Page 74 of Sweet Pea

“Right. Of course he is. Well, I appreciate you calling me. Please send him my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

“Callie?”

“Hm?”

“I’m going to say something, but if you repeat it, I’ll deny every word.”

I sniffed, tears streaming down my face. “Okay.”

“That boy is miserable, and not just from his physical injuries. I don’t know what happened between the two of you, and it’s none of my business, but if you feel about him the way I think you do, let it be known.”

“Right.”

“But let me also say, that if this isn’t what I think it is, and you don’t have deep feelings... ones that make you ready to fight with and for him, then you need to walk away and never look back. It’s going to take months, possibly years for him to heal, and it’s going to take hard work and someone who won’t kowtow to him or get frightened away. By him or anyone else.”

I was in full sob mode now but trying so hard to hide it. “Can he walk?” I rasped.

“Not right now. He does not have a spinal injury, though, so once his legs heal, he will.”

“Okay. That’s good. Right? That’s good?”

“Yes, that’s hopeful,” she said. “But PT’s going to be a bitch for him...and for anyone in his sphere of influence.”

I nodded, unable to form words, let alone sentences.

“He’s at OHSU, currently in ICU.”

“Can...can I see him?”

“Only you can answer that, Callie. Do you have permission? Yes. But, I’m serious, if you come, you’re in.”

“I understand.”

“Okay. I’ll let you go. I won’t tell Pea about our conversation until you make a decision.”

“I appreciate that, Dr. Gardner.”

“Eldie, please. If Sweet Pea cares about you then you’re family.”

“Do you think he does? Care about me, I mean?”

“You’ll have to find out for yourself.”

She hung up and I spent the next fifteen minutes sobbing my eyes out in the underground parking lot of my office building.

Once I felt like I could drive in a straight line, I headed home.

I had some decisions to make.

* * *

Sweet Pea

I couldn’t stop a groanas pain shot through my thigh and I came awake forgetting where I was for a brief second. Fuck me, everything still hurt like a mother fucker.

“Pea?”

The familiar voice covered me like a warm blanket, but I couldn’t really believe she was here, so I closed my eyes and tried to go back to sleep, assuming I was dreaming.

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