Page 44 of Crash
30 days later...
Tessa
“Okay last one, Tessa, then it’s ice and stim time,” James, my therapist says during his instruction to me.
It’s been a long road so far and although I’m better, and my cast comes off in a week, I still feel like I’m behind. With all the changes lately, nothing seems right. I miss Austin and the way he took care of me, but after the way I treated him, there’s no way I could go back to him.Could I?I should ask Courtney her opinion, but I already know what she’s gonna say.
“Okay, go get on the table and Blair will come set you up.”
“Okay, James. Thanks.” I hobble on over to the designated area for leg injuries and lay in position. Blair, the tech, attaches the electrodes to the sticky pads and places them strategically around my leg before wrapping it in ice pads. She sets the dial to my most tolerable level, then steps away after setting the timer.
I use this opportunity to listen to music and come up with dance moves in my head or to tweak some existing ones. A message comes through from Austin. My heartbeat skips a few times when I open it to see what it says. It’s just blank. I contemplate responding but figure maybe it was an error, so I don’t.
Tears burn as they threaten release. I never imagined falling for someone so fast and then breaking up with them would hurt this much. I wipe my eyes and turn up the music, hoping to drown out my pain.
“Tessa,” Courtney says, as she stands above me.
“Oh, hey. Sorry didn’t realize you were there.”
“Yeah, I’ve only been standing here calling your name while you stare blankly into space. Thinking about Aussie?”
I could give her the straight truth, but I know she will continue on and on about nothing. “No. I was going over some dance moves in my head. I think when I come out of the cast, we should try them out. James said I should be good for light dancing, just don’t go hard.”
“Yay, can’t wait to have my partner back. Some of these moves are tricky.”
“Courtney, you can do this. You’ve got it.”
“Yeah, but I can’t make my butt pop like you. Maybe it’s because I’m lacking in that area. I may need implants. What do you think?” She stands and pokes out her rear, making me giggle and ultimately feeling better.
The timer buzzes, signaling the end of my session.
“Hey, why don’t we go grab something to eat? I know you can’t say no to tacos.”
She’s right. That is my weakness. “Okay. Let’s go to Chula’s. It’s five dollar you call-it night and I could use a drink.”
“Bet. I will go start the car and meet you outside.” She exits while I check out and set my next appointments. After saying my see-ya-laters, I too walk out and jump in the car. I freshen up my appearance to not look so down and glum while Court blasts the latest jams and sings along with the lyrics.
I keep staring at my phone wondering if he was really trying to message me or if it was in fact a ghost dial. Courtney keeps me posted on his life by throwing in his schedule casually among our conversations. I know she wants us to get back together, but I don’t see that happening.
We pull into the parking lot and she immediately snags princess parking thanks to my temporary handicap placard. I’ve been able to manage getting around with no additional aid, but that doesn’t stop the generosity of others when they see me coming. Case in point, as we approach the door, a tall, mocha complexion man, with hazel eyes jumps in front of us to clear a path and allow us trouble free entry.
“Thank you,” Courtney shamelessly flirts back. They were so engrossed with each other’s gaze that I think they planned their marriage.
“Did you see how hard he was looking at me?” Courtney gushes, as we take our seats at the table I grabbed.
It’s situated away from traffic and out of public view. Cozy type vibe without the romance. My vision is obstructed, and that is just fine with me. I just want to have a few drinks and my street tacos before going back to Courtney’s. I’ve been crashing at her place when we have to go to the studio the following day. The server comes over and takes our food and drink order, placing a bowl of fresh tortilla chips and salsa before us.
I take a few and place on the saucer in front of me and chomp away. Therapy can work up an appetite.
“So, you ready for the big day?” Courtney beams.
“Yes, and I will celebrate it by taking a long hot soak in my tub at home. That reminds me, I may still need you to help drive me around until I get comfortable. Just two days or so.”
“Sure, boo. Anything for my bestie.” The first round of drinks arrives, and we hold our glasses up in a toast.
“Courtney, I can’t thank you enough for being here for me. Despite, well, you know.” I struggle to complete my thought, and she pats my hand in understanding.
She lets out a deep sigh. “Why don’t you just call him? I mean, he’s your landlord technically so you could make up something about the building needing repairs.”
