Chapter 28
CHAPTER
TWENTY-EIGHT
Grayson
I wake from surgery in a fog. Grady says it went well, and I should be able to go home tomorrow. At least that’s good news. I need to get home and start physical therapy. I’m determined to prove them wrong. I have to get back to work. I don’t feel as if I have another choice. I called the director and told her I wouldn’t be out long, and she assured me she could work around my schedule. Now, I just need to prove I’m right.
I’m so ready to get out of this hospital room. When the doctor finally comes to discharge me, I’m already dressed and ready to go. Getting dressed proved difficult. I can’t put any weight on my leg, and I end up having to rely on Grady to help me. Now he thinks he needs to live with me for a few days. If it makes him feel better, I’ll allow it, but it seems kind of silly to me. The nurse walks into my room with a wheelchair, and I shake my head vehemently.
“I don’t need that,” I say.
“It’s hospital policy,” she replies.
“Come on, just give me crutches.”
“You can use your crutches after you leave hospital property,” she says, patting the chair.
I roll my eyes and look at Grady as if he can help. He only motions towards the chair with a pointed look. I feel utterly embarrassed as Grady wheels me through the front door. I didn’t tell Quinn that I was being released today. I didn’t want her to see me like this. Grady pointed out the absolute absurdity of that perspective, but my leg in a cast kind of gives me the ultimate trump card.
I hobble up my sidewalk and have to admit that the wheelchair was definitely easier. But at least the crutches make me feel like I’m capable. I couldn’t stand one more day in that hospital room doing nothing. At least I can start to feel like I’m actually making progress now. I’m exhausted by the time I get inside. I collapse onto the couch, and I’m asleep before I even realize it.
I wake to a text message and see it’s from Quinn.
How are you doing?
I reply
Good. They let me come home today. Grady is going to hang out for a few days. I think he’s lonely.
Yes, I’m sure he’s very lonely. That will be nice, for both of you.
Then she texted again
I’m glad you’re home. I miss you.
I feel guilty as I read her text. I miss her too. I should have told her I was coming home today.
I miss you too.
Can I come over tomorrow?
Yes! Please. I’ll kick Grady out.
Not necessary
Kinky ;)
I can actually hear her laugh when she sends back a laughing face. It’s probably the laugh that is more of a cackle with a little bit of a snort if she’s laughing hard enough.
I’ll bring dinner
She adds.
Thank you
I reply, letting her off the hook, but really I could keep the innuendos going all night.
The next day I wake up determined to start physical therapy.
“You really shouldn’t push it,” Grady says when he walks into the living room to see me stretching.
“I won’t,” I reply.
Grady levels me with a look, he knows me better than that.
“I have to do something,” I say. “I can’t just wait three months to get back to work.”
“I don’t think you have a choice,” Grady points out. “You have a habit of working too hard.”
“I told our director I’d be back in a few days.”
Grady barks out a loud laugh. “Well, that was stupid.”
I glare at him, but he just shakes his head. It doesn’t matter what he thinks anyway. I’ve always proven that if I set my mind to something, I can do it.
I continue the stretches and look up other exercises to start next when I’m not satisfied with only stretching. It hurts, but at least that means I’m doing something.
Quinn knocks on the door right at 6:00, and I struggle to stand up to answer it as Grady comes into the room.
“I got it,” I say quickly.
Grady rolls his eyes and leans against the doorframe. “You’re really leaning into this whole machismo thing.”
“Shove off,” I grunt as I answer the door.
Quinn looks radiant as she holds out a pizza box and smiles widely at me. I can see a tiredness on her face, and I hope I’m not the cause of it. I know she worries about me even when she doesn’t say so.
“Look at you, up on your feet!” she declares proudly.
“Don’t encourage him,” Grady yells from behind me.
“Ignore him,” I tell her as she walks in.
“I got enough for you too,” she says kindly to Grady.
“That’s okay. I’m going to head out for a few hours. I think you can handle him.” Grady answers.
“Yeah, I’ve got him,” Quinn says with a look of admiration towards me. My heart skips a beat at the way she’s looking at me. I missed her so much. Somehow, she centers me in every possible way. I feel like just being near her allows me to breathe easier. I’m not the best at explaining these things out loud, but I have vowed to be better.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I say. It doesn’t entirely cover how I’m feeling, but it’s at least something.
She curls against me on the couch as she hands me a slice of pizza, it feels good to allow myself to relax for a moment.
“How are you doing?” she asks.
“Better.”
“Yeah? Why was Grady saying not to encourage you?”
“He’s worried I’m pushing myself too hard.”
A look of concern flits across her face. “Are you?”
“No. I’m just trying to get back to the movie before they replace me.”
“Would they do that?”
I let out a short, cold laugh. “Of course they would.”
“I’m so sorry, babe,” she says. “Please, don’t push yourself though.” I know she’s worried about me. I can hear just how much she cares for me in the sentiment.
“How are you?” I ask, trying to turn the attention away from me.
She leans up and grabs another piece of pizza and takes a bite before answering. “Good,” she finally says.
“What have I missed? How’s Gertie? Tatum?” I ask.
“Yeah, they’re both good. Doris had a small fall, so Gertie has been helping her a little. Tatum is her normal funny self. Do you want another slice of pizza?” she asks. She holds one out before I reply.
“We should watch a movie,” she suggests as she turns on the TV.