Page 74 of Game Changer

“In the waiting room with Jeremy and a couple of the others. They didn’t want to crowd you.”

“I can step out and let him come in?” suggested Lisa.

“Don’t leave,” he instructed her, gripping her hand. “Please don’t leave, either of you, please…” he pleaded as he fell back to sleep.

***

When AJ next woke up, Lisa was still sat at his side.

How long have I been here? I feel so stiff and achy.

He’d been out of his coma for two days so far. Though he’d still slept for most of that time, things were improving. He smiled at Lisa, a kind of lopsided smile but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You ok?” he asked.

She giggled, “The coma patient is askingmeif I’m ok! I’m fine, Pim. I’m so glad you woke up.”

He chuckled. “You keep saying that, but… you knew I’d wake up, right?”

“Ofcourse,” she emphasized confidently. “You can’t go for extended periods of time without causing some form of physical pain to Jeremy!” she jested.

“Where is he?” AJ asked.

“Most of your friends and family are only coming as far as the family room. The doctor said to keep visitors to a minimum for a few days. We do keep rotating; you just happen to wake up more often when I’m sitting here. You just missed Ana. I was out doing laundry at your house.”

She had an almost constant look of concern across her face. Her brow was furrowed and she chewed the inside of her cheek a lot. She was fidgety. He watched her check the clock and grab a notebook.

“What are you writing?” he asked.

“Notes,” she said, dropping the pen and moving to fix his pillows again. She sat back down beside him on the bed, holding his hand.

“Any pain?”

“My head still hurts.”

I’m not sure this headache is ever going away. It’s constant drilling in my temples. I should probably mention it to someone.

“How’s your vision?”

“I can see you’re pale as hell, could use a night’s sleep and probably a good meal, too. But it’s less blurry.”

“Any pins and needles, or numbness?”

“Have you been practicing this?” he asked her, grinning.

She’s probably been waiting for the chance to ask you these questions for days, now. Don’t spoil it for her.

“AJ Williams, do you have any pins and needles? Or funny feelings?”

Well, there’s a hard-on hiding under this sheet so…

“Well, there’s this one funny feeling I have…” Her eyes met his and she blushed.

You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed.

“AJ. Be serious for a moment, please.”

“I am serious! I’ve been out cold for days. I wake up to a gorgeous Irish girl playing nurse. Do the math!”

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