Chapter 10
The staff gathered around the oval table, and Kassie led Scarlett inside. “You can feel your chair on the left,” she directed her before sitting down.
Scarlett reached out, blindly searching for it and feeling frustrated, believing everyone watched. Her hand hit the metal arm as Doc started the meeting.
“Scarlett, we’ll discuss your care while you’re here. Please feel free to jump in at any time. We didn’t have you meet with PT today because Candy, one of our therapists, will return from her honeymoon in the morning. The two of you will get along wonderfully. She can discuss your goals then.”
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll start first,” Claire Meyers spoke up.
“After reading her record and speaking with her. I believe twice-a-week meetings will cover what we need to address. In my opinion, she doesn’t belong in the hospital.
We should transition her to a handicap-accessible cabin initially, followed by a regular one. ”
“We have one opening coming up. Scarlett, do you have any objections to sharing a cabin with your friend, Sledge?” Kassie asked.
“No,” she said, surprised they gave her a choice.
“I have a job opening up at the community center. Debbie, Barb, and Edie will expect her in the afternoons for food preparation. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but you’ll love the women.
We’ll give you six weeks to work with Ice, meet with Dr. Meyers, and attend physical therapy.
Then we’ll start your employment. If you tire out, one of the veterans will pick you up.
Small steps toward your goals still move you forward,” Kassie informed her.
“You’re giving me a job? I thought I’d be stuck in a hospital room the entire time,” she exclaimed.
“You’ll find we work a little differently,” Doc said with pride. “Allie, do you have anything to add?”
“I introduced her to Ice. They got along famously. They did great with the preliminary round. We still have four other matches for her to try and…”
“No,” Scarlett interrupted. “I want Ice. He’s my partner. I mean…if it’s all right with you.”
The silence seemed deafening as she waited to see if they stayed true to their word. She had a say in her care.
“We’ll proceed with Ice. I recommend Scarlett try using a white cane. I’ll coordinate with Candy in the morning to have a few PT sessions with Ice. If they’re compatible, Ice will house with Scarlett in the cabin,” Allie addressed the group.
Scarlett grinned.
“I see we have made one patient happy today,” Doc teased. “We’ll have a follow-up with Dr. Warren tomorrow. You’ll report to all appointments, Scarlett. We can’t help you if you don’t participate.”
“Yes, sir,” she said, still beaming.
“We’re finished for the day. Please direct your staff to stay on the lookout for our Serenity prankster.
Leo and the men have spread out and plan to follow the routine deliveries.
Bear will be adding another layer of security here.
Ivan and Victoria’s men will stop each vehicle, and we’ll provide a visitor list. They’ll contact us with any discrepancies. Stay vigilant, please.”
Everyone filed out, and Kassie waited until they left. “How did your first day go?”
“Better than expected,” she answered honestly. “I’m curious. You didn’t ask me about the job. Why did you give me one?”
“You need to stay useful to feel relevant. I understand those feelings. It’s only temporary until you master Ice and PT, then I have other plans for you.”
“Oh, what do you mean?”
Kassie patted her hand. “You’ll have to stick around and find out.”