Page 98 of Trading Yesterday

“I’m not sure.” She patted my hand and then let go of it. “I’ll ask. Be right back.”

I could hear the sound of a door sliding open and a cool draft blew over me as she closed it behind her. Again, I tried to open my eyes, but it was difficult. I’d never been put out before, and it was as if only a second before, I was being wheeled out of this room and now, poof, the whole thing was over. The only proof of it was the awful throbbing in my hips and lower back. It hurt like a bitch. Logic told me the pain would get worse before it would get better. I was certain they’d given me pain meds in my IV and that was probably another reason I couldn’t wake up like I wanted.

Swoosh! The door slid open and another cold draft blew through the room. The head of the bed was elevated, but still, I lifted my head and willed my eyes to open. Teagan entered with a plastic glass filled with water and one of those bendy straws.

Swoosh! She slid the door shut behind her, came closer, and held the straw to my lips.

“I’m not an invalid, babe,” I said, trying to take the glass. My hands felt like they were filled with lead. “Fuck,” I muttered, letting my head drop to the pillow and letting Teagan help me with the glass. I took a long draw on the water, and the cool liquid relieved the dryness in my mouth and throat. I sucked on it again until Teagan took it away. “Wait,” I said, wanting more. I was parched. I hadn’t had anything to drink for at least twelve hours.

“Chase, you can’t have a lot to drink or eat yet. The nurse said general anesthesia affects people differently, and because this is the first time you’ve had it, they’re cautious. She said some people get nauseous and throw-up. Heaving will make your pain worse, so let’s take it easy, okay?”

“I can’t believe this shit has me so wiped out. Isn’t there some kind of medication to bring me out of it?”

“There’s no rush. We can’t see Remi anyway. The last text from Jensen said she was sleeping.”

“Not at all?”

“Her room has a glass wall so we could look through it, but Dr. Radar is concerned that if she sees us, she’ll cry and carry on. I tend to agree, as hard as it is. I don’t want it any harder on her than necessary, even though I miss her so much.”

“Me, too.” I signed heavily. “I guess I’m so anxious to see if the transplant is working. I can’t stand it.”

“I can relate, but results won’t show for at least a few days. We’ve been through two rounds of chemo, and waiting to find out if it worked was a bitch.”

“I wish we could see her. My poor little princess.” My heart was full of Remi and Teagan, and it was hard to imagine any future without seeing them both every day.

“Maybe we can go look in on her when she’s asleep. Jensen said it’s hard not showing her he’s there.”

“I’m glad he’s close.” As weird as it was, I meant it. The resentment I had for him was lessening every time I saw how much he did for Teagan or how much he loved our little girl. “Are my parents with him?”

“Yes. They are basically camped out in one of the waiting rooms. I spoke to your mom on the phone. Do you want to call her?”

“In a bit.” Teagan nodded. “We have to do something for her, but they won’t let her have anything from outside.” I closed my eyes again because I had to. Talking with Teagan helped, but I was still very sleepy.

“I’ve been thinking about that, too. If she’s in there for weeks, we’ll have to get creative.”

I listened to her soothing voice wash over me; the bright light of the room still invaded in a yellow hue through my closed eyelids. “Like what?” I wondered.

“When she’s feeling well enough, we do a lot of dancing and singing to her favorite songs. It’s her favorite thing. Maybe we can make her a video of the three of us.”

“What, like Barney?” I asked skeptically. I didn’t think I’d be able to pull that off with a straight face. Teagan and I used to go dancing a ton, and that was part of my life I’d sort of put away. I hadn’t wanted to try to re-create the same experiences with anyone else. Bronwyn was the only woman I’d dated for more than just a few dates, and we were focused on working out and hanging out with the team.

Teagan chuckled. “What? Remi would be shocked you think she’s such a baby. No, remember she likes Justin Timberlake, Pink, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift; you know, the new stuff.”

I smiled. “At least that’s something.”

“Will they let her have her tablet?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, dancing is cool. I like dancing.” I smirked and looked at her.

“I remember,” she smiled warmly. “I miss that part of us.”

“I miss the whole thing,” I admitted.

The dimples in her cheeks appeared with a bright smile. She was gorgeous. She was dressed in a floral dress that swayed gently when she walked, and pretty, strappy white sandals.

It was quiet for a while and I could hear Teagan rustling through her purse, presumably to get her phone. I opened one eye to watch her type out a text.

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