Page 43 of Rex

While she’s talking, she’s pressing her thumbs in several areas of my face, but nothing hurts other than the areas close to my nose. She tells me to open my mouth, and she does a quick exam to be sure I didn’t lose a tooth or two. When she’s satisfied nothing else is broken, she starts running her fingers through my hair.

Taja returns and stands quietly by while watching Aria closely. When Aria’s fingers stop in a spot, Taja speaks.

“He was hit pretty hard on the top of the head. I found a contusion there, but I haven’t walked him through concussion questions yet. I was going to suggest an E.R. visit, but I know he’ll say no.”

“I can do it, Taja. You have a husband and baby waiting for you. Go eat with them, and I’ll finish up here,” Aria says. “You might want to let your sister know he lives.”

“Are you sure? Not much else I can do for him if he won’t go to the hospital, but I’ll help if you need it.”

“I’m in the room, so you don’t have to talk around me. And no. I’m not going to the hospital,” I say irritably.

“I’m sure. Go enjoy the day, and I’ll deal with the grumpy biker.”

“Thanks, Aria. Sorry about Tessie, Rex,” Taja says before leaving the room.

“Thanks, Taja,” I shout in a clearer voice now that I don’t have nose tampons anymore.

“Will it do any good to walk you through the concussion protocol?”

“No. Concussion or not, I’m not going to the hospital.”

“Your nose is most likely broken, but it’s not out of alignment. Keep icing it and sleep with it elevated. Take Tylenol for the pain, and be careful to not make it bleed again. It’s your head I’m more concerned with,” Aria says in a soft voice while still running her fingers over my scalp.

“I know what to watch for with a concussion. I also know I need to rest, limit screen time, stay hydrated, and no strenuousactivities. Thank you for checking on me, but I’ll be fine. Unless you want to stay with me and nurse me back to health?” I ask with a grin.

“Hmm. Not a bad idea,” Aria responds with her own grin.

“Gunner said to tell you that Church is about to start,” Candy announces from the doorway.

Aria jerks her hands back, and I miss them on me already. Moving my head enough to see Candy, I say, “Thanks, Candy. Tell him I’ll be there as soon as I change out of this bloody shirt.”

“Holy shit, Rex! You look like hell! Do you need help getting to Church? I can probably carry you,” Candy states as she approaches my bed.

“No, I’m good. Is it that bad?” I ask as I sit up then swing my legs to the side of the bed.

“Yeah, it is,” Candy adds while still staring at my face.

I start getting concerned with Candy’s stare, so I turn my head to face Aria.

“You didn’t ask how you looked,” Aria answers my unspoken question.

Pushing to my feet, I hesitate, waiting for the room to stop spinning before I grab a shirt out of my dresser and walk into the bathroom. Turning on the light, I turn to the mirror and nearly gasp at how bad I look. Both eyes are already turning a deep purplish-blue color and are almost as swollen as my nose, which is huge. I also have a small cut on my upper lip, and it’s swollen too. I grab a washcloth and quickly but carefully run itover my face and through my hair. I change my shirt and exit the bathroom to find my bedroom empty.

Walking into the main room, all heads turn my way, and the room goes silent.

“Holy fuck, brother! I always thought if Tessie was going to end someone, it would involve her Jeep!” Horse shouts before shooting an apologetic look at Tessie.

“I think we all thought that,” mutters Petey from the table closest to me.

“I made you a plate, Rex. I’m so sorry this happened,” Tessie says from her table then shoots Horse an irritated look.

She stands, retrieves a plateful of food, and approaches. Handing it to me, she goes up on tiptoes and plants a sweet kiss on my cheek. I give her a brief, one-armed hug and turn to find a seat. Finding an empty chair, I gratefully sit down and look at my tablemates. I sat down without looking and now find Craig, Luke, and a skunk sitting with me. I sign hi to Luke, and he returns it with a smile. I grin at Craig’s shirt, which reads: “The Chosen One.” I get busy eating, mindful of the cut on my lip.

Talking resumed, and I ignored it while eating. As soon as I finish, Gunner stands and announces Church. All the members stand and file into the room we use for Church meetings. Taking my seat, I turn a glare toward Pooh.

“What? I didn’t hit you with the door!” he insists.

“You and Axel’s bullshit caused this, though,” I state while pointing at my face.

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