Page 73 of Fracture

“Do you want something for the pain?” Vinnie asked.

Molly refused any IV pain meds when she was in the hospital. The doctor said she could take over-the-counter meds when she got home. They wouldn’t work as well, but they were better than nothing.

Molly shook her head. “I’m going to suffer through it.”

“Why? Just take something. You’re going to be miserable.”

“I’m going to be miserable no matter what.”

“Yeah, but you’ll be less miserable if you take something.”

Molly’s grumble was enough of an answer for Vinnie to go to her bathroom and dig through her medicine cabinet. He found generic pills and dumped four into his hand. He stopped in the kitchen and filled a glass with water, then brought both to Molly.

She smiled weakly at him and didn’t argue before she swallowed the pills.

“What do you need?”

“Less bruises,” Molly said.

“Funny. What can I actually get you?”

“Nothing. I’m good. You can go home and see your girl.”

“She’s fine. She knows I’m here. She said she hopes you’re okay.”

“I’m good. Now, go.”

“Why are you trying to kick me out?”

“I’m not. I just don’t want you to have to be here all day when you have someone you want to spend time with.”

“And I’m telling you I’m good.”

Molly sighed. “I wouldn’t pass up something to eat.”

Vinnie nodded and went to her kitchen. He wasn’t a gourmet chef, but he could hold his own. He made them lunch while Molly found something to watch.

When Vinnie brought out the chicken and vegetables he stir-fried together, Molly sat up and accepted the bowl.

“How the hell did you do this with the ingredients in my kitchen?”

Vinnie chuckled. “Most of this was in the freezer. I took a chance that you weren’t planning to use it for anything.”

“I didn’t even know it was there. It smells amazing.”

“Eat. Want more water?”

“Yes, please.”

Vinnie sat next to her on the couch and watched a show about people buying a house in Australia. They argued about which house the couple should get, and Molly claimed victory when she guessed the one they were going to buy.

An hour or so later, Molly began to fade. Vinnie cleaned up the kitchen and made sure she had her phone and remote close, so she could reach out if she needed anything.

“Are you sure you’re good?” he asked.

She nodded. She looked a lot better with food and pain meds, but it was going to be a while before she was feeling back to normal. “I’m good. I promise.”

“Okay. Offer stands to come to my place. Just let me know.”

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