“Yes.”
“I will send someone in to help you to your ride.”
“Wait, they aren’t here yet.” Winter tried to keep the worry out of her voice.
“Yes, I am.” Beth smiled brightly as she pushed opened the door.
Winter released a relieved breath. She had broken down a week ago and called Beth to work for her until she was back on her feet again. It was either hire Beth or a convalescence home. Beth had helped when her mother was ill and Winter, not knowing where else to turn called her. Beth had immediately accepted.
“I was outside talking to your doctor. I also found a physical therapist that is going to start tomorrow.” It always amazed Winter how Beth could be a little oblivious about what was happening around her but when it came to her job, the woman was completely OCD.
“Thanks Beth, I don’t know what I would do without you. The thought of having to stay even longer in this rehab center is getting to me.” The hospital in Treepoint had released her to a rehab center in Lexington where she was gradually learning to walk again after six weeks but Winter wanted to go home. While it would be a long time before she could return to work, she would be able to go home with certain conditions. Someone would have to stay with her until she was a little more mobile. The doctors had assured her she would fully recover but in the meantime she had to use a wheelchair as she regained her strength. She would also need physical therapy if she was going to continue to progress in her recovery.
“I plan to have you back on your feet in no time Winter. I just hope you don’t hate me for my methods.”
“You get me back on my feet, I will be grateful.” She assured her.
“I am going to hold you to that.” Beth replied. “Let’s hit the road. We have a long drive home.” Beth grasped Winter’s suitcases and followed as the nurse pushed her outside to the waiting car. Once they were situated inside, they were on their way.
The drive home took several hours. Winter fell asleep in the backseat where Beth had made her comfortable with several pillows and a blanket. She woke up when they pulled up in front of a drive-thru twenty minutes from home.
“I was hungry, I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, I’m starving myself.” They ate burgers and fries and it was the best meal Winter had ever tasted.
“I need to use the restroom. Will you be alright for a few minutes?” Beth turned around in her seat to ask Winter.
“Of course, I’ll wait here.” Beth smiled at Winter’s show of humor, as she left the car to go to the restroom. It didn’t take long before she was sliding back into the car.
The rest of the ride didn’t take long. Winter stared out the window as they drove through the town. Nothing had changed since her attack. The same businesses and signs were there, the same potholes, even the same regulars going into the diner for a meal. Everything was the same except her.
Winter noticed that Beth had quit talking, her fingers tight on the wheel. Thinking she had something on her mind and wasn’t paying attention, Winter casually reminded her when she drove past the street her house was on.
“Remember when I said you were going to hate me? We aren’t going to your home. I’m taking you where you will have plenty of help.” Beth’s voice was soft but firm.
Winter had a terrible sinking feeling. “Your house?”
“No, the problem is my schedule is so full you would be left alone for long periods of time. You need a hot tub to relax those muscles. You are going to need help maneuvering around until you regain your strength and I have the perfect place.” Beth took a deep breath and released it. “Razer’s house.”
“But he lives with the Last Riders.”
“Yes.”
“No. Take me back to the rehab center or drive me to a nursing home but I am not going there.” Winter said adamantly.
“Yes, you are.” Beth replied firmly. Winter sat in stunned silence, not knowing what to do.
“Beth listen to me, take me home.” Her voice wobbled on the demand. She could tell by Beth’s determined face that she wasn’t going to listen.
She turned into a large parking lot. A house sat above on a small hill overlooking both the lot and a huge building. Everyone in town had learned that this was where the Last Rider’s clubhouse was located. There were three men waiting in the lot; Beth drove the car to where they were standing.
“I am never going to forgive you for this.” Winter told her.
“I know.” Beth said with tears in her voice. Winter watched as Beth’s fiancée opened her door and pulled her out into his arms, moving her away from the car. Her own door opened and Winter could only stare helplessly into the one face she never wanted to see again.