“It’s nothing Suzy; he just irritates me, that’s all. Haven’t you noticed the way he calls me princess all the time? I know he’s just doing it to be insulting.”
Confused, Suzy asked, “Why would you think that?”
“Oh come on, by calling me princess, he’s just trying to point out the fact that I’m anything but that. Kind of like if he called me beautiful or something. It’s his way of making fun of the way I look.”
Suzy was shocked, and even though she didn’t know Nick that well, she felt certain he hadn’t meant his comment in the way that she took it. “Beth, you’re beautiful and if Nick called you that, he’d only be telling you the truth. I’ll tell him that the nick-name he’s given you is bothering you.”
Beth grabbed her hand, saying urgently, “No, please don’t say anything to him. I’m sure you’re right, he’s just kidding, and it’s no big deal.”
Suzy wanted to argue, but at that moment, the doctor came in and she was forced to postpone their conversation. He explained the process of having the hard cast put on as he un-wrapped the soft cast. He also gave her instructions for caring for the cast and advised her to call his office if she had problems or concerns. Soon the doctor and his nurse were layering thin strips of wet plaster over her ankle and calf. She was surprised at how fast the wet mixture appeared to harden. Suzy thought longingly of her stiletto heels and wondered when she’d ever be comfortably wearing them again. Why do I care what type of shoes I’m wearing? I’m sitting here in sweat pants yet again. All I need are a pair of orthopedic shoes to complete the picture. I can tell everyone years from now; I used to be sexy until I broke my ankle. It was all downhill from there.
When the cast was complete and dry, the doctor helped her to stand and she almost pitched forward when she tried to walk with her crutches. It was like trying to move a cement block with her toe. The doctor said if it didn’t cause pain, she could use a special boot they made to go over casts for walking. The nurse put one on her cast and Suzy had to admit that using the crutches as well as putting weight on the cast was a much easier combination.
As soon as they got to the waiting room, a harassed looking Nick held out a cell phone to her. “Please talk to my love-sick brother before he either freaks out completely or drives me crazy. He’s been calling every five minutes for the last hour.”
Suzy smiled as she put the phone to her ear. “What have you been doing to your brother? If you don’t leave him alone, he’s going to hop into his mini-van and leave Beth and I stranded here.”
The sound of Gray’s voice in her ear sent a tingle through her. “God baby, I’ve been so worried. What took so long? Is something wrong? Did they hurt you?”
Suzy’s head was spinning at the barrage of questions Gray was belting out. Nick was right; he did seem to be freaking out. “Um…calm down Gray, I’m fine. It takes them a little while to actually put a cast on, you know. Everything is ok, really. I have my cast now and the walking boot so I’m in much better shape than I was this morning when you left.”
She could hear Gray expel a deep breath. “Thank goodness, I’ve been out of my mind with worry. I thought something had happened to you, and my brother was no help at all. Why didn’t you let him go back with you?”
“Gray, get a grip, I’m fine, I promise. How was your trip? Do you think you will have to be there all weekend?” Suzy had been surprised that Gray had been forced to leave for a business trip on a Friday. He’d explained that the customer they were trying to land was having a gathering at the CEO’s home that weekend and he’d been invited. This was a chance to meet the other principals of the company and conduct business in a less formal atmosphere. He was hopeful that he’d be able to close the deal on the Monday following the gathering. The customer was located in Nevada, which meant hours of travel time and a time difference, as well.
“I hope I can wrap it up quickly. I don’t like leaving you this soon after your accident.” Lowering his voice, he continued, “I’m going to miss lying beside you tonight. I’m afraid I’ve gotten spoiled to having you in bed beside me. I want your face to be the last thing I see before I go to sleep and the first thing I see when I wake in the morning.”
Even though her heart was melting at the love she could plainly hear in his voice, Suzy kept it light, “You aren’t going to make this easy for me, are you slick?”
Gray laughed, always seeming to appreciate her sense of humor and know exactly what she was trying to say. “You might as well wave the white flag right now, sweetheart, because there will be no retreat.”
“I’d be disappointed if there was,” Suzy admitted.
“I’ve got to run, baby, please be careful today and I’ll call you tonight.”
When Suzy pushed the end button on the cell phone and handed it back to Nick, he was making a gagging motion with his finger. Since she couldn’t take her hands from the crutches to hit him, she settled for sticking her tongue out to which she got nothing but laughter in return.
Soon Suzy was settled in the back seat and Beth was forced to the front beside Nick again. Claire had called Nick while they were in the doctor’s office to check on Suzy and he’d invited her to lunch with them. They were going to eat at the sandwich shop around the corner from Danvers.
Claire was waiting for them in the parking lot when Nick pulled up in his mini-van. Suzy had to admit that seeing a pregnant woman laugh that hard was almost scary. Nick gave them all a look of disgust and walked ahead to hold the door of the restaurant open.
After they were settled at a table, Suzy looked at Claire and bluntly asked, “When is that bun coming out of your oven? You look like you’re about to explode.” Claire choked on the drink of tea she’d just taken and Beth had to pat her on the back until she could catch her breath.
“By bun, I assume you’re referring to my baby, and he or she’s due in about three more months.” Rolling her eyes, Claire continued, “I’m sick of the swollen ankles, the fatigue and the hemorrhoids are a real pain in the butt.” As soon as the last word left her mouth, Claire seemed to remember Nick’s presence.
Suzy wasn’t sure whose face was redder at that point, Nick’s or Claire’s. They both looked like they wanted to climb under the table. Suzy jabbed her elbow in his ribs and said, “For heaven’s sake Nick, you have been around the block more than a few times, stop acting like a convent girl.”