Love Song by Sharon Gillenwater Page A

Dawn’s computer and will add something personal to each one. I’m trying to get as many done a day as I can because I won’t have time once I go back to work.”
    “Any idea when that’s going to be?”
    “I might know more after I see Doc today. I know I’m not ready yet because my strength isn’t where it should be, but I also know I’m improving. Don’t worry, I’m not going to rush back before I’m able.” She smiled and gave him a wink. “I’m having too much fun.”
    “Then I’ll have to think of more ways to keep you entertained. Why don’t you bring Dawn out Sunday afternoon, and we’ll have a fish fry. I’ve got a mess of catfish in the freezer.”
    “Somehow I don’t picture you as a fisherman.”
    Wade laughed. “I’m not, but I love catfish. So I cheat. I buy them at the catfish farm at the lake. They take care of the catching, cleaning, and deboning. All I have to do is cook ‘em and eat ‘em. And I don’t do half bad if I do say so myself.”
    “Especially on the eating part.” She flashed him a grin.
    “Well, I can put quite a bit away.” He turned into the parking lot of the doctor’s office, parked the Blazer, and shut off the ignition. “Do you want me to come in with you?”
    She glanced at her watch. “There’s no need. We’re right on time.”
    “I don’t mind keeping you company while you wait.”
    “I don’t have to wait very long. I go inside through the back door, and they take me right to a room. That way, I don’t risk people in the lobby recognizing me and disturbing the other patients.”
    “Pays to be a star, uh?” he said with a smile.
    “Sometimes.” She opened the door and hopped out. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
    The checkup went quickly. Doctor Curtis had helped bring Andi into the world and told her that he was pleased she was going to stay in it for a while. He commented right away on her improved color and noted a sparkle in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with that young man who brought you today, would it?”
    Andi smiled, enjoying his banter, and teased back. “What were you doing, Doc? Peeking out the back door?” When he nodded, she shrugged lightly. “He’s just an old friend from high school.”
    “Humph.” The doctor peered at her over the half-sized reading glasses perched on his nose. “Takes more than a friend to put that kind of glimmer in a woman’s eyes.”
    “I will admit it has been very nice to get reacquainted.”
    The nurse came in and took some blood, and the doctor examined Andi’s lungs. “They still sound clear, and your throat looks fine. Have you been doing any singing?”
    “Some. I’ve been playing the piano quite a bit. Wrote a couple of new songs this week.”
    “Working on a new album?” He scribbled some notes in her chart.
    “I’m not sure yet, but it’s nice to be writing again. I haven’t done that in a while.”
    “Hard to be creative when you’re sick. Judging from the information the doctor in Tucson sent me, you had been sick for awhile before you wound up in the hospital. How’s your energy level?”
    “Getting better almost every day. I’ve been taking short walks, increasing the distance gradually. I try to rest when I start getting tired instead of waiting until I’m worn out, but sometimes that’s hard to do. I like to finish something once I start.”
    “Andrea, it’s very important that you don’t allow yourself to become overtired. If you try to rush your recovery, you’ll wind up sick again. I know you miss being in the thick of everything, but you were suffering from a major case of exhaustion before you ever became anemic or came down with pneumonia. You have to slow your pace, young lady, or you’ll burn out completely,” he said sternly. His expression softened. “Perhaps it’s time to ease up on your career and find a husband.”
    Andi laughed. “You never were subtle, Doc.”
    “I plan on retiring in