Page 67 of Hard Hat Hottie

My heart is racing a mile a minute. “What’s the fucking difference?” I ask, dropping into a chair next to my mother’s bed.

“There’s a big difference. Hip fractures require surgery, pelvic fractures, while painful, can heal on their own.”

I reach back and scratch the back of my neck. “I guess thatisa big difference.” The absolute last thing I want is for her to endure surgery.

“Yes. She’ll need to be in rehab for a while. Until they can manage her pain better. But more than likely, she’ll come home soon. Once we can figure out how it’ll impact her daily life and mental state.”

“I’ll call Mr. Hill. Let him know I’m going to need some time off.”

“You’ll do no such thing.”

My head whips to Joyce.

“Harrison, this is manageable. You won’t be able to offer her anything I can’t by being there. If something changes and you need to return home, we’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. We need to see what the rehabilitation doctor recommends. Save the time off until it’s absolutely necessary.”

I reach out for my mother’s hand, rubbing the back of it with my own. Maybe the stress of this job and being away is taking its toll. All I could think about on the way back here was the what ifs. The CT scan hadn’t been completed at the time Joyce had called. They were evaluating her brain and her hip, given the awkward position Joyce had found her in this morning. What if she needed surgery? Would they even perform surgery, given her Alzheimer’s? What if there were complications?

What if I lost her?

The thought had been unbearable. Even if she was trapped in her own body, she was all I had. I know the day is looming, but I’m not ready. Not by a long shot.

It was a simple accident. My mother had been trying to remove her flannel nightgown on the side of the bed when she got one arm stuck in the sleeve, lost her balance, and struck the ground. Joyce hadn’t realized she was awake. There’s an alarmon her mattress that alerts if she’s gotten out of bed. It wasn’t until Joyce heard it that she found her sprawled on the floor.

As upset as I am, it’s no one’s fault. We’ve tried to think of every precaution, but whether she’s living at home or a skilled nursing facility, accidents can happen.

Suddenly, my phone chirps with text after text.

2:38 p.m.

Harlow

Have you made it back to town?

2:40 p.m.

Harlow

How’s your mom?

2:43 p.m.

Harlow

I wish I’d been working today. I was at a doctor’s appointment with Alec. He has strep throat.

2:44 p.m.

Harlow

Mom’s with him now.

2:45 p.m.

Harrison

She’s okay. She has a pelvic fracture.

2:48 p.m.

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