“Yeah. This is my Old Lady, Blanche. Blanche, this is Ronnie, my nurse for the morning.”
The brat just got what she wanted, but when have I ever denied her anything? We have one year to figure this out. Her words pulled me back from the edge. I’m still looking down into the face of oblivion, but I’m no longer alone or without hope.
***
“Look who’s awake.”
I look up and see Stone in the doorway.
“I’m going to head home, shower, and make come calls.” B kisses my lips and squeezes Stone’s arm on the way out.
“Come on in, man,” I say.
“How you uh. Feeling?”
“Like
I got ran over by a car.”
“Shit man. I don’t know if I should laugh or say sorry.”
I shake my head. “Is this where you give me my walking papers? I know the rules as well as any other brother.”
“Come on, man. You know I wouldn’t do that. You’re hurt. Me and the brothers took a vote. If you don’t get your land legs back, you can take over for Swifty as Treasurer. You’re good with money, and he’s looking to retire. It’s a good trade if you’re willing.”
“Are you serious, man?” I ask, floored.
“We take care of our own. You’ve done shit that’s kept us all safe at one time or another. We owe you this much at least.”
The security of my place among the only family I’d ever known lifts a huge weight off my shoulders.
“Would you be interested in it?”
“Yeah, man. I…thank you.”
He clamps his hand on my shoulder. “Your Old Lady is impressive. She’s been by your side this whole time. We both know most would’ve run for the door. I know most people doubted her. She’s not what we’re used to, and we’re a paranoid lot by nature.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Don’t run her off. She’s going to be the one we hire to rehabilitate your ass.”
I frown. “Did you talk to her?”
Stone laughed. “No, brother. She told me.”
I shake my head. My woman has finally decided to leave behind the ashes of her old self, and come out of her shell.
“What about her job?”
“She’s making arrangements with her boss to do an outpatient gig for us, so the money will run through the proper channels. They’ll get their cut, and she’ll get to be at home with you. She’s buying the equipment now. I told her she was jumping the gun. Was I wrong?”
I shook my head. “No, I want to know where I stand with this. At least today. Tomorrow who knows where I’ll be.”
I shift my body, and my heart sinks. Without the catheter and bag, I wouldn’t even be able to get myself to the bathroom. Depression clouds roll in, dark and heavy. The smallest thing I’ve always taken for granted now seem like a monumental task. I sink back into the pillows.
“You feeling alright?”
“Tired.”