Page 97 of The Brave and the Reckless

He thought I was fragile now.

I knew my shoulder was dislocated, even without an X-ray. It had happened before, and it would happen again. Not that anyone believed me, because god forbid a young woman with a medical file thicker than most med-school textbooks actually knew what was wrong with her own body.

Waiting for the X-ray to confirm what I already knew– nothing broken– took longer than the rest of the treatment at the hospital. A nice doctor jabbed me with an anesthetic, popped the shoulder back where it belonged and outfitted me with a sling for my arm. They also tried to prescribe me pain meds, but I told them that over-the-counter would work just fine for me.

“There’s a young gentleman waiting outside for you,” the middle-aged nurse said as she helped me back into my dress.

“Is he wearing a costume, too?” I asked.

“He is.”

“Tall, dark, broody, kinda looks like he could rob a bank?”

“Honey, we might live a few towns over, but we all know Bravetown like the back of our hand. That’s the young man who plays Ace Ryder.”

“I don’t want to see him,” I said way too quickly.

“He’s been here for hours, waiting for you.”

And under different circumstances, he probably would have gotten to me if I’d just been in the ER. But despite canceling my credit cards and practically kicking me out of the house, my parents didn’t have the heart to boot me off their insurance. Their very expensive insurance that paid for all the little extras, like private rooms.

“Could you give me a minute to myself?” I asked the nurse and offered her a polite smile.

“Of course, honey.”

As soon as she was out of the room, I released a long, stuttering breath.

God, I hated hospitals.

I stared at the door, picturing Noah’s long limbs folded into one of those tiny hallway benches while he waited for me. Because he couldn’t help himself. He’d feel responsible for the fall, and he’d feel responsible for me.

I closed my eyes, steeling myself for the conversation I was about to have, then pulled out my phone. She picked up on the second ring.

“Mom, I’m hurt.”

“Canim benim,” she sighed, “which hospital are you in? Do you need surgery? I’m getting Dr. Garibaldi on the phone.”

“Mom, please.” I pressed my lips together for a second, registering all the questions she didn’t ask.Hurt, how? What happened? How do you feel?A week ago, I would have clashed with her over it, but I was tired. I was just so tired of constantly having to fight for air. At least I had two decades’ worth of experience in handling her specific brand of stifling.

I took one last deep breath of freedom.

“Can I come back home?”

Chapter Twenty-Five

PARK HOURS: SUMMER SEASON

June 1– September 30

9 a.m.– 9 p.m.

Last entry: 8 p.m.

Select the date of your visit in the calendar below to see a list of available activities, attractions and shows on that day.

Our helpful staff members will let you know when it’s time to end your adventure in Bravetown and ride off into the sunset.

Please note: Due to safety concerns, visitors discovered in the park after gates have closed will not be allowed to return to the premises.

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