His gaze goes back out the window. “Yeah. Looks like I’m going to need one more surgery on my spine. Since the neurosurgeon is here, it just made sense.”
I knew he was facing another surgery just as I know he’s facing months and months of brutal rehabilitation after. If he’s going to walk again, he’s going to have to start from scratch. The team’s doctor keeps us updated. Everyone is worried about Baden, and we’re all searching for glimmers of hope.
I let the silence settle in, hoping he’ll take the initiative to start a conversation. But as with every one of my other visits, he remains mute, his gaze remaining focused out the window.
No matter. I had long ago determined that even if Baden didn’t want to talk, his ears were working and he could listen.
Over the summer, I kept him regaled with tales of my workout regimens, hanging out with some of my linemates, good meals I’d eaten, and some local travels.
But now, I decide to tell him a different sort of story—perhaps to entertain him or maybe bait him into talking to me—and I start out with pure, old-fashioned flourish.
“Once upon a time, there was a fair maiden named Mollie,” I say.
Baden turns my way, which I consider a victory. Even though his eyes are blank and there doesn’t seem to be a scintilla of evidence he’s truly interested in what I just said, I take heart from the fact he’s at least giving me his attention.
I continue my story. “Mollie was an adventurer. While she was beautiful enough to have a prince sweep her off her feet and keep her happy with riches and fineries inside his castle, she preferred to drive a converted van across the open road and see the world.”
“Your best friend,” Baden mutters. “I’ve heard you talk about her before.”
I nod enthusiastically. Leaning forward in my chair, I rest my elbows on my knees. “Yes, for years, we were simply best friends… as tight as two people could be. Or so I thought.”
I’m encouraged when Baden raises one eyebrow, even though it is ever so slight.
“But there came a day when the dangers of Mollie traveling alone caught up with her, and a crazy ex-boyfriend stalked her, tracked her down, and tried to kill her.”
“What the fuck?” Baden growls as he shifts in his chair. His torso moves, but his legs don’t. It’s the absolute most emotion I’ve seen on his face since he was injured. I hate it’s such an awful story to produce a reaction from him, but I’m encouraged.
I push back and settle into my chair, propping an ankle over my knee. Such a simple move that I can do, yet Baden can hardly even feel his legs.
I explain what happened with Mollie, about Matthew attacking her, making sure to give proper credit to Samson for saving her. When I end it, I bring him up to speed, explaining the man is currently on the run from the police with a warrant out for his arrest.
I didn’t pick this story out of thin air. Instead, I picked it specifically because I knew it was something he could relate to. After all, Baden was injured trying to save a woman who was being attacked. While some might think this was a harsh reminder of the horrible events he suffered, I want him to remember he is still alive and very much a hero.
“Where’s Mollie now?” Baden asks.
“She came to stay with me right after it happened,” I say. “Obviously, her confidence is shaken. She’s not feeling the safest. Questioning if she wants to continue with her travel blog.”
Baden studies me for a moment before asking, “And what’s changed between you and Mollie? You started this story off like it was a fairytale romance.”
Chuckling, I give a slight shake of my head as if I can’t believe the turn of events myself. “Well, Jett met her and asked her out on a date. She accepted and went. I fumed. Got green with jealousy. When she came home from the date, I kissed the fuck out of her. I’m not going to spell out the details of what happened next, but let’s just say that our relationship has progressed to the next level. Right now, we’re more than best friends.”
Then, the most miraculous thing happens. Not on the level of a paralyzed man walking, but something I think everyone on the Vengeance had despaired of ever seeing again.
Baden’s lips curve upward into a smile. It’s kind of hard to see it under that shaggy beard, but his eyes also crinkle at the corners. “I’m happy for you, man.”
Over the next fifteen minutes, I prattle on about Mollie, our tentative and very temporary plans for the future, and even how the women of the Vengeance have rallied around her so she has someone with her at all times. I also tell him about our upcoming trip to California, where we will spring the news on her parents that we are no longer just best friends. And that we have to tell them about Matthew, so we’re expecting an emotionally charged backlash.