Waving her hand impatiently, Suzy said, “Suck it up, sis, and start unrolling. What’re they going to do if they find out, break my leg or something?”
“Alright, but please note that I’m doing this under protest.” Beth started with the ankle first, trying not to show her reaction to the swollen and discolored nature of her sister’s usually dainty ankle. It looked like it could pass for one of Barney’s ankles or cankles now. Beth was starting to feel confident as she made quick work of the ankle bandage and turned her attention to removing her night-gown. When she was half way finished, Suzy suddenly screamed and her face turned white. “Oh God, did I hurt you?”
Suzy’s hand was trembling as she raised it as if to brace herself. Suddenly, the bathroom door flew open and Gray stood in the doorway, disbelief on his face. “What in the hell are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Beth go press the button and tell the nurse to get in here, now!” Even though his tone was hard, his hands were gentle as he grabbed her robe off of the hanger on the wall and gently wrapped it around her shoulders. He ran his hand down her cheek, his eyes bright with something that she couldn’t look away from. “Baby, what have you done? I can’t leave you alone for a minute, can I?”
At that moment, Beth returned with a nurse in tow. She brushed them both aside to survey the damage. “Ms. Denton, what were you thinking? You could have seriously injured yourself. Let me call another nurse so that we can lift you back into bed.”
“No,” Suzy mumbled. She looked at Gray in the doorway, and lifted her arms. No matter how much she denied her feelings for him, she knew he was her safe haven. She needed him right now like she needed to breathe. It’s probably just the drugs; no way does he look this good all the time, that wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the male population.
Gray gently lifted her and took slow steps until he deposited her back on the bed. The nurse left and returned with more bandages and pain medication. Soon she was drifting away as the nurse began the task of replacing what they had removed.
~~~
With Gray staring a hole in her, Beth lowered her head and said, “I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. In my defense, though, you don’t know how hard it is to say no to my sister when she makes up her mind.”
Gray softened because he knew just exactly what Beth had been up against. Suzy wasn’t a woman to take no for an answer. “I know, Beth. I’d have had a hard time saying no, too. I believe she’s probably learned a lesson. How’s she been today?”
“She’s better. This is the first pain medication she’s taken even though they have stressed that she needs to keep it at a constant level for pain management. I know she’s hurting, but she’s determined to fight it. Were you able to find a house today?”
“Yes, the papers have been signed, and it’s ready to move in. I was able to keep the furnishing so Suzy should be comfortable. Did you bring a suitcase with you for her?
“Yes, I have it in my car. When they release her, we can transfer it to your vehicle. “
“Beth, I meant what I said. You’re more than welcome to stay with us. I don’t want you to feel like you’re being excluded because your sister needs you.”
Touched by his concern for her, Beth smiled and said, “Really Gray it’s fine. You don’t have to worry about me. I should be the one worrying about you. This isn’t going to be easy. I’m going to leave you my cell number and when you’re settled in I’d appreciate a phone call to let me know how the patient is faring.”
The doctor arrived at that moment, and with one final check and a list of instructions, Suzy was cleared for discharge. By this time, Suzy was awake, and Gray braced himself for the argument that was surely coming over her living arrangements.
“Oh thank God, I’m so ready to get out of here. The décor is circa 1980s and its smells funny. The nurse keeps giving me an evil look. I think she spat in my fruit cup this morning. Please tell me your place is better than here, although, it must surely be because the bar hasn’t been set very high.”
Gray was temporarily at a loss for words. Prepared to threaten, plead, or bribe her to be reasonable, he was surprised that she was going along with the program so easily. Whatever she was taking must be good stuff. He decided to hurry before it wore off. Luckily, the nurse arrived, and soon they were moving smoothly down the halls. Suzy and the nurse waited at the front door while he and Beth went to collect Suzy’s suitcase and Gray’s car.
Gray thanked Beth and promised to call her that evening. Soon he was pulling his car to the front, and he quickly went around to help Suzy into the passenger seat. It took some adjustments with the seat and some colorful cursing from Suzy, but they were finally in the car and heading towards his new home.