’d blossomed since setting up her gallery. A strong, driven woman had come forth, and I loved her for it.
Ollie had his usual admirers, cheering him on when he rolled onto the stage. He couldn’t stop smiling, and neither could I.
The tune began with a walking bass line, and I jumped in, syncopating my heart out. The bass player held the beat, allowing me to drum like a demon, taking out my recent drama on the skins.
Ollie played like someone possessed. His lead breaks blew the roof off, sending the audience into a frenzy as they cheered him on.
After we finished the set, I patted Ollie on the arm. “Hey, dude. That was incredible. Jeff Beck, eat your heart out.”
“I’ve been practicing a bit lately,” he replied.
“I see your rock-star allure is still as strong as ever.” I cocked my head toward a crowd of girls gathering around.
He laughed. “Surprising but nice. Although…” He looked over at Harriet. “I’ve kind of fallen for my nurse.”
I started wheeling him to the band room. “I’ve noticed.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“For me, it is.”
“Don’t tell my parents. They’ll freak. I mean, they love Harry. And they should. She’s been amazing. I was such an asshole. Especially in the hospital.”