Chapter 8
Being sick sucks. The only good thing about it, and I really do mean the only good thing, is that I get to watch all the television I never got to when I was in training.
I’m halfway through the live-action version ofBeauty and the Beastwhen my doorbell rings.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me, girl.” Mandy’s loud voice fills my living room from the intercom, and I wince at the sound.
I buzz her in and unlock my door. I’m back on the couch when she enters my apartment.
“How’s it going?” she asks.
“I’ve been better.”
“I’m sure. Sorry I didn’t visit while you were in the hospital—”
“It’s okay, Mandy. I know you work there. I don’t expect you to want to spend your time off there too.”
“Wish that were it. I’m actually working overtime to get the pieces ready for the art show.”
“That’s right. How’s that going?” I ask, and my face scrunches up with a short-lasting jolt of pain at the incision sites.
“Where are your pain meds?” Mandy asks.
“It’s nothing,” I say.
“Don’t give me that. Where are they?” Mandy walks over to my kitchen and starts rummaging through my cabinets.
“I didn’t fill the prescriptions,” I admit.
“Valentina! Seriously? You’re going to need them soon.”
“I’ll go to the hospital pharmacy at my next appointment. Happy?”
“Barely,” she says and plops on the cushion next to me. “What are we watching?”
“Beauty and the Beast.”
“Oh, is this the one with Emma Watson as Belle? I love this version.”
“Would you like me to start it over, Mandy?”
She grins. “Thanks for taking the hint.”
We both relax, and I forget all about the pain as we watch the movie. Her presence lifts me somehow and props me up. I only hope I can be the same for her if she ever needs this kind of support.
My sister would be here now if I had told her and she was able to get away from her obligations. Who am I kidding? She could only be here if her husband were to give her permission, which is a big ‘if.’ I didn’t want to put her in that difficult position. Having Mandy in that sisterly role almost made up for Pilar’s absence. Almost.
The movie is nearly over when my phone dings on the seat next to me. I smile at the nickname I saved Rory under until I realize Mandy’s gaze also followed the chime, probably thinking it was her own phone. Panic overtakes my smile.
“Big Dick?” her eyebrow raises suggestively. “Who’sBig Dick?”
“Oh my god. Shut up,” I say and grab the phone so she can’t read his full text.
Mandy pauses the movie and turns to face me instead. “Come on, give up the goods.”
“Fine. Just that one night stand I already told you about.”