Page 6 of Bridge to Home

Taking note of the look on Harlow’s face, the doctor’s tone softened. “It’s not the best news but not the worst news either. You’ll be back on your feet again.”

“I’m…I have a major project starting soon—a movie deal and need to be in Vancouver in less than two weeks.”

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you won’t be working in two weeks. Realistically, you’ll be back to one hundred percent in six months. Of course, some of this depends on you.”

“Six months?” Harlow squeezed her eyes shut. Six months in the entertainment industry was a lifetime. It was a death sentence to careers. She and Robert would have to sell properties, downsize, cut back. Not necessarily pinch pennies, but be more careful with their money.

She thought about the London apartment contract. God must have been watching over her and prevented her from plunking down a large deposit. They would’ve lost a sizeable chunk of money, money she and Robert would need.

The nurse returned, bringing Harlow her handbag including her cell phone, which had been recovered from the wreckage. “We’ve been keeping your belongings at the nurse’s station. I have to say your cell phone has been ringing off the hook.”

“Eryn. My best friend, Eryn. I called her right before the car accident. She must be worried sick.”

The doctor had a private word with the nurse over by the door. “I’ve instructed the staff to let me know when your husband returns so we can chat,” he said.

“Thank you.” Harlow waited until they were gone. She scrolled through her cell phone. Eryn had called multiple times and sent dozens of texts. There were also several voicemail messages. Instead of sorting through them, she dialed her friend’s number.

Eryn promptly picked up. “Harlow. Oh, my gosh. I’ve been worried sick. I saw a news story that you were in a car accident. We’ve been trying to find you for hours now.” Eryn rambled on, explaining they had called every hospital in the Malibu area, trying to get information. “No one would tell us a thing.”

“I’m in Malibu Memorial Hospital,” Harlow said. “I spoke with the doctor. I’ll be okay, but it’s going to take some time.”

“Did you break bones? Do you remember the accident? The news reports showed a picture of your car on the back of a tow truck. It’s totaled. I even heard you flipped it.”

Harlow waited for her friend to catch her breath. “It was a bad wreck. The doctor said I’m lucky to be alive.”

“Where are you again?”

“Malibu Memorial Hospital.”

“Is Robert nearby?” Eryn asked. “Can I talk to him for a minute?”

“He isn’t.”

There was a long moment of silence on the other end. So long that Harlow thought they’d been disconnected. “Are you still there?”

“I’m here,” Eryn said. “Robert isn’t with you?”

“He was here earlier, before I regained consciousness. The nurse said he’ll be back.” Harlow could almost read her friend’s mind. What kind of husband would leave his wife’s side after a horrific car accident?

Robert. Robert would—and had. Maybe he was too busy meeting with Jillian to be bothered by an injured wife.

Stop it!Harlow mentally scolded herself. Of course Robert cared. He was probably out buying flowers for her right now, packing some of her things up and bringing them to her.

“How long are you going to be hospitalized?”

“I don’t know.” Harlow tried wiggling her toes again. “There are a few complications.”

“Complications?” Eryn echoed.

“My leg muscles were injured. The doctor called it a muscle contusion. I’m pretty sure I’m not going to hop out of bed and check myself out of the hospital.”

There was an audible gasp on the other end of the line. “You’re paralyzed?”

“No. Just in a lot of pain with the muscle damage. I’ll be out of commission for a while.”

“How long is a while?” Eryn asked.

“The doctor isn’t positive. It could be weeks or up to six months.”

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