Page 121 of Curveball

“Nothing. I’ll have Arizona help me shower. I’m going to cry if I can’t wash my nasty hair in the next five minutes.”

I sigh. “If you change your mind, I’m the third door downon the left.”

I grab my belongings and make my way to one of the other bedrooms.

An hour later, I’m lying in bed listening to music when I see my bedroom door open.

Ripley’s gorgeous face pokes through the opening.

I immediately remove my earphones. “Is everything okay?”

Her jaw is tight, but she manages to spit out, “Can you help me deal with the shower? I tried. I can’t do it on my own. When I lift my arms, my stitches start pulling.”

I jump up from the bed. “Happy to. Where’s Z?”

“They’ve been going at it for nearly an hour with no signs of slowing down. I can’t wait any longer.”

I wince. “Ugh. I didn’t need to hear that.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t heard it. She’s so damn loud.”

“I’ve been wearing earphones on purpose.”

I help her to the bathroom, gathering everything she needs. I hang a towel on the hook, turn on the water, and wait for it to get warm.

She gingerly sits on the bench so I can take off her shoes and socks. Once I help her up, I start to remove her shirt, but she grabs my wrist. “Don’t. Just help me take off my bra. I can’t reach around. I’ll manage my way through the rest.”

I nod as she turns around, and I move my hands up the back of her shirt, unclasping her bra. “Okay, thank you. I’ve got it from here.”

“Are you sure you don’t want any more help?”

“I’m positive.”

“Can I help you finish getting undressed? It must hurt.”

“No. I don’t want you to see me likethis.”

“Are you joking? You just had a baby. You had surgery. And I’ve already seen you.”

“Go, Quincy. Leave me alone.”

“Fine.”

I walk out of the bathroom and close the door, but I don’t go far. I listen at the door just in case she needs me.

After just a few seconds, I hear her start to whimper. That whimper soon turns into sobs.

I’m not sitting out here doing nothing. Walking back in, I see her shirt half off.

“Quincy! I said I want to be alone.”

“I know you’re upset with me. I know we need to talk. But you’re hurting. You could injure yourself if you’re not careful. Please, put our stuff aside for a few minutes and let me be here for you in your time of need.”

Her voice cracks and her sad eyes find mine. “Please go. Don’t you understand? I don’t want you to see me like this. This whole thing has been humiliating enough. We don’t need to add to it.”

“I know how much you want your hair washed. You won’t be able to lift your arms to do it. I’m not judging you. Let me help you.”

She squeezes her eyes shut as tears saturate her eyelashes.

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