Chapter 6 #2
She laughs. “And here I was thinking you were tired of me always bugging you.”
I take two deep breaths. “I’d never get tired of you.”
Autumn’s pretty smile softens while she enters the room, and the sweetest pink shades her cheeks.
“Keep saying things like that, and you’ll be convincing the doctor you need to stay a few more days.
They might even need to order another CT scan.
” She types something in after referencing my heart rate regulating, then glances at Tuck across the room from her.
“Congrats on the engagement, by the way. I ran into Tracy yesterday at the farmers’ market.
Beautiful ring. She mentioned it cost you twenty cards.
I didn’t know what she meant, but it’s a stunner. ”
How does he know her, but I didn’t? We practically run in the same circle, the one circle that exists with anyone in their twenties and thirties in this small town.
He sits down again, sitting forward with his forearms on his knees. “Thanks. She has good taste. She picked it out last year. You know,” he says, doing air quotes. “Just in case. Made it hard to screw up.”
“You gave her exactly what she wanted,” Autumn adds. “That’s very sweet, Tucker.”
Stuck in the middle of them conversing like old friends has me feeling like a third wheel. He says, “I haven’t seen you around in a while.” Relaxing into the conversation, he sits back and drapes his arm over the back of the couch. “How have you been?”
“Too busy for my own good.” Her head stays down, and her eyes are focused on the monitor. “I went to watch the Breakaways play in Boston, but otherwise, I haven’t been getting out much lately around town. Just work and rest. Rinse and repeat.”
“Sorry to hear that. Though I can relate,” he says, thumbing over at me. “Especially with this guy laid up in the hospital.”
Her smile grows again as she glances from him to me.
“He’ll be back on the job soon enough. That is, if he lets himself heal properly.
” She turns toward him, leaning gently against the bed rail.
“As for me, it’s not all bad. Just enjoying time with my family.
” Autumn takes the remote hanging off the bed and angles it up a little before tucking it between the mattress and railing for me. “How’s that?”
“Better.” Her smile shining on me is better than any visitor could make me feel. No offense to Tucker.
As if I’m not here, he continues, “How are your sisters?”
I keep my expression neutral, though my gaze volleys between the two of them, longing for more information about this woman. Leave it to a good wingman to get the details.
“They’re good.” She leaves her mouth open a moment longer like there might be more to say but doesn’t. I exhale the disappointment. “I’ll let you two visit. Need anything before I leave?” Did she bat her eyelashes or was that my imagination?
I’d love to respond, “Your last name, your number, favorite flowers, ring size, and if you’re free next week.
” What if our lives are supposed to be intertwined like Tuck’s was with Tracy?
I don’t want to deviate from fate. “I’m good,” I reply to my chagrin.
The fall from that ladder apparently stole my nerve as well.
With a nod, she turns away from me. “Larry is on duty if you do need anything.”
“Larry?” Annoyance weighs down my brow when she looks back and laughs.
“He’s a great nurse. You’re in good hands, Mr. Culver.”
“Mr. Culver?” Tuck says with a chuckle. “Damn, dude, you’re getting the royal treatment around here.”
Autumn is still smiling when she says, “Good seeing you, Tucker, and congrats again.”
“Thanks.” The door hasn’t fully closed when he says, “Lucky bastard. If I were single, I’d be staying here as long as I could if Autumn was my nurse.”
“I haven’t been freed yet. But if I can get out of here, I’m running.” I don’t have to see my back injury to know the lie that escaped my lips. I just started standing yesterday. “Or walking or even getting wheeled out of here. If I’m released, I’m gone, but I can’t say I won’t miss the attention.”
“I bet.”
The door opens again. I turn, expecting to see Autumn . . . hoping more like it, but a dark-haired man in a white coat fills the doorway instead. “I’m Dr. Ludlow.” His eyes pivot to Tuck, then back to me. “Is now a good time?”
“Great time,” I reply, “if you’re letting me out here.”
A humorless laugh escapes him before he closes the door behind him. “Not quite yet. We’d like to run a few more tests today. If all goes well, the good news is we might be able to release you under certain conditions.”
“Whatever I have to do.”
“Good.” He moves to the monitor and scrolls through the notes. “I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”
I shift, this time remembering to keep pressure off my right arm and shoulder. “Let’s get ahead of ourselves and focus on the positive. What gets me back home faster?”
“We don’t rush anything, but all signs show huge improvement. If the tests come back showing the positive progression we’re looking for,” he says, turning toward me, “I think we can release you with the help of home care.”
“Home care? Like to drive me? Tuck can do it.”
Tuck sits forward on the couch. “Happy to drive him home.”
“Not just a ride home. Having someone in your home to help with not only tasks but also checking vitals, watching for any concerning signs of regression, and helping around your house will be essential for another week to two.”
“Why does this sound like I need a babysitter? My mom would be over the moon happy to take care of her kid again. You’re talking about meals and making sure I’m brushing my teeth kind of thing, right?”
“I think you can handle the basics. I’ll be referring a professional to monitor your recovery in other areas.
” He studies me, lacking the kindness of the nurses and seemingly unfazed by much, even patients.
“Your insurance will cover the care, but we’ll need to find someone who has availability.
I’ll put some calls out.” With his hand, he washes away any thought that was popping up and turns to walk to the door.
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves, though.
Let’s get the test results before we start packing our bags, Mr. Culver. ”
When he leaves, I look at Tuck. “That’s good news.”
“Sounds like it.” He stands, shoving his hands in his pockets. “A ride home is the least I owe you.”
“If we start owing each other, it will never end.” He’ll do me a favor, I’ll return it, and then the cycle will continue.
I say, “You don’t owe me anything, but if we’re pushing into nighttime, I’d appreciate the ride home.
My mom isn’t the greatest at navigating the roads up the mountain in the dark. ”
“I’m off tonight. Just give me a call, and I’ll come get you.
” This time he’s the one heading for the door before I can ask him the questions that were burning into my brain earlier when he and Autumn had their exchange.
“I need to head to the station.” He stops shy of the door and glances at me.
“You’re holding up better than expected. I’ll let everyone know, old man.”
“Who are you calling old man? I’m a year older than you, asshole.” Laughter gets me, causing some minor pain in my rib cage and me to lessen the movements. “Hey, thanks for stopping by.”
“Anytime. I’ll check in later.”
As soon as the door closes, the silence sets in to battle the thoughts rolling through my head.
I can’t rig the tests, but damn, it would be good to get out of here.
Though, admittedly, it’s not been so horrible this shift because of a certain nurse who worked it.
Of course, she’s now gone. Fingers crossed I’m next.
Larry may be a good nurse, but I sure am going to miss looking at Autumn.
And talking to her. I want to learn more about her. Will I get another chance?