Page 99 of She's a Big Deal

“That’s my woman,” Olivia gushed at the EMTs. “Just look at her! Ain’t she great?”

The dislocation of her knee was so severe that they had to sedate her to put it back into place. She woke up sometime later, feeling sore and totally sober once more. Empty room... Her leg and elbow were wrapped up nice and tight. She was on her own. For a second, panic hit as she doubted her memory. Had Grace been there before? Had she really come for her?

“Hey. Olivia? Over here.”

Cool fingers settled on her cheek, prompting her to turn her head.Grace.At the sight of her standing on the other side of the bed, for real, for sure, Olivia burst into tears.

“Oh, man, I thought I’d dreamt it all!”

“What?”

“You! That you were there with me… Were you? You came with me in the ambulance, right?”

“Yes, I did.” Grace spoke softly, soothingly. “It’s okay, don’t cry.”

“Don’t go, okay? Don’t leave just yet.”

“I’m not going anywhere. Period.”

“You’re so pale. Grace…”

“Shh. Take it easy.”

“But—"

“And don’t worry about my face. It’s just because the coffee is so weak in this place that it should be against the law.” Grace made her opinion known with her usual aplomb and that sexy, familiar smirk. Which turned warm and tender as she sat on the bed and took her hand in hers. “Let’s focus on you. How are you feeling?”

“Ah… Kinda crap.”

“Well, yeah. I’m not surprised.”

“But fine too, if you see what I mean.”

“Somehow, it makes perfect sense. On a scale of one to ten, how’s the pain?”

Olivia moved her leg gingerly to test it and sighed in relief when she experienced almost none. “It’s down to around two. Maybe a three. Let’s say two and a half.”

“I find precision so attractive in a woman.” Grace flashed her an amused smile which Olivia decided was positively sultry. “Your doctor said anything three and below is normal. You also sprained your elbow, and you’ve got terrific bruising on your right hip. At least, nothing is broken. You’ll just be on crutches for the next two or three days. Rest will not be an option. Okay? Got it?”

“Yes.” Olivia kept her eyes fastened intently on hers. “You came.”

“I did.”

“I mean, before the accident. You came to see me?”

“Turns out your little speech was very effective. A bit of a kick in the teeth, but necessary.” Olivia started to protest that she never meant it to be like that, but her lover stopped her with a gentle kiss. “It’s alright. I needed to hear your side. And Libby confirmed.”

“Libby? What’s she got to do with it?”

“I asked her for some character feedback, shall we say. She was bluntly honest, as I requested. Told me she sees through my layer of bullshit, more or less. Like you do.”

“I see the real you,” Olivia murmured. “I love the real you. I know it’s a scary thought for you.”

“Not as terrifying as watching you almost get killed in front of me.” Grace pursed her lips with a tight shake of the head. “I thought it was happening all over again. You know?”

“I’m sorry.” Olivia squeezed her hand. “But I’m here. And I also have no intention of going anywhere.”

“Yes.” Emotions flickered wildly in those blue eyes before Grace regained control with a deep breath. “I told Libby that falling in love feels a bit like having a heart attack. Who’d want that, huh?”

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