Page 48 of No Regrets

Busted! “Crazy, right? I guess I thought he might reach out again.” She’d hoped he would. She responded to him that night, thinking it would open up a line of communication, but she’d heard nothing since.

“What about the rest of the team?”

“Ryan has checked in a few times. He’s offered to meet me, but a part of me thinks it’s wrong to meet him and not Dex.”

“Do you want to see Dex? Are you ready?”

“I feel like I need to clear the air with him. Not that I’m expecting a problem or anything, but we need to talk.”

“Have you spoken to Claire about it?”

“Yes. She suggested I call him or arrange to meet somewhere public, so there’s not so much pressure of being with him one on one, and I can leave whenever I want to.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” A knock on the door interrupted them and a nurse handed Sophie a tablet, the screen showing the x-rays. “So why haven't you done it yet?” Sophie said as she flicked through the images.

“I chickened out when he didn’t text anymore. Talked myself into thinking he doesn’t really want to speak to me.”

Sophie glanced up from the tablet. “This is Dex we’re talking about. The man that practically tried to break down doors to see you when you were here.”

Kelly didn’t respond. As much as she wanted to talk to him, she was still nervous. The conversation she wanted to have wasn’t one she wanted to have by phone. He deserved more than that. She owed him that much.

Claire’s voice was back in her head. You don’t owe them anything, Kelly.

“Have you considered Dex might just be giving you the space you asked for. I told him consistently that you would reach out when you are ready. Maybe he’s respecting that by not pushing anything. Including texting.”

Kelly waited quietly as Sophie sat, reviewing the x-rays. She gingerly moved her hand, circling it. It was stiff, hurt a little but it felt light and free. Another small step.

Celebrate the wins. More wise words from Claire.

“These all look great. Everything is fusing back together as it should. I don’t see anything here that shows you will have any long-term issues. Do the exercises, and the strength and full mobility will come back in the next few weeks.”

“Thanks, Sophie.”

“You’re welcome. What’s the plan for the rest of the day?” Sophie put the tablet down, standing up.

“I’m heading over to see Commander Johnson, getting my first assignment.”

“That’s wonderful news! Are you going to be on base?”

Kelly shook her head. “Not right away. I can choose. It will be research and recon work, so I don’t have to be there, but if I want to go in I can. They’re being really flexible about everything.”

“It’s nice to hear they’re being so supportive, and it’s great you feel confident enough to be out about among others now.”

“Yep. Been to the grocery store, to the base. Walked further than the beach too.” She slipped off the bed. “And I don’t panic when I see strangers anymore. Progress.”

“It’s huge progress, Kelly.”

“I’ll let you get back to work. Let me know when you have time, and we can grab lunch or dinner again.”

“Absolutely. I’ll text you.” Sophie held the door for her.

Kelly hugged Sophie before leaving the hospital. She was going to drive the short distance to the east block to meet Commander Johnson but decided against it. It was a beautiful day to walk.

The base was busy as usual, people coming and going. Some were in uniform, some in civvies. She’d met with Joe last week. Apparently, the Navy thought she might feel more comfortable with someone she knew as her new CO. They were right.

A few people stopped her as she crossed the base to Joe’s office. She was surprised how calm she felt talking to her colleagues and how much better it made her feel. No one asked any awkward questions or treated her any differently. She hadn’t been sure what to expect, but it was a relief to find everything relatively normal.

Finally, she reached Joe’s office. She was about to knock on the door when she spotted Dex out of the corner of her eye. Of course, he was here. He was on desk duty. Lowering her hand, she turned, mustering up every bit of courage she could find.

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