Page 51 of Luck Be Mine
The others quieted. “Everything is as expected. A hard rush of pain, tingles, and hard jabs surged the other morning. The discomfort has continued, it is manageable with painkillers. Nerves are still settling, but testing supports full recovery. They’ll reassess again in a few more weeks after the nerves calm and heal more.”
Carter moved in from the back, his blue eyes intense. “Is she doing okay? Must have been a jolt.”
“Oh, yeah. Unexpected for sure. Orthopedic appointment is up next to make sure some of the pain isn’t from her shoulder injury, but she’s home. Resting. Dealing.”
“Is this why you’ve been out?” K-Rock and the others noticing his absence surprised him.
“Yeah, I didn’t want her doing this by herself. Her surgical career is in balance. It has been since Afghanistan. This recovery will make or break her decision.”
“Let’s hope for good news,” Mateo said. “If she needs any help, holler.”
Hunt nodded his thanks. “QM has her covered every which way, but I’ll tell her.”
“Those guys always beat us to the punch,” Baxter complained. “But I guess it’s Quaid and Commander Scott, so we’ll let them throw in with us.”
Hunt laughed. “Thank you. Wise choice.”
Doogie patted him on the back. “I got dinner for you tonight. Tell that woman not to cook.”
“Uh, better text her. She may have plans.” Hunt dashed out a message, and his phone immediately dinged in response. “She wants the details on what you’re making.”
Doogie huffed. “It’s a surprise.”
Brennan elbowed Hunt. “Such a surprise he doesn’t even know.”
Hunt text Cait back with a question mark. “It’s okay. He and Cait usually kibitz anyway. Text Cait, Doogie. I need to get over to my office. Nothing like getting promoted and then being out.”
“Congrats to the Doc, sir.” Brennan opened the workroom door. “We’re rooting for her.”
“Thanks.” Hunt stopped in the door to wave. “Get back to work, gentlemen. Your day is only beginning.”
Mateo gave him the side eye. “So is yours, sir.”
Hunt went to his office with a smile on his face. It lasted until the reality of a new command job hit him like a fall off an aircraft carrier.
§§§§§§§§§§
◊ Scrubbing in Again ◊
“I haven’t made any progress. Back in bed and talking to you on FaceTime.” Cait’s grousing made Jackie smile which added insult, but Cait let it pass. Her mood couldn’t be described as upbeat. The hurdles in front of her were huge. She wished for Adele’s steadiness and vowed to call her next.
Jackie smoothed her black hair back into a ponytail and refastened the blue tie. “Regardless of the location, I’m thrilled. I’ve been so worried about your hand, and this is the final leg of your recovery.”
Cait adjusted the pillow behind her head. “Don’t jinx me.”
Jackie stifled a giggle, but her dancing eyes gave her away. “Did you get the information on the surgical retraining program at University of California San Diego Medical School?”
“Yes, and I talked to Dr. Carey Gray, the program head. I wanted to speak to Dr. Newman first about my status before I proceeded with the application and the process.”
“Still, it’s a big jump forward.”
Cait ran a finger over her lower lip, pulling the skin. “Can I admit to anxiety?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s all you got?”
“Yes.”
