Page 24 of The Trauma Response
“Hmm, good to know.” I release a deep sigh and shift the subject. “I really need to find a job. Something to hold me over until I know more about my hand.”
“When is your next appointment?”
“Next week with the neurologist, the physical therapist, and a meeting with my boss. So much can go wrong, but I have a little hope left.”
Jackson reaches over and squeezes my right hand, the one I can still feel. “I know you do, and I’m happy. I missed my annoying big sister.”
I pinch his arm like I used to when he bugged me as kids. He yelps and wiggles free before pulling his phone from his pocket. His thumbs fly over the screen, and since we are supposed to be having sibling bonding time, I’m suspicious about what seems to have taken priority over me. I’m also over-peopled and ready to head home.
“Uh, what are you doing? I’m ready to head home. And what is your wife doing in there? Building a new bathroom?” Deni is usually part of this trio of awesome, but she is notably absent…probably because she wanted Jax and me to talk things out a little more after our little shouting match.
He says nothing but keeps typing, so I lean forward and glance over his phone. “Jackson Whitmore! Stop telling Caius every detail of our conversation!”
“Stop exaggerating. I merely said you’re looking for a job and asked if he knew of anything. That is hardly telling him our entire conversation, you drama queen.”
“I am not a drama queen. Don’t you dare tell him we were talking about him liking me.”
“I would never. Besides, we’re all grown up now and you can tell him you like him back yourself.” His lips twitch, but he’s not getting anything out of me. I wait silently while the little dots of impatience light up on his phone.
It finally dings and Cai’s response pops up.
Cai
I’m on it. I might know of something. Gimme a little while to call a friend.
Jackson responds with pleasantries while I scowl.
“You two are still so annoying. It’s like no time has passed at all.”
Deni exits the restroom and glances between us. I tap my brother’s hand and he chuckles before putting his phone in his pocket. This seems to ease my sister-in-law's worry enough that her smile reappears and she joins us.
“We all set?” she asks, a double meaning if there ever was one.
“Yep, take me home so I can finish my latest book and wait for Cai to work his job magic.” I tease my brother, knowing it is highly unlikely that Cai will suddenly find me a job.
And if he does, I’ll tackle that bridge when I get to it.
Chapter twelve
Junior Firefighter Days are some of my favorites, especially when Thor brings Gunner, his older brother with Down syndrome, around. He’s older than the teens who joined the club, but still enjoys learning about the trucks and using the equipment. Plus, I’m basically his favorite person so he really doesn’t need an excuse to stop by and see me. Gunner laughs at Captain Swanson’s jokes while Thor and I stand to the side.
“You are not Gunner’s favorite person,” Thor teases.
“Then why does he ask to come see me all the time and bring donuts?” I retort while licking jelly from my fingers.
“You just keep telling yourself that.” Thor crosses his arms and leans against the wall. “How did things go with your friend last night after you darted off in the complete opposite direction from which you came?”
“You are so nosy. How do you know she doesn’t live that way?”
“Personal bodyguard, remember? I probably know more about your friend now than you do. Did you know she graduated top honors or something like that? Fancy office at the hospital, too.”
“Can younotlook her up like some kind of stalker?”
Thor chuckles. “I have to look out for my friends.”
“Yeah, well, Whits is pretty perfect. You’re not going to find a speck of dirt on her.”
“You’re right. I tried.” He’s teasing me again, working to see how much he can poke to get more information out of me. “Is she going to be able to go back to work soon?” Thor winces as if he already knows the answer.
