Waiting for You (RightMatch.com Trilogy) by Kathryn Shay Page B

bathroom.
    And Dana was left with the image of him seeing all of her naked and in bed.
    o0o
    Singing off-key about love finding a way, Joe happily rolled paint onto a wall. The space was unusually large for an office bathroom to accommodate Dana’s chair. It also had a higher commode, a sink she could roll under and, as in the office, a thermostat at her level. He noticed the casement windows everywhere in the place. Dana could be self-sufficient here, which was apparently vital to her. He’d gotten hints of that online but hadn’t really understood then. He remembered one of his father’s letters saying how much he wanted to do whatever he could by himself. Eventually, he’d had to surrender even minimal self-sufficiency and it had practically killed him.
    Concentrating on his work, he lost track of time. When he checked, he realized it was almost noon. He could finish the entire project by early evening. Too bad, he’d like to hang around this weekend if Dana was going to be here. Maybe Ruth had more work he could do. As he climbed down the ladder, he decided to ask Dana to go to lunch with him. He meant what he said about her experience with young girls and needing help with Kaelyn, but he wasn’t beneath using that as an excuse to be with her.
    As he was washing up at the sink, he heard another voice in the office. Joe went to the doorway. Dana was sitting at the desk as he’d left her but was looking up at a woman who’d come in. She was tall and a bit exotic-looking but there was an edginess about her that made him take notice. As a cop, Joe had to be aware of possible warning signs.
    “I’m Elyssa Langston. I’ve been calling about getting my daughter in your last summer workshop.”
    Raising her chin, Dana said neutrally, “My partner handles the enrollment. But I’m sure she told you we’re full.”
    The women gave Dana a hard glare. “You’re always full. I’ve been trying to get Sara into the regular studio for years. I thought I might persuade you to give her a chance next week if I came in person. She’s so good, you’ll want her enrolled full time.”
    “I’m sorry,” Dana told the woman gently. “I can’t do that. We get several requests a day for slots in the sessions. It’s not possible to take more students at this time.”
    The woman shoulders stiffened and her eyes turned frigid. “I’d think, given your condition, you’d be more sympathetic to others. I guess not. You’re as cold as the mothers say you are.”
    Dana gasped.
    From behind her, Joe stepped out into the office. “Now, wait just a minute.”
    Dana spared him a glance. “No, Joe, I’ve got this. I’m sorry you feel that way, Mrs. Langston. I’ll make sure your daughter’s on the waiting list.” She pivoted slightly in the chair. “Joe, would you show Mrs. Langston out?”
    “Gladly.”
    The woman stalked away fast, so he followed her to the foyer and made sure she left. When he returned, he said, “You should keep the front door locked.”
    “Sometimes people come in for dance attire with our logo on it. But you’re right. I don’t need that kind of harassment.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    She reached in her desk and got her bag. “I’m going out for a while.”
    “I came in to ask you to have lunch with me.”
    “I’ll grab some food when I’m out. I’ve got errands.”
    Joe watched her as she wheeled to the back exit. Pissed as hell at what the Langston woman had done, Joe wished he could comfort her, but she got away from him too fast. He didn’t like the feeling of helplessness that overcame him.
    o0o
    Dana was sad as she did her errands and then stopped to eat at an outdoor diner where she could maneuver easily. As she picked at her chicken Caesar salad, she tried to talk herself out of her mood. It didn’t happen a lot anymore, but the run-in with the Langston woman and her comment about Dana’s condition was hitting Dana hard. She hated having her disability thrown in her face, talked about,