“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll keep you updated if there are any changes.”
I peer through the crack in the door as Salem hugs her mother. “Thanks, I love you.”
“I love you, too. Now go hit the books.” She gives her daughter an endearing smile.
As I study Dr. Nelson’s face, I can now see the resemblance between her and Salem. Man, my vision must’ve been really shitty this morning for me not to have seen it. As the two separate, I quickly realize I need to get out of sight. I’m not prepared to see her, especially like this. I look down the hallway to where my room is and then back the other way. The waiting room is my only hope. I shuffle past the doorway, hoping I won’t be seen, and round the corner into the waiting room. Standing just inside, I position myself so that I can see out, but the people passing by can’t see me.
Silently, I wait for Salem to pass by; I just need to get a glimpse of her. When she doesn’t pass I get curious, so I peek my head out the door, looking both ways. I see her standing outside a room door, and realize it’s mine. I watch as Brett walks up behind her. She looks startled. I’m too far away to hear what they’re talking about, but I do see Brett gesturing down the hall. Salem looks in my direction just as I quickly pull my head back into the room, wrenching my sore neck in the process. What the fuck are you doing? Why are you actin’ like this? She’s right there, a stone’s throw away, and you’re acting like a fuckin’ chickenshit. And for what reason? Because you’re walking with a walker? She obviously knows everything about your condition because of her mother!
When I stick my head back out the door, she’s gone and Brett is walking in my direction. “There you are,” he says when he sees me. “How was your stroll down the hallway? Everything you thought it would be?”
Not bothering to answer any of his questions, I ask, “Who were you talking with?”
“When?”
“Like forty seconds ago.”
“Oh, she was looking for a patient’s room.”
My eyes narrow at his answer. Why is he lying to me? What’s the big secret around here? “Oh, I see,” I nod my head and play along. “It’s easy to get lost in a hospital.”
“Are you ready to go back to your room? You’re looking a little tired.”
“Yeah,” I concede. “Do you think I could take a shower?”
“Definitely. There’s a button in the bathroom for you to press if you need any help, but I think you’ll be okay.”
After my shower, I feel like a new man. The stiffness has finally left my legs, and my neck has loosened up immensely; I can actually turn it from side to side. I climb back into bed and turn on the TV.
“Mr. Vega?” a voice wakes me.
“Yeah?” I answer, dazed. I must’ve dozed off at some point.
“I’m Dr. Willis, your doctor on duty for the evening.”
Dr. Willis looks much older than Dr. Nelson. He must be in his late sixties if not early seventies. His gray hair is thinning on top and he’s trying to hide it with a comb-over. His eyebrows are extremely bushy and remind me of two caterpillars sitting on his brow.
“Hi, Doc,” I blink the sleep out of my eyes. “What time is it?”
“It’s just about eight thirty.”
“It’s only eight thirty? Damn, it feels like I’ve been sleeping for hours.”
“Brett told me you were up and walking the halls and that you showered.”
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s probably why you’re so tired. Your body sustained injuries less than twenty-four hours ago, Mr. Vega, and you’re pushing yourself.”
“So, I guess now is not the time to ask you about me fighting in less than a month?”
“Fighting?” He’s practically laughing at me.
I stare him down. I don’t think my question was remotely amusing.
“Fighting is totally out of the question, Mr. Vega. If I were you, I’d think about hanging up my gloves permanently.”
“Yeah, like that’s gonna happen.”
“You just did some damage to your cervical spine,” he explains matter-of-factly. “It’s been weakened, and it won’t take much to cause more, and possibly permanent, damage. You won’t be able to handle the blows that you were able to before. You need to give yourself time to heal.” He makes direct eye contact. “Do you have any idea what kind of damage you could be doing to your brain?”
“Yes, I’m aware,” I huff, rolling my eyes at him. “I’ve heard all about the dangers of boxing: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Punch Drunk Syndrome, just to name a few.” I’m not gonna let a few injuries stop me from fighting. Hell no! Christ, I could leave here tomorrow, get hit by a car, and die. I can’t live my life by what-ifs.
“And you still continue to fight?”
“Like I told Dr. Nelson, fighting is my job. It’s what I do. I’m so close to turning pro.” The tone of my voice is forceful, like I’m trying to convince him that it’s okay for me to fight. He has no real say in the matter; it’s my life.
“Well, obviously, I can’t stop you, but I can certainly educate you on the dangers. Haven’t you seen all the NFL players talking about concussions and the impact they’re having on their careers?”
“Save your breath, Doc, I’ve heard them all.” I wave him off, not interested in anything he has to say.
“Have it your way, Mr. Vega, but I’d hate to see you back in here after your fight.” His expression turns from confident to concern.
“I appreciate yours and Dr. Nelson’s concern, but I wear my headgear and take precautions.”
He nods his head. “Well, I’m here all night if you have any questions or concerns. Brett will be in around ten to give you your medications.”
“Thanks, Doc,” I murmur as he leaves my room.
Counterpunch – A counterpuncher waits for his opponent to throw a punch, blocks or slips past them, and then
exploits the opening in the opponent’s position with a counter attack or punch.
“Gabriel… Gabriel…” I hear that soft voice whispering in my ear, and her sweet scent fills my nostrils.
“Salem?” I mumble with my eyes still closed. I envision her in front of me smiling. “Oh Salem, I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’m so sorry,” she says softly. “I can’t help but blame myself.”
“No baby, it’s not your fault. It’s mine. I should’ve never walked away.”
“Shhh…”
I feel a gentle touch to my forehead and my eyes spring open. “You’re here? It’s really you? I’m not dreaming?”
She’s sitting in the chair next to my bed. I don’t remember that chair being there before. How long has she been sitting here? “I needed to see you for myself and to make sure you’re okay.” Her hand caresses my cheek.
“Your mother?” is all I manage to get out before she interrupts me.
“What about my mother?”
“She’s my doctor?”
“Yes,” the word barely comes out.
“How did you know?” I’m so confused at this point. There’s no reason why the hospital would know to call her.
“They called me.”
“How did they know to call you?” I keep pressing her for answers.
“Because, I was the last person you texted before the accident.” She stops herself as her eyes search my face. “When they told me what happened, the first person I thought of was my mother. I wasn’t sure how badly you were injured, so she rushed here to examine you.”
“Why?” I look at her, completely baffled. “What I said to you… I was so cruel.” I can feel a lump forming in my throat.
Salem stands up and sits gently on the bed next to me. “Because, everything you said…”
“What?” I coax her.
Shaking her head, she refuses to look at me.
“Tell me, Salem,” I whisper, leaning in closer to her.
Slowly, her head rises. I watch as her large blue eyes scan my face. “Everything you said… was true.�
�
I look back at her in complete shock. She’s left me speechless; that response was not what I was expecting to hear. I pull myself up to a sitting position. “What did you just say?”
Her eyes shift away from mine. “I said you were right.”
“Right about what?” I need to hear her say it. I want nothing more than for her to tell me that she can’t get me off of her mind either.
“Gabriel, please… are you really going to make me say it?”
“Yes,” I rasp, as I stare at her longingly.
She drops her head.
“Salem.” I gently lift her chin with my fingers, and my face closes in on hers, “Say it.”
“I thought about you,” her voice staggers.
My lips hover over hers. “Thought about me, when?”
Closing her eyes slowly, she exhales. “When we fucked.”
I know it’s a dangerous thing to do, but I throw her words back at her. I want to know her response. “You said ‘fucked.’ I thought you ‘made love’ to him?”
“I’ve come to the realization that we haven’t made love in a very long time.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
She lets out a little laugh. “No, you’re not.”
“You’re right, I’m not. But, what I am sorry for is how I treated you last night.”
“It’s okay. I forgive you.” Her hands continue to caress my unshaven cheeks.
I shake my head defiantly. “No, it’s not okay. I was an asshole. You didn’t deserve to be spoken to or treated like that. I’m sorry for what I said and for the way I acted. Christ, if I could go back in time…” my voice trails off.
“Would you change meeting me?” Salem’s voice softens as she frowns.
“Oh God, no. That’s not what I meant,” I contest, taking her hand into one of mine. With my empty hand, I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to shake off the stress I’m feeling.
“Are you okay? Do you have a headache? Do you want me to call my mother?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m just trying to find the right words, and that’s obviously not working out very well, is it?” I stare into her eyes. “I need you to answer me one question.”
“What?”
Swallowing hard, I gather my courage to ask her, “Were you here last night?”
She nods. Her mouth opens to speak but my lips meet hers, silencing her. My tongue slowly slides into her mouth; I’m careful not to push her. To my surprise, she reciprocates. I feel her body deflate when I draw her in closer to me, and she lets out a deep breath.
Our once tender, innocent kiss becomes more eager, igniting a fire in my belly as well as between my legs. My hands trail down her body to her waist, and I grip her hips tightly.
“Salem,” I moan, half expecting her to push me away. But instead, her fingernails rake over my back. I now have a full-fledged hard-on that’s unforgiving. Moving my hips, I try to adjust my position so it’s not so noticeable.
“Are you uncomfortable?” she breathes out.
“I am, but not for the reasons you’re thinkin’,” my eyes cast down to my crotch.
Her eyes follow mine. “Oh,” she giggles as her face turns crimson from embarrassment.
“You don’t know what you do to me, Salem.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“No! God, no.” I try to pull her down onto my bed.
Her body stiffens, and with her voice full of hesitation she points out, “You’re hurt.”
“I’m fine,” I insist, again trying to coerce her into lying with me.
“We can’t do it here.”
“Do what?”
She raises an eyebrow at me. “You know what.”
My lips graze her neck and collarbone as I murmur, “Actually, I don’t.” Her head falls back, inviting me to do it again. Taking full advantage of her invitation, I kiss, suck, and nibble on every inch of exposed skin. All the while, she’s letting out small moans and whimpers of enjoyment.
“Why can’t I say no to you?” she says in a light growl.
“There’s no reason to say, ‘No.’”
“Gabriel, we’re in a hospital,” she whispers loudly.
“And?” I shake my head like it’s no big deal.
“My mother works here.”
“And?”
“You were just in a motorcycle accident. And,” her index finger presses up against my lips, “don’t you dare say, ‘And,’ again.”
Studying her face and lips, I tease the tip of her finger with my tongue. She draws her tongue across her top and bottom lips, dampening them. Finally defeated, she whimpers, “Why are you torturing me?” Her eyes roll into the back of her head and her hand drops to my thigh, clenching the erection in my pants.
“I wanna be inside you, Salem,” I groan in her ear.
Her body shudders at my words. “I want that… too,” she sighs hesitantly.
“But?”
“But, I want to make sure it’s safe for you.”
“I don’t think it’s safe if we don’t,” I say half-jokingly. “I feel like I’m going to explode.”
She lets out a nervous laugh and reprimands, “Gabriel.”
My body shudders from the chill that runs through it; everything about the way she says my name makes me weak. My thundering heart beats against my chest, and my stomach does a somersault when our eyes meet. Again, she’s intoxicated me. It takes everything in my power not to throw her down onto the bed and make her cry out in ecstasy by pleasing her in every way imaginable. But as I slowly take in our surroundings, I realize that here and now is not the time or place. I let my mind wander; I wanna take my time with her, devour every inch of her soft velvety flesh, and tear down the walls she’s built about sex.
“Gabriel?”
My eyes shoot open and focus on Salem’s face as she gives me a soft, sensual smile. I press my lips against hers and whisper, “Stay with me.”
“I’ll stay as long as you want me to.”
“No, I mean the night.”
“You want me to spend the night here?” She cocks her head, surprised at my request.
I nod, “Mmhmm.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
My mouth grazes her neck. “Mmmm, I think it’s a fantastic idea.”
“You’re making it hard to say, ‘No.’”
“That’s the whole idea.”
“I have a final tomorrow,” Salem whines as she tilts her head into mine.
“Go get your stuff and come back. I’ll help you study.”
“Ha! You’re gonna help with me with tort law?”
“Twerk law? I can definitely help you with that,” I joke.
“Not twerk law,” she laughs, slapping my chest lightly, “T-O-R-T, as in civil lawsuits.”
“Oh, that sounds boring. I’d rather watch you twerk.” I pull her into me and we both fall backward to the bed.
“I’ll get nothing accomplished if I stay here.” She nuzzles her face into the crook of my neck.
“I can think of a thing or two we can accomplish. I can help you with anatomy!” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.
“Will you stop?”
“I can’t help it; you bring out the best in me.”
Lifting her head up, she questions, “The best? Or the worst?”
“Definitely the best, doll.”
I feel her body tense up. “Don’t call me ‘doll.’”
“What? Why?”
“Doll, babe, baby, sweetheart. Those are all names of… oh, forget it.” She sits up, turning her back to me and quickly inches herself toward the edge of the bed.
“Salem, I don’t understand,” I scratch my head in confusion.
“Those names, they’re names for a mistress or a fling.”
“No they’re not, I call all the girls I know…” I stop mid-sentence. Now I realize where she’s coming from; she doesn’t wanna be called any old name, and especially not one I’ve called another girl. “Are
you jealous?” I test the waters.
Her head whips around. “Don’t flatter yourself,” she snaps.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. I’ve taken a perfectly great hour and fucked it up by opening my big mouth. I reach for her waist to lure her back to me, but instead, she slides off the bed with a “Goodnight.”
“Salem, please don’t go pissed off,” I plead with her.
“What gives you the idea I’m pissed?” she responds as her cheeks turn a slight shade of red and her nostrils flare.
“Geez, I don’t know. One minute, you’re cuddling up to me, and the next, you can’t get away from me fast enough. I didn’t mean to insult you. I guess it’s a habit that I call girls by pet names.”
“I’ve got to go study.” She starts toward the door.
After struggling, I finally manage to get out of my bed, and it doesn’t take me but a second to be at her side. “Do I get a goodnight kiss?” I clench my jaw as I wait for her answer.
She exhales heavily. “That’s not a good idea.”
“Why?”
“Because, you and I both know one kiss will lead to another and then another.” She peers up at me with those innocent eyes.
“I promise…” I kiss her forehead, “it’ll be…” my mouth gently meets the tip of her nose, “just one…” my lips roam over her right cheek, “kiss…” our lips finally meet. This time, it’s Salem who’s the aggressor, taking me totally by surprise. Her breathing is ragged as she grips me tightly, her nails digging into the nape of my neck; she’s practically devouring me. Reluctantly, she pulls herself away, and her eyes are smoldering with a look of pure desire. I could easily walk her back to my bed and have my way with her. But instead, I ease my way out of her embrace. “Let me walk you to the door,” I say softly.
She simply nods her head as she takes my hand into hers.
After a prolonged goodbye with Salem in the hospital lobby, I’m back in my room getting settled in for the night. Within minutes, Brett’s standing at the foot of my bed. “Are you ready for meds?”
“Nah, I’m gonna pass. I’d like to see how I feel without ‘em.”
“Are you sure about that? They’ll help you get a good night’s sleep.”
Going the Distance Page 8