Page 3 of Pike

“Not that young.”

“Jailbait.”

“No. Not that young,” I giggle at his choice of words.

“You’re blurry, Jailbait.”

“It’ll clear up. How are you feeling?”

“Are you stalkin’ me?”

“No. I was just checking on you.”

“Didn’t you see enough of me when they were cuttin’ my clothes off?” My cheeks heat at his words. I didn’t look at him if that’s what he meant.

“I … No. I didn’t look at you. That’s unprofessional.”

“Calm down, Jailbait. I was just messin’ with you. How long before I can get outta here?”

“I don’t know. You just got out of surgery. It’s going to take some time to heal,” I tell him. He huffs out a breath before raising his hand and looks at the IVs.

“I really need this shit?”

“It’s giving you fluids and medicine, so yeah.”

“What a fuckin’ mess.”

“Your friends are here,” I tell him. He looks back over at me this time and nods his head.

“Figured they would be.”

“You want them to come in?”

“Not yet.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll let you rest.” I get ready to leave the room. The temperature in here is hot as hell and I can feel sweat trickling down my neck. I need out of this room.

“I didn’t tell you to leave, Jailbait. In fact, come here,” he says, taking me by surprise. I walk over next to the bed and stand there as he looks at me.

“Why’d you come in here?”

“To see how you were doing.”

“You do that for all your patients?” I shake my head, feeling like a complete fool now. I shouldn’t have come up here. I should have left it alone, but I couldn’t help what I felt.

“No. I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t have come,” I blurt before taking a step back.

“Not what I said. Don’t put words in my mouth, Jailbait. I’m glad you came to see me,” he says, shocking me.

“You are? Why?”

“I read your name on the name tag. Why did they name you Feather?”

“My mom had a thing for birds. She loved them almost more than she loved me. My dad wouldn’t let her name me Birdie so Feather it is.”

“You’re serious?” he asks. I nod my head.

“I am.”

---