Page 31 of Still The One

‘Good, because bed is where you’ll spend a lot of time in the coming days.’

‘But not too much time if you want to get back to work,’ Matty follows up.

‘No rest for the wicked,’ I say, mentally groaning at the idea of things like physical therapy and home workouts that will feel like torture for a while. I look to Matty. ‘You better make that plane ticket first class.’

‘Plane ticket?’ the doctor asks, shaking his head. ‘No. You’re in no condition to fly.’

Eve’s eyes go wide. ‘But he lives in Florida,’ she informs him.

‘That’s too far for you to be traveling with your injuries,’ the doctor reasons, peering down at me with a stern expression.

Eve’s fingers drum on the arm of her chair, a worried expression flickering across her face. ‘What do you suggest then?’

Dr Sully ponders for a moment, adjusting his glasses before speaking. ‘He needs someone to monitor his recovery closely. So, I’d recommend staying with a friend.’ His gaze jets to Matty.

He’s hardly even listening – because cheeseburger – but he shakes his head. ‘Can’t,’ he finally says through a mouthful. ‘I also live in Florida.’

‘In that case, perhaps you’ve got a medically trained wife who could help you out until you’re cleared for more extensive travel.’

Everyone in the room, myself included, directs their attention at Eve, who’s never looked more uncomfortable in her life. She uncrosses her legs and then recrosses them, her fingers fidgeting with one of her rings.

She looks conflicted, her jaw agape and her eyes darting between me, Matty and the doctor. ‘Ex-wife.’ The word leaves her lips softly, barely audible, yet we all pick it up.

13

EVE CASSIDY

‘I get the feeling that you’re implying I should bring him home with me?’ I ask the doctor I know all too well before glancing at Foster, who can’t keep his eyes off me.

Sure, I’ve been here every day since his accident. But this isn’t going the way I expected. My original plan was to quietly tiptoe out, escaping undetected before he stirred from his sleep. Now I’m unexpectedly being volunteered to nurse the man back to health.

‘He’s going to need round-the-clock care as his mobility needs supervision. He’s still got a great deal of internal injuries healing. His cervical spine is bruised, and he’ll probably be wobbly on his feet for a bit. You’re literally the best person for the job.’

My heart speeds as I try to maintain my calm exterior. ‘OK,’ I say, my mind racing with fear and uncertainty.

‘As I’m sure you’re aware, Mrs Foster, every injury is unique and requires a customized approach. He’s lucky to have you in his life right now.’

My mouth involuntarily falls open in surprise and I shoot Jeremy, my co-worker, a glare – he knows damn well my last name isn’t Foster.

‘Cassidy,’ I correct him. ‘It’s been Cassidysince the day we met.’

Dr Sully smirks. ‘My apologies,’ he says under his breath with a chuckle.

‘I don’t know if I can take that much time off work,’ I say.

‘You can with a doctor’s note,’ Doctor Sully reminds me, a sly smile on his face.

Matty nods like he knew that all along.

‘Can I, uh… talk to you?’ I ask Matty, refusing to see how Foster is reacting to my hesitation. ‘In the hall?’

He raises his eyebrows in confusion. ‘Sure? Just let me grab a doughnut first.’

As he stands, I make my way outside Foster’s room. Matty walks out a moment later with a famous Voodoo Doll doughnut whose head he’s currently biting off.

‘Shall I quit my job too?’ I ask, lowering my voice so we’re not overheard.

‘What else is he supposed to do? He can’t road-triporfly, you heard the doctor – you’re the best fit for this job.’

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