Page 75 of Sunsets at the Beach House

“Hi,” Trina said. Alex looked tired but happy. “How are you doing?”

“I’m all right,” Alex said. “I didn’t know you were coming. That was nice of you.”

“It was a good excuse to see Miles,” Trina said. “I’m going to give him a haircut later anyway.”

“Yeah?” Alex said. He touched his forehead. “I could use one of those.”

“My stuff is in the car,” Trina said. “I’d be happy to give you one when we get to your place.”

“Cool, thanks,” Alex said. “Have you heard from Kat? I’m supposed to text her, but I know she’s probably swamped with the moving stuff. I kind of didn’t want to bother her.”

Trina shook her head. “There’s no way she’d think a text from you was a bother but I’m sure they’re super busy. You should still text her or she might worry.”

“Yeah, good point.” He took his phone off the side table, tapped the screen a few times, then held it up to his mouth. “Getting out soon Miles and Trina are here to pick me up hope your day is going good.” He tapped the keyboard again. “Speech-to-text has been a real lifesaver.”

“I bet,” Trina said.

“How long before they let you out of here?” Miles asked.

“I’m waiting on the doctor now. Hopefully not too much longer. I like being home better.”

“Yeah, no doubt,” Miles said.

A nurse came in. “Ready to go home?”

“Totally,” Alex said.

“The doctor is making his rounds. He should be here in the next twenty minutes. Anything I can do for you before then?”

“Nope, all good,” Alex said.

“All right. You take care of yourself.”

“Thanks.” As she left, Alex looked at them. “Do you think we could get some breakfast? I am dying for some pancakes.”

“Of course,” Miles said. “Digger’s?”

“Yes.”

It actually took thirty minutes to get Alex released. Trina stepped outside while Miles helped him dress. When he was ready to go, he had to be wheeled out in a wheelchair, per the hospital’s policy, so Miles went ahead of them and pulled the car around. Trina let Alex sit up front, since that was easier.

A few minutes after that, they were settling into a booth at Digger’s, glasses of water already in front of them. Trina ordered coffee plus cheesy scrambled eggs with bacon and hashbrowns, Miles got coffee and the breakfast burrito, and Alex got a large orange juice and a giant stack of pancakes with a side of bacon.

“Miles said you have to wear that sling for two weeks,” she said.

“Yeah, that’s what the doc said.” He sighed and rolled his eyes. “But that’s a long time.”

“Hopefully, it’ll fly by,” she said. “Will you be off work that whole time?”

“I have no choice until I’m medically cleared.” He was frowning now, looking miserable. “I can’t do anything with this sling. And I’m not supposed to be moving my arm.”

Miles nodded. “No surfing, either.”

“No. Nothing,” Alex said. “I’m bummed, man.”

“I guess you can catch up on all the TV you’ve missed,” Trina said. “Maybe do some reading?”

“Yeah.” Alex nodded. “It’ll be all right. I’m just not used to being inactive.”

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