Page 88 of Property of Bones

“They don’t need to stay,” I say. “Out. Both of you.”

They don’t move. Not until Jack gives the smallest nod.

Then they vanish.

I narrow my eyes at him.

“Have I told you today that I hate you?”

He smirks. “Three times.”

“Well, I just want to make sure it’s really clear…” I pause dramatically. “I hate you.”

“I love you too, baby,” he says, smug and unbothered.

The nurse tries to hide her laugh.

“Alright, Sunny,” she says gently. “Step up to the X-ray panel and turn so your left side is facing it. Arms up if you can. No worries if you can’t. Just hold still, and we’ll get a few quick images of your ribs.”

“I’ll try,” I mutter. “But I’m about one stretch away from growling like a grizzly.”

“You’re doing great,” she says. “Now take a deep breath in... and hold.”

The machine hums.

Behind the glass, Jack watches me like a man watching a bomb tick down to zero.

I roll my eyes.He’s so dramatic.

But also?

I kind of love it.

***

“I don’t understand why Abby and Tank came at the same time,” I say half an hour later as we walk our way into the waiting room. “Her appointment isn’t for another hour. She didn’t have to show up early just because I needed updated scans.”

“We’d rather not make two separate trips,” Tank says as I settle into the seat across from him, next to Abby.

“How’d it go?” Abby asks, reaching for my hand.

“About as good as expected,” I reply. “They said I could go back to work.”

“They said no such thing,” Jack cuts in.

“They told me when you weren’t looking?” I say sweetly.

“Try again, baby,” he smirks. “I never took my eyes off you.”

I pout. “Well… they werethinkingit.”

Jack chuckles, turning toward Abby. “Only two more weeks and she’s cleared. Are you ready for your appointment, doll?”

Abby shrinks a little in her seat. “No. I hate going to therapy. I’m doing better. I don’t know why you guys keep insisting I still need to go.”

“Because it’s what your therapist recommends,” Tank says calmly.

“She just wants more money,” Abby mutters. “This is stupid. I have Riley and Sunny. There isn’t anything I can tell this therapist that I can’t tell my girls. They help me cope better than some stranger with a clipboard.”

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