by CJ Murphy
Chapter Ten
THE NEXT MORNING VAL woke up alone to the tantalizing smell of bacon. Looking over at the bright red numerals on the clock, she could see it was 5:30 am. Early risers in this house. That suited her fine. She’d always enjoyed the morning hours. Trying to make her own way to the bathroom was going to be a chore. She threw back the covers in a huff. Unfortunately, the wheelchair was across the room, and she wasn’t sure how she was going to hop over there. She pushed herself into a seated position, groaning at the stiff muscles and the nagging pain. She swung her legs over the side of the bed. Not having her prosthesis grated on her. I could crawl, although she wasn’t sure about getting back up. She scooted to the foot end of the bed and noticed the large bedpost. That’ll work. She pulled herself up with her good arm into a standing position. It made her incision hurt like hell, but she was upright. Now how can I get over to the bathroom? Ah ha! Spotting a small rolling office chair under the desk, she pulled it to herself and rested the bent knee of her amputated leg on it, then propelled herself across the hardwood floor to the bathroom.
Val heard clapping as she reached the doorway. She turned to the sound and saw Laurel standing in the bedroom doorway in a pair of loose boxers and a t-shirt. God, she’s beautiful. Her mouth curled up in a sheepish smile.
Laurel shook her head. “I wondered what you were going to do after I saw you sit up. Bravo, Viking, bravo.”
Val blushed feverishly, dipping her head in thanks. “I’m not good at being dependent on anyone. Not that I don’t appreciate it, honestly. There are just some things you want to be able to do on your own. Hopefully after we get to The Bodyshop, they can either fix my current leg or put a new one together quickly. I could’ve at least used crutches until they fixed my leg, but this bummed up shoulder makes that a no go.”
“The good thing is this house is already universally accessible. As my mom got sicker, we remodeled to make it easier for us to care for her. The grab bars are already there, and it’s a walk in, roll in shower with a chair. If there’s anything you can’t reach, let me know.” Laurel walked over and made up the bed.
A wicked grin came across Val’s face as she looked back at Laurel. “Like my back?”
Laurel bent over laughing, her blush already apparent. “God, you’re bad. I suppose that could be arranged.”
Heat seared up her cheeks. “I think I’ve got it. I’ll need some help getting this contraption off to get in the shower. After that, I’m good.”
“Ok. Breakfast is ready if you want to hold off on that shower. I was coming in to see if you were awake or if we needed to keep it hot until you got up. Bacon wake you?”
“It’s a great alarm clock. Nothing like the smell of bacon frying, although I’m usually up this early anyway.” Val yawned and stretched her good arm out. “I need to hit the head. I’ll yell for you if I need help. If it’s okay, this office chair works pretty good. I should be able to navigate to the kitchen.”
Laurel nodded. “It’s fine by me, but please be careful. I don’t mind helping you, honestly. I know it’s important to be able to do it for yourself, but for now, let us help you when you need it.”
“Thanks for understanding. I promise, I’ll ask. See you in a minute.”
***
Laurel smiled and headed back to the kitchen. Do it myself or die trying. Stubborn cuss. It’s not a sin to ask for help.
Ree eyed her as she stole a piece of bacon. “What’s that grin all about?”
“Oh, Gram, that’s one persistent woman. She figured out how to use an office chair as a scooter. Wait until she makes it in here. So damned independent.” Laurel shook her head but the smile remained.
“Think about it. Having something ripped away from ya causes ya to fight tooth and nail to get back what ya can and hold even tighter to what ya have. Remember, she’s not used to being part of a family like we are. To us, it’s a helping hand. To her, it’s doing it for her. She’ll see the difference once she’s been here for a while. Trust me, I plan to give her a few jobs as she’s able.”
“I have no doubt about that.” Laurel turned slightly to the hall. “Here comes Miss Independent now.”
Val managed to wheel herself fairly easily into the kitchen and with help, moved to a seat at the table. Her hair had been wet down and combed, but she had an adorable rooster tail sticking up in the back. She looked up at the two women with a smile on her face. “Morning.” She caught Laurel’s attention and furrowed her brow. “Miss Independent, that’s cute. Not.”
Laurel shrugged. “If you say so.”
Ree chuckled. “All right, you two, breakfast is on the table. Val, ya take your coffee black, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I used to take cream, but that was a luxury in the desert. I learned pretty quick to drink it without.”
Ree sat a large mug down in front of her with a glass of orange juice. Laurel rose and walked over to the counter looking at the medicine bottles the hospital sent home with Val. She got out the dosages of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and pain meds. Bringing them over, she placed them by Val’s left hand and sat down at the table to eat. She could feel Val’s eyes on her as she took her seat.
“You’re an awesome nurse,” Val said, in a playful voice.
“Funny.” Laurel pointed her butter-laden knife at Val. “Eat.”
Twenty minutes later, her belly full of biscuits, bacon, and eggs, Laurel leaned back with a satisfied moan. Val did, too, which Laurel was happy to see. With the same precision and speed they used at the diner, the table was cleared and the dishes done.
Beth stopped in to pick Ree up. Grabbing two biscuits on the run, she bent down, kissing Laurel on the cheek on her way by. Backing up, she planted a sloppy kiss on Val’s cheek, too. “You’re part of this madhouse now, might as well get used to it. You two be careful on your travels. Text me later.” She was out the door, Ree on her arm.
Laurel kissed her grandmother on her way out and turned to Val. “I’m packed, but I need to shower. We can stop by Bobeye’s and get what you need off the bike. I’m sure we’ll probably need to do a little shopping for you. You really need some button up shirts so you don’t have to pull them on and off over your head until you get that shoulder fixed. How long you will have to wear that contraption?”
Val sighed. “When we see my surgeon tomorrow, then I’ll know more. Cat will want to get this done sooner than later. And probably bitch that I’ve waited this long.”
Raising her eyebrows, she looked at Val, stunned. “We just got you out of the hospital yesterday. I don’t think we could have gotten you there any sooner.”
“Yeah, but you don’t know Cat. If she could get you into surgery before you had the accident, it wouldn’t be soon enough. She’s a battlefield surgeon. Out there, the quicker she gets the bleeding stopped and the bones reset, the faster your recovery. Pretty amazing by anyone’s standards.”
Laurel crossed her arms. “If you say so. Anything I can do for you before I jump in the shower?”
“Nope, I’m good.” A crooked grin came across her face. “Will you need any help?”
Laurel pulled her shirt away from her neck to release the rising heat. “I think I’ve got it covered, Viking.” She was enjoying this playful flirty side of Val and wanted it to continue. She was still feeling a little conflicted, though. Her heart was telling her to see where this road led. How far she would travel it was still yet to be determined.
***
An hour later they pulled into Bobeye’s garage. Laurel helped Val into the chair and wheeled her into the area where Maggie May sat. Val felt like someone had ripped muscle and skin away from her body. The big Indian Chief sat upright on deflated tires. Dirt and clumps of grass littered the chrome and black paint. The bold oversized fenders once gracefully curved down over the tires, were bent at odd angles. The paint was scarred where the rocks and blacktop scraped across their surface. Gel leaked out of the comfort pad of her custom leather seat. One mirror hung from
the handlebars while the other was missing completely. The large glass headlight was busted. The insurance company would probably total it. Tears came to her eyes at the destruction. She felt sick. She couldn’t imagine not riding it ever again. No matter how long it takes, this isn’t the end of the road.
She rolled over to the machine that had been more like a friend than a mode of transportation. Her hand grazed the tank, fingers coming to rest on the picture of Maggie and Loraine, still intact in its place of honor. It was one of her more treasured possessions. It’d taken a good bit of convincing for Maggie to give Val a picture of her and Loraine after she’d bought the bike. The older woman couldn’t believe Val wanted to carry it with her. The photo was an old black and white with scalloped edges. Maggie sat straddling the bike, her outstretched arm resting on the handlebar with a cigarette between her fingers. Her other arm was around a beautiful woman with dark hair and dancing eyes. Loraine stood at her side, one hand resting in the center of Maggie’s chest, the other around her waist. I’m so sorry, Maggie, I’ll fix it, I promise. We’ll all ride again. Val felt a hand on her back.
She looked up at Laurel. “This is the original Maggie May and Lorraine. The two of them have ridden hundreds of miles with me. I’m glad this survived. Seeing the bike like this hurts me more than any of my injuries.”
Laurel knelt and took Val’s face in her hands, pulling her gaze away from the wrecked machine. “The good thing is, we’re going to get you both fixed up. I’m positive Maggie May has many more miles left in her. I’m even more positive that you do. What do you need off of her?”
Val proceeded to show her what to grab, including the large rucksack and everything out of the hard saddlebags. Checking the case that carried her camera, she could see the damage. My longest lens is beyond repair, but at least the body survived. Her small external hard drive was busted. Maybe the data can still be recovered? Most of what was on it had been saved in the cloud, but unfortunately some files weren’t.
Val’s voice grew soft as she cleared off a clump of mud from the gas cap. “Bobeye, keep her safe for me, will you?”
Bobeye covered her hand with his. “I always told you I never wanted to see this Indian on the hook. I’m glad if it had to be done, it was me doing it. I did my best not to do any more damage than the idiot who hit you. She’ll be here, no charge on storage. You get back on your feet, and we’ll make everything as good as it ever was.”
“Thanks. We better get a move on, Laurel. Maggie May isn’t the only thing that needs new parts. See you later, Bobeye.” Val watched as Laurel loaded the gear from the bike into the Jeep. “When we get to Liz and Jo’s I’ll need to do some laundry. I’d been on the road for a week before the accident happened. I hate that I lost my favorite leather pants. Any clue about my jacket?”
Laurel laid a hand on Val’s shoulder. “They had to cut them both off you. We have them back at the house, but I didn’t think you’d want to see them.”
“I guess I don’t need them. Not like I’m getting on the bike anytime soon anyway.” Shopping never has ranked high on my to do list.
Laurel stepped around the front of Val’s chair and placed both hands on the armrests. She met her gaze and put a hand on her cheek. “You will ride again. You’ve been through worse. This’ll be a walk in the park for you.”
Val found that Laurel’s touch grounded her and pulled her back from the ledge. “Don’t mind me, I get to feeling a little sorry for myself on occasion. Seeing my bike torn up is sort of like the proverbial straw breaking the camel’s back. I promised Maggie I’d take care of her.”
“You will. Accidents happen, and a sixteen-year-old kid in a convertible happened to you. Let’s get this show on the road so we can start fixing what we can.”
Val lost herself in Laurel’s green eyes, drawing confidence that everything would work out, one way or another. Including my feelings for you.
***
After two hours of travel, Laurel started looking for a place to stop. Val’s color had paled and a light sheen of sweat shone on her brow. She held her injured arm. That brace probably needs adjustment. Wheeling the Jeep into a small roadside diner, Laurel wanted to give Val a break and she needed a cup of coffee for herself. Heading inside, Laurel helped Val move close to the table in her wheelchair and she sat in a chair across from her. The waitress stopped by their table offering menus and white ceramic mugs of steaming coffee.
Laurel pulled one of the medicine bottles from her purse, retrieved a pill, and handed it to Val. “I know you don’t like taking these, but you’ll only delay your healing. Your body needs to recover, and it can’t do that if it’s fighting pain. Trust me, I know.”
Val was looking at the menu but stopped to accept the pill. “Ah, my faithful nurse is back.”
Laurel rolled her eyes and lifted the coffee cup to her lips. Val threw the pill in her mouth and gagged. A sour look came across her face as she took a drink of coffee to wash it down. Dark shadows still showed under her eyes. She wasn’t well. Thoughts of how close they’d come to losing her drifted in and a shiver ran down Laurel’s spine. So close. She didn’t want to think about life without Val, no matter what their relationship would become. Resting her chin in her hand, she looked at the blonde woman sitting across from her. Val had always looked so alive, so strong. Now it looked like the wind had left her sails—drawn and gray. I’ll bring that light back into your eyes. I’ll help you heal and get back to what makes you happy.
The waitress took their order for two pieces of apple pie. Val pulled her phone from her pocket and Laurel watched her struggle to type left-handed and resisted the urge to offer her help. Their pie came and Val put her phone back in her pocket. Laurel watched her struggle without her dominant hand. “Need some help?”
“Thank you, but no. I might be a little slow, but I’ve been feeding myself for a long time, although I think I made less of a mess back when I was first learning to hold a fork.” She took the bite into her mouth and put down the utensil. She rubbed her hand across her neck while she chewed.
Laurel reached over and pulled Val’s hand down and held it in her own. She stroked the soft skin with her thumb. “I know you can do it. I’m not pushing you. I just want to help.”
Val took a deep breath and looked at her. “Thank you, Laurel. I appreciate everything you do for me.”
They sat together in the small diner and finished their coffee. Val scraped up the last crumbs of the slice of apple pie. She shook her head. “Doesn’t hold a candle to Ree’s.”
“Not much does. At the Buckwheat Festival, she’s taken the blue ribbon every year she’s entered as long as I’ve been alive.” Laurel left money on the table for the bill. “I’m not sure there’s a dessert she makes that I don’t like.”
They made their way back out to the Jeep, and Laurel adjusted Val’s brace to make her more comfortable. Val fell asleep almost immediately. Laurel drove and placed her hand over Val’s, smiling as she drew Laurel’s hand to her lap. Laurel was sure it was an unconscious gesture. She liked the way it felt, so she made no attempt to pull it away.
Chapter Eleven
AN HOUR LATER, THEY were in Annapolis, Maryland. It was just after 1:00 as Laurel pulled the Jeep into the driveway of the beautiful Georgian style home. It was red brick with large shuttered windows and a gorgeous staircase leading up to the front door. Laurel looked at it and wondered how in the world she’d get Val in there. There was no way she could get her up those steps in the wheelchair. The answer became apparent as a dark-haired woman came out in a wheelchair from behind the attached portico. Her black sleeveless t-shirt showed off her defined arms. Her legs were strapped to the chair. The broad smile told her that she was more than a little happy to see them. Laurel waved.
She gently shook Val, who jerked awake, blinking rapidly. Grasping Laurel’s hand tighter, she arched an eyebrow and yawned.
Laurel pointed out the window. “I think someone is glad to see you, Viking.”
The woman staring through the window was giving them the finger. Val released Laurel’s hand and waved her pinky up and down at the grinning woman. “You’re looking at Jo Romano, my best friend and that,” she said pointing at her, “is her standard greeting.” A few seconds later, a short red head, dressed in a tan business suit, stepped beside Jo and shook her head. “And that’s her wife and my psychiatrist, Liz Ruston-Romano.”
Laurel raised an eyebrow and stepped out of the car.
Jo opened Val’s door and grinned. “Hell, I thought you were too chicken to get out. Afraid I’ll whip your ass in a race, or are you trying to keep that fine-looking filly all to yourself, Jarhead?”
Laurel bit her upper lip to stifle a laugh. Jo was proving to be quite the comedian. She tilted her head and looked to Val.
“I’d leave you crying in your beer, Dogface, and you steer clear of that filly or I’m pretty sure Doc will cut off the balls you’ve never had. Plus, I know that ring on your hand also has a matching one in your nose.”
Both Laurel and Liz shook their heads at the two friends. Liz stepped around the Jeep and stretched out her hand. “Hi. Since those knuckle draggers are too busy trying to one up each other, we’ll introduce ourselves. I’m Liz.”
Laurel took the hand and shook it. “Laurel Stemple, nice to meet you.”
Laurel pulled the wheelchair out of the back of the Jeep and brought it around for Val.
Jo reached out her hand, cocking an eyebrow at Val. “Holy shit, Val. You have someone waiting on you hand and foot and you haven’t proposed? Your head took a harder hit than you let on.”