Page 33 of Loving Lizzy

“Victoria has a point. Maybe Jake needs a bit of a reminder of what a catch you are.”

“Mr. Henderson’s available, oh, and Frank Benson broke up with Betty three months ago. He seems heartbroken,” Kassie told the group as she began to clean up their dishes.

“How about Oliver from the feed store?” Catherine suggested as she started to help, and Victoria pointed her right back to her seat. Catherine frowned.

“Three eligible men might get Jake riled up. Carol, this is what you need to do.” All the women listened intently as Victoria laid out the plan.

By the time they finished, the older woman’s tears no longer existed. Noticing Lizzy appeared fatigued, Kassie called an end to their get together. She held the door as Maddie kissed her cheek and walked out to give the items in her hands to Joe.

“Why don’t you sit back and rest? I’ll clean the kitchen and read until Michael returns,” she gently suggested as Lizzy yawned.

“My headache’s bothering me. Can you pass me another blanket, I feel a bit cold?” Lizzy moved to settle in her chair.

Kassie covered her and put her hand to her face. “How’s the pain in your chest? You’ve got a bit of color in your face.”

“It’s about a four. When you come tomorrow, can I ask you to help me shower? I…I’m not ready for Michael to see me yet.”

Kassie knelt beside Lizzy. “We can take a shower whenever you’re up for it. I can’t imagine the feelings you must have, but don’t doubt Michael’s love for you.”

Lizzy paused a moment before responding. “I haven’t seen myself. Having a friend with me might make it easier. If he sees me upset, he’ll take it badly and fuss over me more. I’m scared to see what I look like.”

“Do you have a drain lanyard or a mastectomy shirt?” Kassie stood and began to wipe off the coffee table.

“No, I’m afraid I didn’t plan too far ahead. I concentrated on getting through the surgery and moving here.” She glanced down to her hands in her lap.

“Hey.” Kassie bent down and took her hands. “You have three amazing nurses at your disposal who think ahead. You always stay one step ahead of everyone and now, you need to let your friends help you. We tried to prepare the best we could without making you feel like we’re taking over. Tomorrow, I’ll bring the drain lanyard to hold your drains while I help you shower. Then I’ll show you the shirts which have inside pockets to hide your drains like your gown.”

“I don’t know how I managed this by myself last time,” she murmured.

“You did it because you’re strong and didn’t have anyone to lean on. Now we’re here, Michael’s here, and we’ll get you through it.” Kassie patted her knee.

Lizzy watched as her friend went into the kitchen to wipe down the counters. She smiled to herself as she closed her eyes. Her new group of women and Michael proved to be blessings. Then why did she feel the panic inside her rising?

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Michael sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his forehead. “I still don’t understand why I can’t help you shower. You know I’m a doctor?”

“Kassie volunteered to help, and the girls went out of their way to get all the supplies.” Lizzy turned away from Michael to keep her face from giving herself away. She didn’t tell the whole truth and didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

“Do I get to stay, or will I get bounced out of my house again?” He rose from the bed irritably.

Lizzy halted and turned to face him.

“I apologize. That was way out of line. I feel like you’re leaning on them more than you do me. Did I do something wrong?” Michael walked toward Lizzy. He searched her face to find the reason she didn’t want his help.

“You didn’t do anything. I prefer Kassie to help me this time,” she whispered.

It hit him like a ton of bricks. Michael leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I understand. You know I find you stunning. Nothing’s changed between us.” He hoped to reassure her.

Her smile faltered. “I need to do this myself. I need to process, and I can’t do it with you right next to me. I’ll worry about your feelings.”

Michael nodded. “Kassie will help you until you’re feeling comfortable. The last thing I want to do is cause you more stress.”

“Please don’t take it the wrong way,” she pleaded. He leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers.

“I’m not. There’re some support groups not far from here if you want to talk to someone going through this. It might help validate some of the things you’re feeling.”

“Right now, all I can think about is feeling human again. Kassie and the girls thought ahead and she’s bringing everything we didn’t think of. Thank goodness someone in our circle remained levelheaded.”

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