Chapter 16 #2
“That’s great to hear. We’ll get you feeling better, ok? Let me do a quick exam again to see where we’re at. I’d like to check if the endometriosis has progressed at all.”
She examines me gently, and then does another ultrasound.
“There is a small lesion that wasn’t there last visit.
Keep in mind, this is only what I can see on the ultrasound.
A laparoscopic camera during surgery will give me the whole picture, and I can remove the tissue.
It’s not the end of the world, but it means the endometriosis has progressed slightly.
Has there been any additional stress in your life? ”
“Planning the wedding was stressful,” I say. It’s not a lie, I’m still stressing about the situation and these feelings I’m having for Gage.
She nods in understanding.
“I can get you in for surgery in three weeks, is that ok? I have surgical privileges at Princeton-Plainsboro hospital not that far from here.”
Nerves shoot through me at the thought of surgery, but this needs to get done. I have to put on my proverbial big girl panties and deal with this like an adult. Getting rid of this tissue that is causing so much pain will be absolutely worth it.
“Of course. That should give me enough time to make arrangements at work. How long will recovery take?”
“It’s a fairly routine outpatient procedure, so if all goes well you’ll be home after a few hours. Usually a patient can get back to normal activity in about two weeks, although that obviously varies from case to case,” she explains.
I wince.
“I’m not sure they’ll let me take that much time off, or whether I’m able to take medical leave under the FMLA or something. Can I talk to my boss when I leave today and then call you tomorrow to schedule it?”
“You sure can. I’ll leave to let you get dressed and meet you up front, ok?”
“Thanks.”
I get on the phone to my boss Doreen as soon as I leave. We both worked the morning shift today, but I’m not sure if she’s done yet. After two rings, she picks up.
“Didn’t I just see your sorry ass this morning? What’s up?” she asks by way of greeting.
“I missed you, babes, had to call and say hi,” I shoot back.
Ever since the incident with that asshole Harry all those weeks ago, I have grown to fucking adore her.
I already appreciated her so much for taking a chance on me, and hiring me in spite of my history.
Now I can confidently call her a friend.
She’s snarky as hell, and appreciates that I can get just as snarky back.
I’ve confided in her a little about my endometriosis, and told her about getting married.
She doesn’t know why I got married, but I’ve still been on the receiving end of hilarious advice from her about it all the same.
Her husband Luca sounds like a trip and a half.
“In all seriousness, I have to talk to you about a surgery I need to get,” I continue.
“For your endo?”
“Yeah. It’s progressed a little more since I last got checked. The pain sucks, as I’ve so lovingly shared with you already.”
“How long will you need off?” The question is practically barked in her Jersey accent. I know her enough now to know she’s not yelling, it’s just how she talks sometimes.
“Two weeks,” I say in a tone that pleads for her to not fire me.
She sighs heavily through the phone.
“We’re too small of a diner for FMLA laws to apply. You haven’t used your three sick days or your two personal days yet, so that will cover just over a third of what you need. I can get your shifts covered for the two weeks, but you won’t be able to get paid for the entire time off.”
I do some quick calculating to see how much money I’d be losing. It’ll hurt not being able to put that money in savings, but I think I can make it work.
“That’ll be ok, I’m just relieved you’re ok with letting me have the two weeks to recover. The surgery will be happening in about three weeks, so there’s time to get coverage,” I tell her gratefully.
“It’ll all work out, just get better quickly once it’s done so I can have you back,” she replies.
“Thanks, Doreen. I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”
“Yeah, see you then, sweetie.”
It’s starting to feel like my life is getting on track. I’ve been making good tips and have been able to sock away a decent amount of money since Gage doesn’t charge me rent. He refuses to, even when I’ve offered many times.
“Save your money for your list,” is his stubborn, constant answer.
His generosity is boundless, but I feel like I’m getting the better end of this deal.
I’m working toward my goals and should be able to afford this surgery thanks to being on his insurance.
He doesn’t have his bar yet, and I don’t know what else to do to help him get it other than show up and look like I’m in love with him.
After the way he’s been kissing me senseless the past few days since we made out in his kitchen, the only thing difficult about that is remembering that I should not be in love with him yet.
There has to be something I can do to help him.
He has that influencer coming to do some content on the bar in just over a week.
While he tries to play it cool, I know it will be important for the bar based on how he talks about it.
Maybe I can somehow make sure she is impressed enough to absolutely gush about the story behind it, the drinks, the food, the atmosphere.
El Abrevadero is so special, and it deserves a ton of recognition.
An idea hits me that I think will perfectly capture what I want. It needs some artistic talent, though, which I do not have. Luckily, Tania is incredibly gifted at drawing anything her tattoo clients want. I quickly text her.
Hey, I have an idea for Gage that calls for some beautiful sketching. It’s for the bar. Know any excellent artists who might have time to help me this week?
Nia Bia
Always. What do you need?
Ugh, I love my sister so damn much it hurts.