As Jim struggled with the door, Lucy ran around the counter and helped him in. He was walking slow, trying to get into a rhythm with the single metal crutch and his good foot. A task sounding easier said than done.

"What happened to you? Where have you been?" Lucy's eyes were wide and she looked stunned.

"Can I sit down first?" Jim asked, out of breath.

Lucy lightly slapped herself on the forehead. She went over to the sofa and moved some pillows out of the way. "Come on over here," she said and held his elbow as he lowered himself.

"Thank you," he said. "You wouldn't believe my night if I told you, Lucy."

"Wait a minute," she said, holding up one finger. "I know what you like." She went over to the coffee machine and returned with a cup for herself and Jim.

She sat on the edge of the coffee table and crossed her legs. With the same look of surprise, she studied Jim's taped up ankle and said, "You pulled out of here yesterday and I thought you'd be right back. I had no idea."

"Funny how one thing leads to another," Jim said. "And I was just taking a simple trip out to see my sister tie the knot again. I was just killing some time being retired."