Page 95 of Exposed Ink

I try to keep my tears at bay, but they still come. “I brought you some stuff,” I say, setting her books and items I bought at the gift shop on the table. “But first, I need to hug you.” I lean over and give her a gentle hug, kissing the top of her head and inhaling her scent. “I was so worried,” I tell her, sitting on the edge of her bed. “When your dad told me what happened …”

“I know,” she says, “but I’m okay. A bit banged up but okay. I promise. Though Casey is going to be super pissed when she finds out that I won’t be going to Nationals or Worlds since I’ll be stuck in this cast for the next few months. She’s going to have to rework the entire routine.”

I want to tell her that none of that matters and the only thing that does is that she’s alive, but I know cheerleading is important to her, so instead, I say, “You have next year, right?”

“Yeah.” She shrugs. “If we make it that far.”

“You will,” I assure her. “It won’t help with cheerleading, but I brought your favorite books.” I grab one of the books from the bag. “Figured you could get lost in Marco and Bella.”

She told me they’re her go-to couple when she’s feeling down.

“Thank you.” Taylor grins, taking the paperback from me. “What else is in there?” She eyes the bag playfully.

“I saw this, and it reminded me of Becky.” I hand her the stuffed dog. “And your favorite candy.” I grab them out of the bag and set them in her lap. “When you get out of here, we’re going to need to?—”

“Shane,” Jamie says, cutting me off, “I hate to cut this visit short, but my head is pounding, and the noise is making it worse.” Her words come out sugary sweet, but someone would have to be an idiot not to see what her intention is.

“Jamie,” Shane starts, but I stand, not wanting to cause anyone stress, least of all Taylor.

“It’s okay,” I tell him. “I actually have a doctor’s appointment I need to get to.”

With everything going on, I forgot about it, until the calendar alert on my phone went off and reminded me while I was in the gift shop.

“Everything okay?” he asks, clearly having forgotten that I mentioned going to the doctor this week to get checked and get on birth control.

“Yeah, just a routine checkup.”

“Okay, I can drive you there …”

“No need.” I plaster a smile on my face. “It’s actually in the west wing of the hospital.”

“Oh, okay. Do you want me to go with you?” He glances from me to Taylor, torn between staying with her and coming with me, and I shake my head.

I didn’t plan on him going, but even if I did, I wouldn’t pull him away from his daughter.

“Nope.” I lean on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek. “Stay here. Taylor needs you.”

“All right, well, when you’re done, if you want to come back here—oh!” He pulls out a phone. “Before I forget, give me your number. I’m using my mom’s phone until I can get mine replaced.”

I relay my number to him and then walk over to Taylor. “I love you, kiddo.”

“Love you too,” she says. “When I’m better, do you think we can still go see NYU?”

“Of course.” I squeeze her hand. “Just focus on healing.”

I turn to leave, and as I walk by Jamie, I’d like to glare at her, but instead, I shoot for the higher road and say, “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thank you,” Jamie murmurs. “If you could turn down the lights on your way out, I think that will help with my headache.”

* * *

When I getto the doctor’s office, I fill out the paperwork, give them a urine sample, and then head back with the nurse so she can get my weight and blood pressure.

She hands me a paper gown since I’m due for a full checkup today, and after getting undressed and putting it on, I hop up onto the medical bed to wait for Dr. Greenburg.

“Kinsley,” the doctor greets me a few minutes later. “How are you, dear?”

“I’m good,” I tell her as she takes a seat and opens her laptop.

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