Page 53 of Crash
Tessa stayed overnight with me at the hospital. She was attentive but not overbearing. We talked about her recovery and how things were going with the classes, citing how immensely helpful Courtney has been throughout the process. She even took a few weeks off from her job to help cover until a few of the others worked out some time off, too. They are a true testimony to sisterhood, even if not by blood.
Once released, we went back to her place where I slept until now. I stumble out of the bed in search of her, but she isn’t around. I go to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from her fridge and there is a note on the door.
Austin,
Went to the studio to do a little teaching. I would really love to see you again and spend some time with you. If it’s okay, maybe we can have dinner together. Just text me and let me know. Rest up.
Tessa
I twist the top off the bottle and down the contents in three gulps before snagging another. I think about where we should go for dinner, but then the perfect idea comes to mind. I return to the room and grab my phone, putting dinner plans in motion.
“So, did you and Tessa do the do in the hospital last night?”
“No, rudeness. Is she near you?”
“Unless, she got a job here at mind numbing law associates.”
“Good. I need your help with something.”
“Sure, what’s up?”
I tell her what I’m planning, and she agrees to help. The plans are not too detailed, just need to make sure she’s in a certain place at the specified time.
Courtney said it’s perfect because I will catch her in a vulnerable state, and she won’t see it coming.
After two more phone calls, all is set. Seeing how I came straight here early this morning; I don’t have any clothes or hygiene products and I smell like outdoors and hospital. Using the app on my phone, I send for a ride share so I can go home and get cleaned up.
Caleb:Yo bro, how you doing?
Me:I’m good. Was sent home early this morning. Crashed at Tessa’s.
Caleb:Wait. What? She came to see you?
Me:Yep. She stayed the night and everything.
Caleb:Cool! I told you it would work out.
Me:Actually, you didn’t. You even encouraged me to move on, but I know it was out of love.
Caleb:Yeah, you’re right. But I always knew you two would work it out. Y’all are kinda great for each other.
Me:We are. Heading home for now, then going to dinner. See you at work Tuesday.
Another text alerts me to my ride. I grab my papers from the hospital, lock the bottom lock, and go to my place.
Tessa
“Okay, ladies. We will be here all night if we have to. The football ceremony is in three weeks and we are not looking pretty. From the top, five, six, seven, eight.”
The music of Pussycat Dolls, Buttons, plays on the overhead system and we begin our sensual and sexy routine. I do all the moves with no emphatic steps or accented leg moves just to be cautious and not spark any additional injuries. Next week we will have a full rehearsal in costume. It will mark the first time I will be in stilettos since my accident. I’ll be wearing regular heels all week just to re-acclimate myself to the footwear and get my balance in check.
“Okay, that was better. The men have their parts down, but my ladies, we not poppin’ them cheeks. What’s goin’ on?” I question when I review our routine with them.
“We’re just tired, Tessa. We will get it together tomorrow for sure,” Janelle speaks up.
“All I know is T said y’all need to get some dips in those hips, and some werk in those twerks, ladies,” Tyrone says and shows. He may be a guy, but I swear he was born to dance.
The group circle erupts in encouraging cheers and chants as he goes into full dance mode while the loop of the song continues to play.
