Page 3 of Doctor Second Chance

“If I just need stitches, then can I leave here soon? If there is no other damage, I mean, is this a pretty quick fix?”

Please, God, let that be all. I can’t stay here in this hospital.

"We'll know more after you get an MRI to assess the extent of the injury," the nurse says calmly.

“MRI?”

“Yes, we want to get images of your hand and your head, since you passed out.”

Lord have mercy. Of course, this is happening to me when I’m here to celebrate and have a fun weekend with my friends.

“The sooner we get you stitched up, the better, so we have you expedited for imaging.”

I feel lightheaded all over again. This can't be happening—not now. I've been planning this party for months. Isabella is my best friend, and I can’t be the reason her engagement party was ruined.

“Don't worry, Elle,” Sophie says as if she can read my mind. She gives my unencumbered hand a squeeze. “Everything is going to be okay, and I will stay right here with you.”

I force a smile that I don't feel at all. If only that would make it all better.

5:51 pm

I’ve been in this damn room for almost two hours. If this is the expedited service for imaging, I’d hate to know how long you have to wait for the standard one. The nurse said that the doctor will review them once we finish. It doesn’t mean a whole hell of a lot if it takes hours to get the MRI in the first place.

I’m trying to keep calm. Sophie hasn’t left my side, but it’s becoming increasingly hard to keep my emotions in check. I’ve gone from desperation over the situation to pure rage at my lack of control over my own body and decisions.

“Soph, you should go. You’ve got about an hour to get showered and ready for the party.”

She is reading the hospital brochure on recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's like it’s a New York Times Best Seller. “Hmm?”

“I want you to go get ready for the party. There is no reason we both have to miss it. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll leave soon. I really want to be here when the doctor comes in. There is still some time left. It takes me around thirty minutes to get ready, you know.”

I’m so frustrated I could cry. I wish she would leave. Then at least I’ll feel like I have some control. Her being here and running behind for the party on my account makes me feel worse than I already do.

“Allow me to take care of you for once, considering you're constantly worrying about everyone else.

“You’re amazing. Thank you. But seriously, knowing that you are there and not here trapped like I am will, strangely, give me comfort. Like I’ll have some semblance of sovereignty. And I’ll live vicariously through you and everyone else at the party.”

“Just give it a little more time. Hopefully, someone will be here any minute to tell us what is happening. Okay?”

“Based on their attentiveness so far, I’m not holding my breath…”

“I’m so glad we didn't have to deal with the wrath of Isabella’s highfalutin in-laws this time.” Sophie changes the subject, realizing I need a diversion. She might be as stubborn as I am, and her redirection is helpful. “That really would have sent you over the edge.”

“Oh, don’t worry. They will be there in all of their snobby glory tonight. They wouldn’t miss an Alabama garden party. But you’re right. Thank the good Lord above that Izzy didn’t ask them to come help us set up!”

Sophie is alluding to the bachelorette weekend we hosted for Isabella in Miami. For some reason, Isabella invited her soon-to-be sister-in-law and mother-in-law to join us. They were a royal pain in my ass the entire weekend and demanded everything to be over the top.

Since I’m the maid of honor, they treated me like their personal concierge, responsible for turning all their ridiculous ideas about how things should be into reality.

“Speaking of insufferable snobs, how was that double date last night?”

Memories of Wentworth Billings III's arrogant smirk and appraising gaze resurface as I readjust in my hospital bed. I’m convinced I’m getting bed sores in real-time. “I've never felt so annoyed by a hot man buying me a nice dinner and bottle of wine in my life. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.”

“That bad, huh?”

“Of course, I enjoyed Izzy, and it was good to catch up with Evan, but why they ever thought to set me up with that man is beyond me. He’s exactly the kind of superficial, self-important jackass I've spent years avoiding. I’ve never met anyone who talks about himself so much.”

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