“How are you feeling?”
“Much better.”
“Good.” She smiles kindly and takes my temperature, my blood pressure, and weight and makes notes in a computer. “Go ahead and change into this very stylish paper gown, and Dr. Greene will be in shortly.”
With that, she leaves.
I’ve lost weight in the past month. Too much weight. I hope I can gain it back when I’m able to get back in the pool. I’ve lost a lot of muscle tone and stamina from not swimming, and I’m eager to get it back.
I’m eager to get my fucking life back.
“Good afternoon, Lauren.” Dr. Greene smiles as he bustles into the room and signs in to the computer.
“Hello.”
“How have you been feeling?”
“Much better.”
“How are your ribs?” He motions for me to lie back so he can raise the paper gown and examine my ribs. “The bruises are pretty much gone.”
“They haven’t been sore in about a week or so.”
“Good.” He nods and motions for me to sit up so he can look at the back of my head. “And your head?”
“I get headaches when I’m really tired, but for the most part it’s nothing that a couple ibuprofen won’t cure.”
He nods as he shines a light in my eyes, looks into my nose and ears.
“Do you tire easily?”
“It’s getting better.” I shrug. “My boyfriend makes me nap a lot, so it’s not so bad.”
“Ty’s a good guy. I figured he’d be here with you.”
“He had court today, so I had his sister drive me. Please tell me I can get back to living my normal life again.”
Dr. Greene sits on the rolling stool by the desk and looks up at me. “I’m going to release you to normal activity.”
I do a happy dance in my seat, but he interrupts me with “Under a few conditions.”
“As long as I can drive, swim, and have sex, I’ll do whatever you want.”
He laughs and turns to the computer. “You can do those things. I want you to rest when you get tired. If the headaches persist, or worsen, I want you to come see me immediately. But it looks like your ribs have healed, and I’m happy with your progress.”
“Thank God,” I mutter. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He grins, stands, and shakes my hand. “We’re finished. I’ll want to see you again in a month, and then I’ll just see you yearly for your normal physicals.”
“Great.”
I dress quickly and join Jill in the waiting area.
She’s on the phone. “She’s finished. I’ll call you later.” She hangs up and tosses her phone in her handbag. “That was your man. He had a break in court and was checking in.”
“He’s always hovering.” I roll my eyes, but can’t help the wide smile that spreads over my mouth.
“And you love him.”
“I know. I get to attack him later. I hope court gets out early today.”
I practically skip through the snow to Jill’s car.
“Did you come up with some good seduction ideas?” Jill asks.
“Yes. You?”
She chuckles as she buckles herself into her seat. “Despite it being my brother, yes. I do believe we have a few stops to make on our way back to your place.”
“You read my mind.” My phone chirps with an incoming text.
Ty: Did it go well? I should have been there.
“Your brother is a worrier.”
“Only with those he loves, Lo.”
Me: Went well. Will tell you about it tonight. Love you.
Ty: Love you, baby.
Dinner in the oven: check. Candles and flowers: check. Hot, barely there outfit: check and check.
I just barely reach my bedroom when I hear the front door open and close and Ty call out, “Lo?”
“Upstairs!” I call out, and bite my lip in excitement. I lean against the doorjamb so I’m the first thing he sees when he gets to the top of the stairs. I’m wearing one of his white, dress button-downs, undone, and my favorite blue tie, hanging loose around my neck. White, lacy panties and thigh-high stockings complete the look.
Ty’s eyes are on the stairs as he reaches the top. He raises his head and his eyes widen when he sees me. He swallows hard and comes to a stop about three feet away from me, just out of arm’s reach.
“Your appointment went well?” His eyes rake up and down my body.
“It did.”
“What did Dr. Greene say?”
I take a step forward and grip Ty’s loose tie in my hand and pull him forward. My lips hover inches away from his and my body instantly tingles in awareness. “He released me to normal activities.”