by J. L. Perry
“What? Fuck. Is she okay?” she asks in a panic. My employees have grown to love her over the last month. She’s a pretty hard person not to love.
“She’s fine. She has a nasty gash on her chin. Call them, and direct them up to my apartment when they get here. I need to get back to her,” I say before ending the call. Justine’s a good kid. I know she’ll do exactly what I’ve asked.
Indi lifts her hand and brushes her fingers over her chin. “I’m bleeding,” she exclaims when she lifts her hand away, moving it up towards her face.
“I know. You must’ve knocked it when you fell.” I pull the towel out from underneath her body and bunch it up before pressing it to the wound. “Can you hold this against your chin for a minute? I need to get you dressed before the paramedics arrive.”
“Sure.” As usual, although dazed, she’s as cool as a cucumber. I, on the other hand am not. I’m a fucking mess. My hands are shaking as I sift through the drawers trying to grab her something to put on. My nerves have been frazzled for weeks now. I don’t know how much more I can take.
••••
“She’s fine, Ross,” I say in a reassuring voice as I pace the corridor at the John Hunter Hospital. The doctor asked me to leave the room while he examined her. She told us in the ambulance that she felt dizzy when she got out of the shower, and that’s all she can remember.
“I’m gonna call work and let them know I won’t be in. I’ll be there in a few hours,” he replies in a worried tone.
“No. You don’t need to come up here. I can take care of her. I’ve got this, Ross.” Well that’s what I keep telling myself. I feel responsible for what happened. I should’ve been there. Does he think I’m not taking good enough care of her? Because apart from this, I think I am. Maybe that’s just my paranoia. “As soon as the doctor’s finished checking her over, I’ll call you and let you know what he says.”
“Fuck,” he grates out as he exhales loudly. “Okay.” This isn’t easy for him, I get that.
“Ross. You know if I thought this was serious I’d tell you. The paramedic said she may need a stitch or two in her chin, but other than that her vitals were fine.” Again guilt consumes me. I should’ve fucking been there.
“Call me as soon as you know what’s going on.”
“I will. I promise,” I say before I end the call.
Indiana
When I wake, I’m still in the hospital. It’s dark outside, but there’s a small light on behind me that illuminates the room enough for me to see Carter asleep in the chair beside my bed. After the X-ray to make sure nothing was broken or fractured, the doctor put a few stitches in my chin. They’re keeping me in for overnight observation.
Honestly, I feel a lot better. They have me on a drip, which has helped immensely. Apparently I was severely dehydrated from all the vomiting.
Guilt consumes me as I lay here watching Carter. He looks so tired, so worn out. I wish he’d go home and get some decent sleep in a real bed, but when I asked him to earlier, he refused. I’m grateful to have him. He’s been amazing. We’ve only been together for just over a month. The majority of that has been taken up by my illness. It’s so unfair. This has really taken its toll on him.
I love how he’s stepped up and taken on the role of caring for me, even though he never signed up for this. Most people in his position would’ve bailed weeks ago. Not him. He’s a great guy and hasn’t complained once, but it worries me. I hate that I’m putting through this.
“Carter … Carter,” I say, reaching my hand out to shake him. He stirs on the chair before opening his eyes.
“Shit. Is everything okay?” he asks, rubbing his hands over his face as he stands. He’s on edge. That makes me feel worse.
“Everything is fine,” I reply reaching for his hand. “Why don’t you go home and get a good night sleep? That chair can’t be comfortable.”
“I’m not leaving you, Indi.” I sigh at his stubbornness. After our earlier conversation, I know I’m not going to win this one. Shuffling over and tapping the bed beside me, I smile up at him.
“Come lie with me then.” His lips turn up before he slips off his shoes and climbs into bed with me. I lift my head slightly so he can slide his arm underneath my neck. I roll onto my side and snuggle into his chest.
“I love you, Carter,” I whisper.
“I love you too, babe,” he replies as he kisses the top of my head.
I don’t know what to do. I spoke with my dad on the phone earlier. He wanted to come up, but he said Carter didn’t want that. I don’t like that he feels so responsible for me, because he’s not.
Maybe I need to go home. Even if it’s just for a few weeks, until the treatment is complete. Carter needs his rest. He’s been wonderful, but he’s done more than his fair share. It’s time I gave him a break. I’ve disrupted his life enough.
Carter
“Are you okay, man?” Marcus asks as I prepare his arm for the tattoo. “You don’t seem yourself today.”
“Yeah,” I admit, exhaling as my eyes briefly meet his. “I’ve just got some personal shit going on.” I hate that I’m down here working and Indi’s upstairs on her own. She insisted I work today. I made her promise me if she needed to get up, for whatever reason, she’d call me straight away. It’s the only way I agreed to her demands.
“Sorry to hear that, mate,” he replies giving me a sympathetic smile. “You’re not gonna fuck up my tattoo are ya? I’ve never seen you like this. You keep spacing out … and frankly, you look like shit man.” I give him a half-hearted chuckle. I feel like shit too.
“I’m not gonna fuck up your tattoo,” I snap. Well I fucking hope I don’t. Get yourself together Reynolds. No more words are spoken as I start working on his arm. I’m not getting into my personal crap with my clients. That’s not how I roll. I’ve always been a private person. I do need to pull my shit together though. This whole situation is taking its toll on me. On all of us.
It kills me to see her so sick. I know this treatment is going to make her better in the long run, but it still doesn’t make it any easier. I even pulled the doctor aside at the hospital this morning and explained the situation to him while she was in the shower. He assured me that everything she is going through is normal.
Nothing about this seems normal to me.
Thankfully, I get through this job without fucking it up. When I follow Marcus out to the front desk, my phone rings in my pocket. My heart races for some reason. I’m on edge after everything that happened yesterday, I guess.
Pulling it out I see Ross’ name flashing on the screen. He’s probably just checking up to see how Indi is doing. “Hi, Ross,” I say.
“Hi, son. I just got a call from Indi. She wants me to come and get her. What in the hell is going on?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Indiana
After getting off the phone with my dad, I get my suitcase out of the wardrobe and place it on the bed. My heart is heavy, but I know I’m doing the right thing. I hope Carter understands. It’s going to take my dad a few hours to drive up here, but I want to be organised when he arrives. If I get it done now, it will give me extra time to spend with Carter before I leave.
As I open one of the drawers, I hear the front door slam before Carter comes barreling into the bedroom. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he screams, making me jump. Shit he knows. Turning to face him, I can clearly see he’s hurt. My dad must’ve called him. Damn him. That’s the last thing I wanted. I would’ve liked a chance to explain it to Carter myself. I’m furious with my dad for interfering.
“It’s not what you think, Carter.” I speak in a soft, calming voice as I walk towards him.
“You’re leaving me?” is all he says, exhaling as his shoulders slump. The look on his face is one of complete devastation. It breaks my heart.
“I’m not leaving you, Carter. I’m just going home for a few days to give you a break. I’m worried about you. You’re not eating or sleeping
properly. I’m interrupting your work … your life. I hate that you’re constantly worrying about me. I’m responsible for everything you’re going through. It would be selfish of me to stay under those circumstances.” I’m trying to reassure him as I speak. My arms reach out to him, but he pushes them away and steps back.
“You think I’m gonna worry any less when you’re two fucking hours away?” he yells, making me flinch. He’s never spoken to me so harshly before. The anger is rolling off him. When his hands thread through his hair, tears rise to my eyes. This is not how I wanted this to go down.
“You don’t need to do this, Carter. You didn’t sign on for this, I get that. I know what type of man you are. I know you’d never walk away, even if you wanted to. I’m giving you an easy out here.”
His hand reaches for me, roughly wrapping his fingers around the top of my arm as he forcefully tugs me towards him. “Listen to me,” he snarls, getting up in my face. “I’m gonna say this once and once only. I fucking love you, Indiana. For better or for worse. I don’t want a fucking out. Do you hear me? Don’t you dare make decisions based on what you think is best for me. Don’t you fucking dare.”
“I ... I,” is all I manage to get out. I can no longer hold the tears at bay as they freely flow down my cheeks. His face drops as soon as he notices them. He quickly lets go of my arm, pulling me into a crushing embrace.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers in a much calmer voice, “but you’re not fucking going anywhere, Indiana. That’s final.”
“I feel like I’m dragging you down with me. I don’t want to do that,” I cry into his chest. This whole situation is just too much. Pulling back from me, he cups my face in his hands. The anger that was in his eyes a few moments ago is now gone.
“You could never drag me down, babe. You’re my sunshine. Don’t you see that? Even with everything going on, you still brighten my day. I’d be fucking lost without you here.” He pulls me into him again, practically crushing me. “I promised you right from the beginning that we were in this together, and I meant every word. Please don’t leave. I need you here with me.”
When he finally let’s go, he grabs my hand and drags me towards the bed. He sits on the side of the mattress and pulls me down onto his lap, wrapping me in his arms. “We’re not leaving here until we sort this shit out,” he demands.
••••
We sat there for over an hour until everything was out in the open. I agreed to stay on the condition he pull back a bit, and stop letting my illness take over his life. Reluctantly he agreed. When I told him I needed to call my dad and tell him not to come, he said, “Don’t bother. I’ve already told him you’re staying.” Ugh! Presumptuous arse. I called my dad anyway, reassuring him that everything was okay.
Carter begrudgingly ended up going back to work. Later that night, there was no mention of what happened. We’d both had our say and had put it behind us. After dinner, we snuggled on the sofa and fell into easy conversation. Nothing deep. Nothing about my illness. Just normal, everyday things. It was nice.
“I’ve been thinking,” he says. Okay, this could be dangerous.
“About what?” I ask sceptically.
“Justine was talking about some girly spa place she goes to. Why don’t you let me book you in for a pamper day? It will do you good.” I tilt my head back and smile up at him, shrugging at the same time.
“I don’t know. It sounds lovely, but that’s something Meg and I always used to do together. It’ll be no fun on my own.”
“I could come with you.” I start laughing as I roll onto my stomach to face him.
“You’d go and get a facial and a Mani/Pedi?” I ask in disbelief, because that’s something I couldn’t imagine him doing.
“What’s a Mani/Pedi?”
“A manicure and pedicure.”
“Oh,” he deadpans, making me laugh again. “Yeah, maybe that’s not my thing.”
“It’s definitely not your thing,” I agree snuggling back into him.
••••
The following Friday, Carter takes me back to the John Hunter Hospital in New Lambton, to have my stitches removed from my chin. Yesterday I completed my second last week of the radiation therapy. Words can’t express how happy I am that it’s almost coming to an end.
Next week we have to stay for an extra day in Sydney, because Friday I’ll be having another scan and some blood work to see how successful the treatment has been. My headaches have practically ceased, so I’m confident we’re going to get good results. Well, I pray we do.
Things have been different between Carter and I this week. He’s really stepped back, which makes me feel so much better. He still fusses over me like a mother hen, but he seems a lot more relaxed. I’ve had a pretty good week as far as the side effects go. I still feel dreadful, but my nausea isn’t as bad so I’ve been able to keep most of my food down.
Mid-Saturday morning, Carter asked me to be showered, dressed, and ready by lunchtime. I didn’t ask why, I just presumed we were going out to eat. We do that often when I’m feeling okay.
I’m wearing a new pair of jeans and a nice top when he comes upstairs just after midday. I bought some new clothes last week because I’ve lost a few kilos since treatment started. Most of my clothes I can still wear, although they’re a little big on me now, but my jeans? No. I like them to be fitted.
“Grab your purse,” he says when he enters the apartment. “I’m taking an extended lunch break.”
“Where are we going?” I ask when he gives me a mischievous smile. He’s up to something, I can tell.
“The Day Spa.”
“What?”
“You said you didn’t want to go alone, so I’m going with you.” I can’t help it. I start laughing. Carter Reynolds at a day spa. This I gotta see.
“I thought you said a Mani/Pedi wasn’t your thing.”
“It’s not, but I want this for you, so I’m prepared to hand them my balls at the door. Don’t worry, I’ll collect them on my way out.” We’re both laughing as we walk down the stairs, heading for the car.
After parking down the street from the Day Spa, he walks around to my side to open my door. I’m still shocked that he’s actually here with me. I love that he would go to any lengths to make me happy.
While Carter closes my door and locks the car, I stand on the sidewalk and tilt my head back letting the sun’s rays hit my face, making my skin prickle. Although we’re in the middle of winter, it’s a beautiful sunny day. I feel my lips curve up after I inhale a large breath, taking the fresh air into my lungs. When I open my eyes, I find Carter staring down at me, with a sweet smile on his face.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yeah. Just enjoying being outside.”
“It’s good to see,” is all he says, leaning down to kiss the top of my head.
Lacing his fingers through mine, we make our way down the street. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be out in the fresh air and sunshine again. I’ve been cooped up in that apartment way too much lately. A simple thing like being outdoors, was something I once took for granted. Not anymore. It’s funny how you realise just how important the little things are once they’ve been taken away from you.
“You sure you want to do this?” I ask.
“Positive,” he answers. “You need this, babe.”
“Have I told you how much I love you today?”
“Yes, but I’ll never get tired of hearing it,” he admits as he pulls our linked hands up towards his face and places a kiss on my fingers. “So feel free to tell me again.”
Carter pushes open the door of the spa, moving to the side so I can enter. I only make it a few steps before I’m stopped in my tracks. Tears instantly rise to my eyes. Oh. My. Fucking. God. Turning my head to look up at Carter, I find him gazing down at me with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. “Surprise,” he says. Surprise is an understatement. I can’t believe he would do this for me.
Tears are now streaming down
my cheeks as she rises from her seat in the foyer, closing the distance between us before engulfing me in her arms. I’m so overwhelmed. “Meg,” I whisper as I wrap my arms around her waist and squeeze her tight. I can’t believe she’s actually here in the flesh.
“I fucking missed you,” she cries, tightening her hold on me.
“I’ve missed you too. Like you wouldn’t believe.” I’m so overcome with joy right now.
She pulls back to make eye contact with me. Even though we’re both crying, we have huge smiles on our faces. She hugs me to her once more. We hold each other for the longest time. I don’t want to let her go.
Eventually, she takes a step back before reaching up and pinching my arm. “Ouch,” I say, frowning at her. “What was that for?”
“I can’t believe you’ve been sick and you didn’t tell me, bitch.” I can clearly hear the hurt in her voice.
“I didn’t want to worry you.” She takes me back into her arms and squeezes me again.
“I love you,” she whispers. “I want to know this shit. Don’t keep things from me.”
“I love you too, Meg. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
••••
I had the most amazing day ever. Just having my bestie here has lifted my spirits like you wouldn’t believe. I couldn’t thank Carter enough when we got home, for what he’d done.
Apparently, he had stolen Meg’s number out of my phone and called her. She jumped on the first plane once she heard that I was sick. I’m not sure how long she’s staying, but I’m going to enjoy my time with her while she’s here.
Carter had booked us in for the full spa package. We were there for over four hours. We had a therapeutic Hydro Bath, exfoliating treatment, hot stone massage, a facial, and of course a manicure and pedicure. It even included lunch. It was just what my tired body needed. I felt revitalised when I walked out of there. As amazing as it was, just spending time catching up with Meg was the highlight for me.