Page 16 of Flyboy's Nightingale
“How about this, we’ll start you on physical therapy, and then in three weeks we can look at some in-home possibilities and reassess from there? That’s all I’m going to commit to at this time. Unfortunately, this situation doesn’t have a timeline, it’s a wait and see sorta thing. Do we have ourselves a deal?” Dr. Noble and I study each other for a long moment, sizing each other up, neither of us willing to concede or back down.
“No plans made until closer to the time they discharge me and let me out of this place? Deal?” That's the only thing I’ll give this man as a concession.
“Deal!” He smirks, thinking he’s won. Little does he know, he may try to send me to a rehab facility, but I have no plans on showing up. I’m going home from here, and nobody will convince me to do otherwise. When I said I’m done, I meant every damn word of it.
That fucker has no idea who he’s dealing with. The only thing that’s going to happen is that I’m going to get out of here, sooner rather than later. This, being laid up in the bed, doesn’t fucking work for me much less the damage it’s putting on my career. I need to get in touch with the doctor that was overseeing my residency to find out how much work I’m going to have to put in so I can catch up.
I know he's been by, and has kept up with my progress, but I haven’t seen him since I woke up, which doesn’t sit well with me. I grab my phone, pulling up the contact for the man himself, and hit send. I need to know what my future holds, and what it’ll take for me to get back on track. I leave him a message and then lay back on the too fucking hard pillow situated behind me.
Riley’s words rush back to me, causing my breath to catch in my chest.
“You get to be the one who decides if you let the anger lead you down a darkened path or allow forgiveness and happiness to enter your heart and set you free.”
CHAPTER
NINE
Riley
Six months later
It’s beensix months since I walked out of Flyboy’s hospital room. Every day that I come into this hospital I have to fight with every ounce of my being to not go to him, not to check on his progress, or even fucking think about the asshole. I thought it would get easier to ignore him and my feelings surrounding him when they moved him over to the rehab building. Only two short months later, my best friend graduated and became a licensed Physical Therapist, getting her very first job in that building where he now temporarily resides.
I was over the moon for her and the fact she is finally able to follow her dreams. I scroll through the never-ending job listing on Indeed for the millionth and one time looking for a job for a Physical Therapist assistant position, not finding anything that pays close to what I earn hourly as an E.R. nurse. I also refuse to look anywhere close to here seeing as the shadows of my past are closing in on me fast.
Brother: Little girls who hide and keep secrets get punished.
The night I received the message from my brother I wanted to run so far away that no one would ever be able to find me. I will never admit to anyone that Flyboy could be the reason I’m staying in town. I’ll keep lying to myself and anyone that asks, saying that that I’m staying for Avery and the Ol’ Ladies. I’m a glutton for punishment. I never learn my lessons, you’d think after all the times he’s cut me down I’d take a step back, but I can’t seem to resist the magnetic pull he has over me and my good senses.
Groaning, I drop my head into my arms that are folded over the paper scattered across the nurse’s station. What the fuck am I doing?
“What’s with all that?” I nearly come out of my skin at the sound of Avery’s voice talking right behind me.
“I swear to God, you are a fucking ninja sometimes.” I glare at her once my heart starts to settle and stops trying to beat out of my chest.
“I wouldn’t have to be a ninja when you’re so lost in your own head that you block out the world around you,” Avery chastises with a hand propped on her hip.
“Mind your own business. Let me stay lost in LaLa land if I want to.” Standing, I pull her into a tight hug.
Shaking her head, she sighs. “You’re officially off of work so we are going to go grab ourselves some breakfast.” She starts pulling away from me. “And you, my dear friend, are going to tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“Just trying to find a place to go.” I shrug before turning away from her so she can’t see the lie simmering in my eyes.
I turn away from her and head for the employee locker room. I change out of my scrubs, and dress in my regular clothes, thankful that it’s been a fairly slow night. Once I make it back to Avery, and almost out the door, the tones drop letting me know that the day shift is starting off their day with bang. That’s when it hits me that Avery’s with me and not at work today.
I turn to her just as I go to step into my car, asking, “Ma’am, do you want to tell me why you’re not currently at work?” I raise an eyebrow at her in question.
“Not that you would know since I haven’t seen you, nor have I hardly spoken to your twatwaffle self in nearly two months, but my very first client is a complete jackass and will be in at ten. So, I’ve got exactly two hours to grill you on life and get there in time for our session. Now, let's get moving before I starve to death.” Avery acts as if she is going to pass out from hunger.
“You are so damn dramatic.” I genuinely laugh for the first time in what feels like fucking forever.
“It’s why you love me.” She blows me a kiss as she walks to her car.
I unlock my car and drop into the driver’s seat, beyond happy to be out of the hospital and headed for breakfast. We make it to our favorite place, “Out of the pan into the FIRE”. I smile when we walk into the restaurant seeing all the firefighter memorabilia. All of the guys that work at the place are also current or retired firefighters. They opened this place to raise money for the local area fire houses.
We find a seat quickly, which is rare in this place. Without a moment of thought, two coffees appear in front of us. Looking up, I see Nickels standing there grinning wide.
“Well, if it isn't two of my favorite E.R. nurses gracing us with their presence.” Nickels winks before walking away.
