Page 66 of Byte

“He said you have multiple fractures, so he’s asking for an ortho consult, but he doesn’t think you’ll need surgery.”

“Any update on Lauren?”

“No,” Keegan said slowly. “Did you want one?”

“Yes,” Gabby said as if Keegan should have known. “If I have broken bones in my hands, she better have broken bones in her face.”

“I can already tell you that she does,” I said. “But if you want to know specifics, I’ll find out for you.”

“I do. If I’m going to brag, I want to do it accurately.”

“Who are you?” Keegan laughed.

“I’m a brawler,” Gabby yawned.

There was a slight commotion somewhere nearby followed by a flurry of activity. When I looked up to see Shaker and Keegan grinning at each other, I knew exactly why.

Seconds later, my suspicions were confirmed when the door opened to reveal Shaker’s mother, her husband, and their security detail. “Gabby!” Jacquelyn cried and rushed to the side of the bed.

“Gigi!” Gabby returned.

“Oh, my sweet girl! How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”

“I’m better now that you’re here,” she said.

“Hey,” Keegan said in mock offense.

“You know you feel better now that she’s here, too,” Gabby quipped. “The same thing happens with Papa. It’s the grandparent effect.”

“You girls always know how to make me feel special,” Jacquelyn said. “Now, what can I do?”

“Make sure Keegan doesn’t worry herself silly while I’m in surgery. And make sure Papa is present and accounted for.”

“I believe I can handle that. Anything else?”

“Yes, will you see if I can have a cheeseburger and fries after surgery? And a large Coke with the good ice?”

“Absolutely, sweetheart,” Jacquelyn smiled.

“One last thing,” Gabby said and closed her eyes. “Byte’s my boyfriend. I know he’s a little older than me, but he’s become one of my rocks, and I love him. He chased a burglar out of my house, he took care of me when I was sick, he gave me a dog and helps me take care of him, and he let me play with his cannibal chickens.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t need my approval. I’m happy if you’re happy.”

“I’m happy,” Gabby said and appeared to fall asleep.

“Cannibal chickens?” Jacquelyn asked.

“I have three chickens. Sometimes I feed them scrambled eggs, and Gabby finds that hilariously morbid,” I explained.

Dr. White knocked on the door and stepped inside the room. “Patch’s surgery went well, and he’s in recovery now. He’s asking about Gabby. Is it okay if I give him an update?”

“Yes, please do,” Keegan said. “Is he by himself?”

“He is at the moment, but they literally just wheeled him out of the OR. They’ll allow a family member or two back once he’s settled. I believe he has a group of people waiting to see him.”

“Yeah, most of the club’s probably here by now,” Shaker said.

Dr. White’s attention shifted to a physician walking toward us. “Hey, Butch, are you ready for my patient?”

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