Page 77 of Wild for You
It’s beena few hours since the pic line removal, and I haven’t mustered up the strength to move from the fetal position on the sofa. Between the ripping flesh and hair of the medical tape … and the actual removal of the pic line … I’ve had catheter flashbacks all afternoon. I think I’ll make an appointment with Benjamin’s therapist when I return home.
“How’s it going over here?” Sam asks as the familiar hiss of a can opening sparks my attention.
I sit up and give him a warning glare, but he notices my judgmental gaze and holds the can up in defense. “Relax, it’s just sparkling water. I’m still nursing my hangover from last night, too. I wouldn’t do that to you, man.”
My muscles ease, and I lie back down, only this time turning to face him. “So, now what? Tatiana’s had her evil way with me, and there are no other forms of torture I’m aware of. When can we go back home … er, to Chicago?” I correct.
He studies me for a moment and takes a long sip of his water. “I guess that depends on you, Captain. What are you thinking?”
Captain. It’s the new nickname Sam’s been calling me, and I have to admit I don’t hate it. There are worse things than being compared to the most famous pirate in history. I lay my head back down and rub my aching arm as I think.
“Have you heard from Gwen?”
“She’s back at work. She’s staying with Maggie for a while until she can find a new place big enough for her and the baby.” He shrugs. “That’s all I know.”
My heart skips a beat, and my breath catches in my chest at the word “baby.” I sit up in a rush and shake my head. Surely I didn’t hear him correctly.
“What did you say?” I choke out.
“She’s back at work?” He looks at me with confusion.
“No, not that part. The other thing … did you say ‘baby’?” The word gets stuck in my mouth.
“Oh, yeah. She’s looking for a bigger place.” He shrugs and takes another drink of his water.
“Gwen’s pregnant!?” I force out the words that taste like vinegar on my tongue. “When? Who? How long?” I have so many questions, and I want to throat punch Sam for looking so calm at a moment like this.
“What are you freaking out about, dude? You told me she told you.” He looks at me like I’ve grown another head, and I jump up to stand, only to topple over on the coffee table.
“Fuck!” I groan as my ribs ache beneath me.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
I push myself up, this time remembering I only have one leg to stand on, and hop across the living room to the decorative table where I threw my phone.
“Please don’t be broken. Please don’t be broken,” I say as I slide the table to the side, revealing my shattered phone. I click the power on, and it lights up, indicating a low battery. “Fucking help me out, will you!” I scream and cradle the delicate metal in my palms as if any rogue breeze will cause it to crumble to pieces.
“Uh … sure.” Sam sits his water down on a coaster before getting up. “I’ll be right back.”
“Take care to remember the coaster when your best friend’s entire life is at stake!” I call after him. I know it’s not Sam’s fault, but there appears to have been a major misunderstanding, and he’s the only one here I can blame. Therefore, I default to this being his fault.
“Careful. Here, let me help you.” He comes over and offers me a hand. Normally, I’d wave him away, but in this moment of need, I’ll take all the help I can get.
He pulls me up, throwing one of my arms over his shoulder to help me hop back to my spot on the couch. I’m afraid my ass has made a permanent indentation. I’ve spent so much time here that it’s practically an extension of me by now.
He passes me the charging cable, and I plug it in as I wait the longest three minutes of my life until the phone lights up.
I cut my finger on the broken glass as I swipe to reveal the only text messages on this device.
Jack: So you’re just going to leave without saying goodbye?
Jack: Are you mad about the accident? You know I’d take it back if I could.
Jack: I hope this doesn’t change anything …
Gwen: Of course, this changes things. I need some time to figure out what I want.
Jack: Take all the time you need because I’m out.
