The Imperfect Marriage novel · Chapter 15 of 24

Chapter 15: Rehab

The cardiac rehab gym opened at six, and I had never seen it that early.

I worked nights on the respiratory ward again, and I slept through every morning.

So when my father said he'd found himself a ride to his sessions, I had not asked who.

On the second Monday I got off shift at five-thirty and drove him myself.

"I don't need a chaperone," Arne said in the passenger seat.

"You need a daughter who knows where you go."

"I go to the gym."

"Since when do you go to the gym?"

"Since I got a pump. Don't be dramatic."

The gym smelled of rubber mats and floor cleaner.

Eight patients in sweatpants pedaled stationary bikes under a row of grey windows.

On the far wall a man in a charcoal sweater stood holding a coffee in each hand.

He had a canvas bag over one shoulder that I knew at once, because it carried a spare battery for my father's heart.

Ross saw me, and every muscle in his face went still.

"Shipyard!" my father bellowed across the gym. "You're late."

"It's five fifty-eight, sir."

"Late is late. My coffee."

Ross crossed the floor and handed it over.

He did not look at me.

He kept a careful distance of one full arm.

"Good morning," he said to his shoes.

"You've been here before," I said.

"Every day for eight days."

"Since the closing?"

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