by Dale Mayer
“I’m not too bothered. I figure I’ll find somebody sometime. In the meantime I’m more than a little busy with my career.”
She glanced back toward Brock, only to find he was laughing at something on his phone. “I hear you. With all the people coming and going in this place, it’s a steady job just keeping up with the names.”
“Speaking of people coming and going, Cole had a rough adjustment.”
She looked over at him. “How rough?”
“He won’t be doing therapy for a week or two. The doctors need him to regain his strength, first. The trip here took more out of him than anyone expected. And he pushed it as soon as he got here.”
“Which means he hasn’t fully recovered from his latest surgery. I’m sorry for Brock. He was so excited about meeting his buddy for lunch. But when he didn’t show up, I see he ate alone.”
“There could be many days like that.”
“It happens.” She made a mental note to have a talk with Brock later. Just because he was moving in leaps and bounds didn’t mean his friend was going to follow. One had to be very respectful of everybody’s progress. She spent a few minutes sitting with Shane while he ate, and then made her excuses. She took her cup of coffee and snagged an apple as she walked out. She had fifteen minutes before she had to go work on schedules and reports, and then she had a full afternoon. She walked to Brock’s room to find the door shut. She stood in the hallway and frowned. Not wanting to see his mood affect his performance, or put his recovery in jeopardy, she decided on knocking.
“Who is it?” came the voice from inside the room.
“It’s me, Sidney.”
There was kind of an odd silence, then he said, “Come in.”
She turned the knob and stuck her head inside. “Hey, you doing okay?”
His expression was a cross between frustration and disappointment. Something wasn’t right, and she was willing to bet it was Cole.
He gave a shrug. “I’m fine.”
“Well, you’re not, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready to share.” She took a step into the room and waited. “This is about Cole?”
His gaze flew up to her. “What do you know about Cole?”
“I know he’s had a rough introduction, and it’s going to take several days before he is likely even allowed out of bed.” She was surprised at Brock’s dark eyes and could see the myriad possibilities whirring away in the back of his gaze.
“I haven’t seen him myself,” she rushed to say. “But as far as I know, there is nothing major. Sometimes traveling and the change can set people back for a day or two, and they just need time to adjust—time to breathe. That’s what I would suspect is the issue with Cole.”
“He’s a good guy.” He gazed down at his bed and nodded. “But he also isn’t the best at following orders.”
Her heart went out to Brock. He was really worried about his buddy. “I’m sure he is. Chances are, he’s sound asleep and will likely sleep the bulk of the next two days to recover.”
When he looked up at her again, she could see the hope back in his eyes.
“I can probably check on him for you, if you want.”
He brightened. “Yes please. He’s not answering my texts.”
She turned to walk back out of the room, but then she stopped. “I wasn’t here when you arrived, but do you remember how difficult it was when you got here?”
“Oh, yeah. That’s why I thought it would make it easier on him to have me around.”
“But when you felt like shit, and everybody around you was bright and happy and doing so much better than you, how did you feel?”
Comprehension hit his gaze. “I’ll give him some space. Just let him know I’m here if he needs me.”
She smiled. “Bingo.” She turned and exited the room, heading toward Dani’s office. As she walked around the corner she spotted several people she recognized as kitchen staff inside Dani’s office. She was about to turn away and come back later, but Dani caught sight of her.
“Sidney, come on in.”
“I don’t want to disturb you if you’re busy.”
“Not at all—we’re finished.” The group in the office made their way out, some smiling and greeting Sidney. Then Dani motioned at the seat between them and said, “Grab a chair. I was just going over the menus and the purchasing bill with the kitchen staff.” She made a grimace. “Budgets—never a strong point for me.”
“It must be a strong point because you keep this place running,” Sidney said. “Honestly, I could never do that.”
Dani laughed. “I certainly do try.” She smiled at Sidney. “I hear Andrew spoke to you today.”
“Yes, he did, and I think all is fine between us.”
Dani nodded. “That’s what I heard, too. He will be leaving here within the next twenty-four hours. He came in and signed the discharge papers after you saw him. He’s pretty excited to go home.”
“I suppose his bed has already been filled, ten times over?”
“It has, indeed.” Dani watched her curiously for a moment. “But that’s not what you’re here for, so what’s up?”
Dani was very observant. She didn’t have any counselor or medical training, but she understood people. She was way better at that than Sidney was. “Actually, I came for an update on Cole. Brock’s worried about his friend. Like, seriously worried.”
“With good reason.”
Brock’s phone buzzed in his hand. It was an incoming text from Cole. He smiled and settled back.
Sorry bro. Missed lunch. Trip was a bit more hazardous than I thought. Feel like shit.
Want company? he texted back.
Not today. I want to get knocked out and wake up in six months when my body no longer hurts. My heart, my mind and my soul are wanting to give in.
Sorry, Cole. Just rest. It takes a few days to adjust.
I’ll need every one of those. Goodnight.
Feeling bad about his friend, but not knowing how to help him, Brock checked his schedule for the afternoon. That was one thing about being at this place, his days were pretty damn full. If it wasn’t physio, it was doctors, check-ups, testing, counseling, therapy, career discussions about his future and discussions about how to adapt into society with his current handicaps. That was one session he’d originally hated to go to, and now, he didn’t mind at all. Everybody sat in a circle and discussed their plans for after they left this place. It gave him a chance to see how many physical handicaps everybody had. It helped him to realize he wasn’t alone. He wasn’t the only one struggling. Just being around different people with different mindsets was positive and helpful.
Determined to make the best of the day, he finished off his afternoon on a positive note and tried to keep up the same attitude for the next few days while Cole stayed in his room and rested. That Cole didn’t want friends visiting was a little worrisome. But as he’d been pretty antisocial himself when he arrived, Brock could understand. And he honored his friend’s wishes.
After three days, Brock was finally determined to stop by and see Cole. He walked down the hall to find the door shut once again. He’d walked in this direction a half a dozen times already, and it was always shut. He knocked and got no answer. He wasn’t sure what to do. Cole was no longer answering his texts and didn’t appear to be answering the door, either. Determined to find some answers, he walked back to the front reception desk and the manager. He’d spent enough time talking with Dani to at least know who she was but not enough to be especially friendly. He knocked on her door, and when he heard the call to enter, he pushed the door open and walked inside.
Dani looked up and smiled. “Hello, Brock.”
“Hi. Do you have a moment?”
Dani set aside the file folder she was holding. “Of course. What can I do for you? And by the way, you’re looking great.”
He smiled self-consciously. “I’m certainly doing a lot better. I’m not there yet, but I can now see that I’ll be up to going home when my time
is up.”
“Where is home again?” She looked up. “I should remember but with so many patients I do forget the details.”
He shrugged. “It used to be California, but I don’t have any family there anymore. I do have friends in Texas, though. So, I thought I might stay local.”
Dani nodded, a big smile on her face. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Maybe we’ll get to see you often, even after you leave.”
He wondered if that was actually a teasing note he heard in her voice. Did everyone know he was sweet on Sidney? Should he ask? He gave himself a mental shrug. No. Thankfully Dani spared him further anguish.
“What can I help you with?”
He motioned toward the spare chair. “Do you mind if I sit down?”
“Yes, of course, please sit.”
He pushed the office door closed and sat. He turned back to Dani, who had a slight frown on her face.
“Is there a problem?”
Then, he remembered the last time he’d dealt with Dani, before Sidney had come into his life. He shook his head. “No, not the way you mean. I’m actually just worried about Cole.”
Enlightenment crossed her face. She folded her hands together on the desktop. “I’m sorry, I should’ve come and said something to you.” She glanced down at the papers on her desk, then back up again and said, “Cole is in the hospital. With any luck, we’re hoping he’ll be up to returning to us in a couple of days.”
Brock stared at her. He didn’t know what to say but managed to force his mouth to work. “Is he badly hurt?”
She shook her head, and his fear subsided somewhat.
“No, but obviously he wasn’t quite ready to be here.”
Brock nodded. He stared out the window and felt the four walls closing in on him. “I’m so sorry for him.”
“It happens. Not very often, but every once in a while, we get a doctor who signed off on a transfer a little too early. Or the new arrival thinks he’s better than he really is or knows better than his medical team, and he relapses. He’s not bad. But his fluids were low, and he was starting to run a fever. It was the prudent decision to put him in the hospital for a couple of days until he is stabilized again.”
“Of course. Anything to keep him safe.” He jumped to his feet, needing to get out. Like way the hell out. “I haven’t been out on the grounds yet,” he said. “But I have to admit I’d really like to get out there today.”
“A day trip can be arranged. Or if all you’re really looking for is a chance to get out and visit with the animals, make sure you tell somebody where you’re going and give them an estimated time so if you don’t come back we can come looking for you. It’s better if you have somebody that can go with you.”
He could feel her searching gaze, but he didn’t know who he’d take with him. “I’d be happy to ask Sidney, but I’m sure her day is full.” He rubbed his arms anxiously and shook his head. “I’ll be fine on my own. I just need to get out.”
“Understood.”
He mumbled his thanks, turned and bolted from the room as if the walls were actually pressing in on him. Well, as fast as anybody with his damned legs could. He was so much better, but there were so many twinges and pains and things he couldn’t do yet. Just the simplest of things, such as bending and picking stuff up off the floor was such a hardship when you didn’t have the right muscles working and the right body parts in place. He’d had no idea he was looking at something like this when he was first injured. Recovery had been an eye-opener.
He shouldn’t be surprised about Cole because, dammit, that man had probably pressured his doctor to release him early. And he’d probably ignored the warnings to take it easy. That was so Cole. Knowing that Brock was here would’ve just added to it. And Brock had been pushing him hard to try to get a spot at Hathaway because he’d been lonely. How very selfish of him.
Grateful for the break in his schedule, and feeling small, and hating that his friend had had such a setback, he made his way outside to the pasture where the horses were. The long grass was wonderful to walk in. Even just being outside in the fresh air was healing. Being on the deck was one thing, but walking or hobbling on the property itself was great. He had both crutches with him just for safety—the last thing he needed was a fall at this stage. He walked slowly down the fence line as the horses came over to check him out. The soft feel of their long noses and their beautiful, gentle eyes almost broke his heart.
He’d never had a chance to be around animals—at least, not very much. He remembered he’d also offered to volunteer downstairs at the vet clinic, but he hadn’t returned—so much for a new start and helping others. Suddenly feeling like he needed to make up for his halfhearted start, and for Cole’s problem, he slowly made his way back to the vet clinic. There, he set about cleaning cages and feeding animals with the help of the assistants. He could understand the terrified cat that hissed and howled and climbed to the farthest corner of his cage. He had felt like that when he got here. By the time he made his way through the cages and got to the bunny who was just content to be picked up and cuddled, he realized that was where he was now. He’d come a long way, just as these animals had too.
More settled, he headed back out to the waiting room and found Sidney chatting with the receptionist. Her face lit up when she saw him.
“Hey, I heard you were down here helping out.”
He nodded. He figured everybody knew—they kept tabs on all the patients, which was fully understandable. If something went wrong, getting immediate help would be appreciated. Right now, while he was upset about Cole though, the care and attention was a little hard to escape. Still, it was Sidney, and she could come looking for him anytime.
He smiled at her. “I’m done now.”
“Good. How about a swim?”
He stopped and looked at her. “That’s actually a great idea. I just felt hemmed in earlier and needed to get out, so I went outside for a bit, then came back in to help with the animals, thinking that might switch my mood.”
“And switch your mood, it does. It’s one of the best ways to get out of a funk. So is exercise.”
He gave a short laugh. “Good point. Okay, a swim it is. Then I need some food.”
Sidney glanced at her watch. “A swim will take us right up to dinnertime.”
“You’re on.” Feeling much better, he headed to his room to grab his trunks and towel. This was just about a perfect way to end a crappy afternoon.
Chapter 10
Sidney didn’t want Brock to think she’d been keeping an eye on him, but Dani had given her a heads-up about his feelings over Cole’s setback. That was something she didn’t want to see him get depressed over. Everybody was entitled to a day when they didn’t feel one hundred percent. She’d had enough days like that herself. She kept an eye on him, though, going from window to window to see where he was. When she saw him heading back toward the building and then didn’t come upstairs, she had called down to the receptionist and had been told he was in back helping out. Which was a perfect answer. When one was feeling lost and alone, helping somebody else who was in a worse condition was always a good way to return to center.
Sidney headed into the women’s changing room and found a locker. She changed and grabbed her goggles before heading back out to the pool. This swim was something she was looking forward to. Her own muscles were feeling generally fatigued. Dealing with a lot of people on a daily basis pulled her down sometimes, too. Sometimes people got the wrong impression—that she was cold and hard. But that wasn’t the way she was. Sometimes she just had to be a hard-ass to get people to do what they needed to do. At that moment, Marsha walked past, curled her lip in a sneer at her and kept going.
Sidney stopped. She wasn’t going to let this low-lying, toxic situation continue. It had to stop. She spun around. “Marsha, what is your problem?”
With that Marsha froze, turned and snapped, “What’s my problem? You.”
Sidney shook her head. “You shouldn’
t have any problem with me. I didn’t do anything.”
“You’re the one who pointed out I hadn’t done my job.” Her lips curved downward in a scowl. “Because I was friends with a patient.”
Sidney rolled her eyes. “Do you think you’re the only one who ever made that mistake? We all have. It’s part of the business. You see what you want to see. You aren’t always the best person to give diagnoses. We’re supposed to be working as a team. We’re supposed to always make assessments for each other. You’re not perfect. None of us are.”
Marsha frowned at her. “You didn’t have to go to Dani about it.”
Sidney’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you talking about? I didn’t go to Dani. I don’t have to go to Dani. Dani somehow ends up hearing about everything anyway. I’m not a tattletale. If that’s what’s got your panties all twisted, then know it wasn’t me.” She turned and stalked off.
Sidney went to the deep end of the pool, put on her goggles and dove into the water, cutting cleanly through the surface. Her encounter with Marsha had been just enough to fuel the angry embers inside.
Pouring her frustration and anger into each stroke, she forced her body to move as fast as it could down the long lengths of the pool, flip-turning at each end and swimming back. She took a good eight laps as fast as she could before she came to a slow stop and just let the water wash around her.
Exhausted, she floated on her back and tried to catch her breath. She couldn’t believe how drained she felt now. But it was a good fatigue—there was peacefulness inside. She floated for a long moment until she felt somebody come up beside her. She still didn’t want to talk, so she just stayed where she was.
“You okay now?”
A wry laugh came out of her. She rolled over to look at Brock. “I guess that was a little display of temper, wasn’t it?” she said calmly.
“Maybe. But maybe it was justified. The thing is, it doesn’t really matter either way because you obviously needed the outlet, so you took it and you used it. You’re looking better now.” He reached across and stroked the few straggling hairs back off her face. “In fact, you look incredibly beautiful.”