“I killed her!” a tiny voice screamed. “Miss Brooklyn died. I’m so sorry, Miss Brooklyn. Please come back to life.”
When I finally came to, only succeeding at peeking open one eye, I found Garrison holding my hand, crouched over me with tears lining his chubby cheeks.
“I’m okay. Just give me a minute,” I mumbled.
“Stand back. Give her some air.” It wasn’t until another teacher came over that I realized I’d garnered a crowd. Either they all raced over as soon as I fell, or I’d been knocked out longer than I thought. “Garrison, you need to go back to class. Recess is over. Don’t worry, Miss Brooklyn will be fine. Nurse Betty will fix her up in no time.”
“She just needs a bandage?” he asked, his little face full of hope.
I sat up with a groan. “And maybe some ice; I’ll be fine.”
Garrison threw himself into my arms and almost succeeded in knocking me down again, but thankfully, I had put one hand behind me for support. “I thought I killed you.” He spoke with a lisp because of his missing tooth, and it sounded like kissed you, which made me smile.
“You didn’t. I’m going to be fine. It will take more than that to put me out of commission.” Well, I’d managed to make it through most of the day unscathed. Not bad for two nights in a row without much sleep.
A couple of the teachers helped me to the front office, and the nurse did the normal precautionary tests to see if I had a concussion. We cracked jokes back and forth before she gave me an ice pack. My head began to pound, so she told me to lay down for a few minutes. Someone stayed with me despite my persistence that I was fine. I guess because I lost consciousness, it made things worse.
The school nurse refused to let me go home. In fact, she insisted that I go straight to the emergency room to get checked out. This was ridiculous, especially because I was without transportation. I’d gotten a ride to work again this morning, since my car was still parked uselessly in front of my house. I’d planned to just take an Uber home, but that tidbit of information sent the nurse into a tizzy. I would’ve laughed if the situation wasn’t so frustrating. I hated the thought of being trapped and I didn’t have any options available to me. My independence had been taken from me with one swift kick to the temple, all because of a stupid playground accident. Tears started to form, and I attempted to sniff them back when my co-teacher came in.
“Oh, honey. It’s okay. These things happen. Especially with those rambunctious kiddos. Don’t let this get to you. We’ve all had incidents like this, and we bounce back, then we move on. In a few weeks’ time, this will just be a blip on your radar, and you won’t even remember all these details and things you’re going through at the moment.” She handed me my purse and tote bag, which held my laptop and papers that needed to be graded. She patted my hand before asking, “Do you have someone to call? The day is going to be over in fifteen minutes, so I can drop you somewhere.”
I nodded and wiped my tears with the back of my hand. “That would be great.”
“As long as you’re dropping her off at the hospital and not home.” Nurse Betty was a watchdog; nothing slipped past her. I had to find a way to get out of going to the emergency room. I felt fine and had no nausea.
The idea of spending hours in a waiting room did not sound appealing whatsoever.
* * *
I sat in my hospital bed with a flimsy sheet that shielded me from the outside world. All the tests had come back fine; I only had a slight concussion but should heal and be fine in a day or two. My quandary was that the hospital wouldn’t release me unless someone picked me up.
The hospital staff were as bad as Nurse Betty and absolutely would not bend on the issue. Per policy, calling a cab was not an option. And my explanation of living with someone, so I wouldn’t be alone, was a no-go as well. They wanted someone to physically come and pick me up in order to listen to the directions and things to watch out for. I guess there was a chance I could combust in the middle of the night.
My eyes hurt. They felt laden with sand, not to mention, my right eye was housed beneath an ice pack and swollen shut. I could barely open it enough to see out. They’d given me ointment for it, which only served to further impede my vision.
I’d texted Nellie first, but I hadn’t told her what happened, just fished for what she was up to. I knew she had something planned, but for the life of me couldn’t remember what.
Me: Happy Tuesday! Hope your day was better than mine. How are things going on your end?
Nellie: I’m making a mad dash to my apartment to change for my date. Then we’re heading out to dinner.
Me: Have a great time! I hope things go well.
Nellie: Are you okay?
Me: Yes, I’m fine. Just checking in. Text me when you get home and let me know how it goes.
Nellie: Oh, you know I will!
I had no doubt in my mind that if I had explained what happened, she would’ve dropped everything and rushed over to be with me in a heartbeat. But she hadn’t been out on a date in forever, and she’d been really looking forward to this one.
Unfortunately, Julie worked at a different hospital, or she could’ve pulled some strings, and Mady was out of town. Crap! How was it possible that all of my friends had plans on the exact same night? A night I just happened to need one of them, too.
Corbin.
I closed my one eye and leaned my head back into the gurney pillow before letting out a big sigh. He would, undoubtedly, still be at work. I hated to inconvenience anyone. This was one of my faults. I’d been raised by a single mother, which meant I could be too independent most of the time. I never knew when it was okay to ask for help, because I always tried to do everything on my own, which in turn, ended up making things more complicated. So my two choices were to contact Corbin or call Nellie and make her choose me over her date. Corbin would have to choose me over work, which was just as bad. To him, nothing came before work.
Phyllis, the lady I lived with, wasn’t in any position to drive. She could take a cab here, pick me up, and then take me with her back home. But there was a good chance she would get lost along the way or forget entirely where she was headed. The orchestration it would take to make that happen was beyond my capabilities at the moment. She wasn’t to the point that she needed full-time help, but she’d get there sooner or later. My job consisted of making sure she had stuff in the fridge to eat and her bills were paid.
I drew in a deep breath before typing out the text.
Me: How was your day? Are you still at work?
I could see the bubbles bouncing and it made my heart skip a beat. Thank God he wasn’t in a meeting or something. He was answering right away.
Corbin: Yup. Just finished my last meeting for the day. Trying to decide if I should pick up dinner or go straight home. Are you hungry?
Me: Actually, I was going to ask you for a ride. I’m still without a car.
Corbin: Sure! Are you still at school?
Me: no…I’m at the hospital. I’m totally fine. Just got in a minor accident with a student.
My phone began to ring, which startled me and almost caused me to drop it.
“What the fuck do you mean, you’re at the hospital?” Corbin roared into the phone as soon as I answered.
“I’m fine. I swear. It’s just a little bump on the head. They won’t release me without someone coming to get me, and Nellie’s busy.” My voice trailed off because I didn’t know what else to say.
“I’ll be right there. Tell me where you are.”
I rattled off the name of the hospital. “If you check in at the emergency room desk, they’ll bring you to me.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes, tops.”
The urgency in his tone made me regret asking him, because I didn’t want to add stress to his plate. I should’ve just called Nellie. If she ever found out I didn’t, she’d totally kill me. Not only had I slept with her brother, but now I’d called him instead of her to come get me. The guilt just co
ntinued to pile up.
I carefully got dressed and only had my shoes left when the curtain whipped open.
“My God…” Corbin stood there with his hand over his mouth, his reaction worrying me.
Was my face that terrible? I hadn’t seen a mirror since the incident had happened. I must’ve looked like utter shit.
“What happened to you?” He rushed to me and tenderly scooped the good side of my head into his chest. The moment his arms wrapped around me, I finally relaxed. My shield tumbled away, and my anxiety decreased. Everything would be right in the world.
“I’m okay.”
“No offense, Bridge, but you don’t look all right. Not even in the slightest.” The concern that etched his brow and widened his eyes made me wonder if I’d grown another head.
“Well, I will be.” I winced when I leaned forward in an attempt to put on my socks and shoes.
“Here, let me help with that.” Corbin took the sock from my hand and sat on the bedside chair. He took my naked foot into his lap and effortlessly slipped my sock over my heel, then my shoe. He followed suit with the other one.
“Well, it looks like you had someone to call after all.” Nurse Ratchet returned to the room and gave me a pointed stare. She was one of those people you didn’t mess with. She had the death glare down pat.
“Yeah,” I mumbled.
“I’m Corbin Fields.” He stood and shook her hand. His stance held authority, and I could tell even she was impressed by my rescuer. Ladies would ogle him; it was a given. He was handsome, but more than that, it was his demeanor that made him sexy.
“You’re going to need to watch this one.” She pointed at me. “She’ll try to get away with whatever you let her. Did you know that she was planning to call a cab to pick her up? Nope, not on my watch. Lord have mercy! I would’ve been fired.”
“I completely agree. Don’t you worry, I won’t let anything like that happen.”
“She needs to be monitored for at least twenty-four hours and cannot return to work for at least two days. She should also follow up with her physician before being released back to work. If she starts getting confused, experience nausea, cannot be roused, or has no appetite, bring her back immediately. Do not pass go; do not collect two hundred dollars. Come here pronto. Got it?” The entire time she explained the instructions, she didn’t once glance in my direction. She spoke about me as if I wasn’t even in the room.
“I understand. I promise to take good care of our patient.”
“Mmmhmm. I’m sure you will.” She looked him up and down so feverishly, it made me blush. “But no hanky-panky. Bedrest means just that. Bed and rest.”
Corbin chuckled to himself; he must’ve thought her comment was hilarious. I thought it was borderline rude.
I couldn’t wait to get home. I needed my bed and sleep more than anything else.
Well, unless Corbin was under those sheets with me.
That would be nice.
Chapter 17
Corbin
The sight of her had caused this fierce protectiveness to come over me.
Bridge looked like something the cat dragged in. Like she’d been chewed up and then spit back out. The right side of her face was all shades of red, black, and purple. I’d never seen anything like it, and I’d been in my fair share of testosterone-fueled brawls. I had no idea why she’d decided to call me to come get her, but I found it flattering all the same.
I glanced over at Brooke curled up in my passenger seat. She’d started to nod off the minute I buckled her in. The nurse had stated that she could sleep, but she needed to be woken up every two to three hours during the first night, then she should be in the clear after that. It was well after eight in the evening, so she had to be tired. Especially since we hadn’t gotten much sleep the last two nights.
After pulling into my underground parking spot, I tried to shake Brooklyn awake. She got kind of upset and tried to swat my hand away, which I thought was cute. “Brooke, we’re here. It’s time to wake up.”
“Whatchu talkin’ about?”
My internal alarms began to sound at her confused mumbling, and I debated heading back to the hospital, but when she spoke again, she was clearer, more alert, which was enough to calm me down.
“We’re here?” She sat up with a groan and quickly pressed her hands to both sides of her head.
“Hold on, let me help you.” I opened my car door and swiftly made it around to hers, hating that I had to take my eyes off her for a second. “Here we go. Up and at ‘em.”
She was like a rag doll; her limbs were wobbly due to the pain shot they’d administered to her before leaving the hospital. They’d hoped it would also help reduce the swelling of her eye. I’d been given instructions on ice packs as well. It would be a full-time job this evening, but I didn’t mind.
“Where’s my home?” she mumbled before turning into the crook of my neck. I swung her legs around and lifted her into my arms. I’d decided carrying her was my best option at the moment.
“We came to mine instead. I thought it would be easier to keep an eye on you, hope you don’t mind.” I held her against my chest and shoved the passenger door closed with my foot. The elevator and my place were operated by a key fob, so all I had to do was wave the fancy teardrop-shaped keychain in order to gain access.
Technology these days did come in handy when carrying a beautiful woman in your arms.
“Huh? I thought you were taking me home. You don’t need to carry me.” She seemed to be gaining more awareness of her surroundings, which made me feel better. Also, her tone was stronger and her words clearer. But that didn’t mean I was ready to let her loose just yet—or anytime in the near future.
“Well, we’re already here, so there’s no need to walk now.” I laughed at her dubious glare.
Once we were inside my place, I took her straight to my bedroom and smiled. The thought of Bridge in my bed for twenty-four hours sounded like heaven. It didn’t faze me that we couldn’t fool around; I already knew we got along—with or without clothes.
I set her on her feet, still not letting go, and pulled back the covers so she could sit.
“Really, all this fuss isn’t necessary.”
“I don’t mind, Bridge. We all need someone to look after us from time to time.” What I really wanted to tell her was that she meant something to me, but since we were still trying to figure out what this was between us—as well as her having a concussion—I decided not to push just yet.
“Thank you.” She grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. “My head is still foggy, but I’m actually starting to feel a little better.” Her stomach took that moment to rumble.
“And a little hungry?” We both laughed as I kneeled in front of her and began to remove her shoes. “Here, why don’t you lie back while I go whip us up something quick to eat?”
“I’m okay, but thanks. I think I just need some rest. It’s been a day.” She stifled a yawn while drawing her sock-clad feet onto the bed and got comfortable with a pillow behind her head.
I pulled the covers over her and took a seat on the edge of the mattress. So far, all I’d gotten were instructions on her care and what to do if something went wrong. I still had no idea how she’d ended up in the hospital to begin with.
I carefully touched her cheek and asked, “What happened?”
“Well, I was on recess duty when I noticed one of the boys swinging wildly on the monkey bars. He declared he wanted to be Superman and went for it. Unfortunately, it was at that same time I stepped in to catch him to keep him from falling, and I’m assuming his foot collided with my face.” She shook her head but kept a small smile on her lips. “The next thing I remembered, I was flat on the ground with everyone hovering over me. I definitely know what it means now to see stars.”
“Damn. He really got you good, Bridge.” With my finger beneath her chin, I turned her head to the side to take it all in. “You’re bruised from your temple to your nose. I bet you’ll hav
e a nice shiner once the swelling calms down.”
She groaned and pushed my hand away. “I don’t even want to know what I look like.”
Rather than remind her that she’d already seen her face after getting in the car, I said, “They gave you something for the pain before we left the hospital, so you should be good for a while. But do you need anything else? Maybe some water?”
“Yes, please. My tongue is dry and feels thick in my mouth.” She stuck out her tongue and tried unsuccessfully to look at it with one eye.
“Okay, I’ll be right back.” I went into the kitchen to get her a glass of water and decided to include a packet of saltines. The nurse had warned against having her eat anything too heavy, so I didn’t want to give her anything that would upset her stomach, but I didn’t want her to be hungry, either.
In the less than two minutes I’d been gone, she’d fallen asleep. I didn’t want to disturb her, so I set the items on the bedside table in case she woke up before her allotted time ran out. I noticed her phone on the corner of the table and decided to plug it in to keep it from dying while she slept. The screen lit up, signaling that the battery was being charged, and something caught my eye. A text. Normally, I would’ve ignored it, but when I saw Chase’s name, I couldn’t simply put it down and walk away—not without seeing what he had to say.
Chase: Are you okay? I just got your message. Why the hell were you in the hospital?
So, I hadn’t been the first one she’d called after all.
* * *
The unEXpected Plan Page 19