Lisa snickers. “Yeah. I think it’s a part of the outlaw biker creed. But I can see this is getting to you. You don’t have to do this, Blanche. Any one of us at the center will be happy to take him on.”
“He won’t thrive. Not yet.”
“You can’t wrap the man in bubble wrap. He’ll have to deal with everything eventually.”
“That’s not what I’m doing, Lis. He’s been through a lot, he’s a fighter, but he’s also very particular about who he places his trust in, for good reasons.”
“You’ve always been stubborn.”
“But when it comes to my patients, I’m always right about what they need.”
“Yes, but at times it comes at your own expense. Henceforth your burn out.”
“Yes, but this time I’m fighting for my life.”
“Oh my, God.” The blood drains from her face. “Did they threaten you?”
I laugh. “Girl, not literally.”
“What! I didn’t know. They scare the piss out of me.”
“The life I want with, Jagger. I have to show him it’s possible to have everything we wanted.”
“Yeah and maybe part of you still feels guilty?”
“Can you stop being perceptive,” I scoff.
“Uh-huh. Swimming in dangerous waters, woman.”
“I have Dr. Adams to tell me that. Don’t you start too.” I throw back the whiskey and enjoy the burn.
“I just worry about you.”
“I know, and I love you for that. I’m going to be fine. We’ll make it or fall apart, but either way, he’s going to be prepared for his new life when we’re finished.”
She hugs me. “I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Lis.”
“Walk me out? I have a hot date with the hubs.”
“You two are so cute you make me sick.”
She laughs as we move away from the bar and I lead her out to the door that now has a ramp.
“You did a great job with this house.”
“Yeah, I had a lot of help from this really awesome place called SCI Center. Maybe you’ve heard of it before?”
“Oh, yeah, I think I did.” She bumps me with her hip, and I pause in the doorway waving as she continues to her car, climbs in and drives away, leaving me to wrestle my demons alone.
I return to the breakfast nook with my drink and marvel at how different our life looks after nearly a year together. We’ve been through more than most married couples experience in a lifetime. Surely we can survive this. I pick up my phone and place the call I promised to make.
“Hey, B.”
“Hey, Jess.”
“So tomorrow’s the big day?”