Page 7 of Bridge to Home

“Basically, half a year of rehab and healing.”

“It’s looking that way.”

“What about the mega movie gig you signed on for, the one that’s filming in Vancouver?”

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it.” Harlow tightened her grip on the blanket, resisting the urge to break down and start bawling. “I’ll need to arrange for in-home care. Robert’s not big on…staying in one spot.”

“In other words, he’s going to take off and leave you to fend for yourself,” Eryn said bluntly.

“Family care isn’t his thing.” Harlow tried to excuse Robert’s behavior, but to be honest, there was no defense. She also knew there was no way he would play nursemaid for weeks, let alone up to six months. Not by a longshot.

“I’m flying to California.”

“You don’t.”

Eryn cut her off. “I want to be with you. Have the hospital add me to your list of visitors. I’ll be there by tomorrow.”

A movement caught Harlow’s eye. It was Robert, hovering in the doorway, a huge bouquet of flowers in hand and a sheepish expression on his face. “Robert is here.”

“Finally. It’s about time. I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay.” Harlow ended the call and set her phone down. “Hello.”

“Hey, pretty lady. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up.” Robert held out the bouquet. “These are for you.”

“Thank you. They’re beautiful.”

Robert set the arrangement on the table. He leaned over the bed and placed a light kiss on her forehead. “The doctor said it was a miracle you’re still alive. Your car is mangled.”

“I still can’t believe it.” In a faltering voice, Harlow told him what had happened. Driving too fast. Her cell phone fell. She looked away for a fraction of a second, long enough to cross the double yellow line. “I jerked the wheel back and remember hearing a cracking sound right before everything went black.”

“So.” Robert rubbed his palms together. “They’re going to keep you here for a couple of days. You’ll go home and take it easy for the next week or so. I’m sure the bruises on your face will heal. If not, those makeup artists are magicians. No one will ever be able to tell you were in an accident.”

“I can’t go to Vancouver,” Harlow said. “I won’t be able to do the movie.”

Robert stared at her unblinkingly, as if he wasn’t comprehending what she was saying. “You signed the contract. This is a big one, a major movie. If you back out now, they’re going to sue the pants off us.”

“I can’t walk,” she said bluntly. “My leg muscles have been damaged. The doctor says I’ll need rest and possibly physical therapy.”

Robert’s face turned an ashen color. For a second, Harlow thought he was going to pass out. “Physical therapy?”

“Doctor Ashton seems certain it’s only temporary. I’ll need time to heal. He said it could take up to six months.”

“We don’t have six months. At most, you have a couple of weeks.” Robert started to pace. “I’m sure we can push the timeline out, renegotiate, and have them film around you, giving you a few extra weeks.”

“You’re not getting it,” Harlow said in a slow voice, enunciating each word. “I can’t walk and am in severe pain.”

There was a light rap on the door. Doctor Ashton appeared. “The nurse told me Mr. Barbetz was here. We can discuss Harlow’s next step and tentative healing schedule.”

“There is no tentative healing schedule,” Robert said. “Harlow signed on for a very large, very important movie project. She needs to be in Vancouver in less than a month. We need the best physical therapist we can find.”

The doctor’s brows drew together. “It will be extremely difficult for Harlow to recover in such a short amount of time. Her leg muscles suffered a traumatic injury. She’ll need rest. Please, have a seat.”

Robert sat, but only because he had no choice. The doctor talked about the treatment plan going forward. Basically, Harlow needed to heal from the physical injuries she’d sustained, along withpossibly starting physical therapy. He reiterated the six-month timeframe.

“I can recommend several excellent physical therapists.”

Harlow thanked him.

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