“Hey Nick,” Gray began as his brother’s voice came onto the line, “just wanted to let you know what was going on. Suzy had an accident, and we are at the hospital.”
“Oh shit, you didn’t get your chance to sleep with her finally and give her a heart attack or something did you?”
“Funny, smart ass, no she fell and is having tests right now.”
Gray heard Nick take a deep breath, and then all joking was gone from his voice. “Man, I’m sorry. Is she ok?”
“I don’t really know anything yet. She took a pretty ugly fall though.” Gray gave Nick a brief rundown of what had happened, and even though he assured him that it wasn’t necessary, Nick insisted on getting the name of the hospital and told Gray he was only minutes out of town and would come there first. Gray was glad for all the support he could get at this point.
Finally, after what seemed like years, a different nurse came out and told him that Suzy was finished and was on her way back to her room. Gray rushed back, not wanting her to think he’d left her. When he entered the room, Suzy’s eyes locked on him, and she held her hand out.
Gray took her hand and pulled the seat up beside her. The nurse told him that they were just waiting for the results and that the doctor would be back in as soon as she had them. Gray leaned over the bed and brushed a kiss on Suzy’s forehead and asked, “How are you, baby?”
“Besides feeling like I’ve been beat with a baseball bat, I’m just great. You sure know how to show a girl a good time, cowboy.”
“Hey, I aim to please. I wanted to give you the most memorable night you have ever had, and I think I succeeded, right?”
“Oh yeah, I’m not likely to forget this. I want to make it known right now, though, that all my clingy behavior here is totally due to my accident so don’t get any ideas. We aren’t dating or anything.”
“Duly noted. As soon as you’re healed, I’ll sex you up, just as we planned.”
Suzy choked on a laugh, grabbing her ribs as if it hurt her. “Ugh, no jokes, laughing is torture right now.”
Just as Gray was getting ready to go find the nurse for pain medication, Dr. Mills walked in. “Got your results here, Ms. Denton, and as suspected you have broken your right ankle. We will get a soft cast on your ankle tonight and then have the hard cast put on within a few days. As for the pain you’re having in your ribs, there is no sign of any broken bones which is very good. I suspect that you have bruised your ribs which can be very painful as well. There was no indication of anything abnormal on the CT of your head and due to the level of your alertness, I will allow pain medication. I assume that your fiancé will be on hand to care for you?”
“You assume right, Dr. Mills. I’ll make sure that my fiancé is completely taken care of, rest assured. Will you be admitting her to the hospital?”
“Yes, she’ll be admitted tonight for observation due to the head injury and could possibly be released as early as tomorrow depending on how she’s doing. I’m going to start the process of having Ms. Denton admitted. How’s your pain level?”
Before Suzy could speak, Gray said, “She’s hurting, please give her something.”
“I’ll send the nurse right in with pain medication. Ms. Denton, I’ll see you in the morning when I make my rounds. Please have the nurse on duty page me if you have any concerns.”
Soon the nurse returned with the promised medication and Suzy was resting comfortably, her fingers curled tightly around his. A light knock sounded at the door and Claire stuck her head around it. “Oh, Gray, thank goodness, I just couldn’t wait another moment. I finally played the pregnancy card, and rolled out some tears so the nurse would agree to let me come back. “How is she?”
“She has a broken ankle, and is just really banged up. They have her pretty heavily medicated right now so she’s comfortable I believe. The doctor wants to keep her overnight for observation.”
Claire’s hand flew to her mouth and the tears this time were real. “Oh no! Poor Suz, she must have been so scared. I’m glad you were there with her. No matter how she protests, I know she cares about you. Her sister Beth is in the waiting room going crazy and your brother just got here as well.” Walking over, Claire silently leaned over and kissed Suzy on the cheek and Gray heard her whisper, “I love you, my friend.”
I’m going to walk back to the waiting room and let everyone know what is going on. Beth and I’ll go buy some personal items for Suzy, a gown and some toiletries that she might need. Can I get anything for you Gray?”
Looking at Claire with gratitude, Gray said, “If Jason or Nick could loan me a change of clothing I’d appreciate it. After sleeping in these all night, they won’t be too great in the morning.”
“Of course, don’t worry about a thing Gray; we will get you both everything you will need. As soon as they move her to a room, please give Jason a call so that at least Beth can come back for a brief visit.”
Claire walked over and gave his shoulder a quick squeeze, “She’ll be fine, there is no way she’d be caught in that horrid hospital gown for any longer than necessary, trust me,” Claire joked. Giving his shoulder one last squeeze, Claire went out the door and back to the waiting room.
Soon a nurse arrived and informed Gray that Suzy’s room was ready, and he walked alongside the gurney as she was transferred to another floor and a room with more privacy. As soon as she was settled and the nurse was gone, Gray called Nick and let him know what room number they were in.
Within moments, the door opened quietly and Nick and a woman he didn’t recognize came in. Gray assumed that this must be Suzy’s sister even though they didn’t resemble each other at first glance. Nick walked over to his side as her sister approached the hospital bed. Leaning down, she picked up Suzy’s other hand and said, “Suzy-Q is there nothing you won’t do for some attention?”
Gray was shocked at the comment and was opening his mouth to defend Suzy when her sister continued on in a voice obviously laced with affection and concern.
“I leave you on your own and look where you end up. You’re in a hospital surrounded by hunky doctors and also have a hunky man sitting vigil at your bed. The thing I hate the most, though, is that even after wiping up the pavement with your body, you still look like a million bucks. That’s so unfair, sister dear. I guess you’re too high on the good stuff to answer me, right?”