Page 32 of Benga's Rise
She cracks up. “I’ll get Leo to help me make some you can freeze. The ones from the store are crap. So, you haven’t been well, Freedom called me. Victory is meeting us at the house. Sorry, but there’s no holding her back. I’m glad you’re here now. Leo is a great kid andyouhave a new job. I’m excited for you.”
I am too. I’m going to keep looking at reasons to be happy. “Be honest, Raid is okay with us in his house?” Okay, so I’ll be happy after that is answered.
“It’s for a short time, his house is huge and right down the road from here and me. He hasn’t said he wasn’t happy and he’s looking out for Leo like he does for Cort, so I think he’s more than fine with it. Plus, he’s got you ordering him food. Food makes Raid happy.” She’s absolutely beaming.
“You made this happen, didn’t you?”
With an unabashed nod, she smiles. “Yep, when I asked Leo his mom’s name, I almost fell out of my chair. Let’s get you dressed. You’re going to love Raid’s house.”
I certainly hope so. Seren gets something in her head and runs full steam ahead. Like a freight train.
~*~
This house is huge and surprisingly inviting. Patcher has me move from the bed into the wheelchair. “No pressure on it for at least two weeks. If it doesn’t set right, you’re in surgery to fix it. I’m not being overly cautious, just real. No one ever wants surgery. Avoid it, or you’ll be in a chair longer.”
Holy crap. “I will. I can’t afford surgery or the time to recuperate twice.”
He nods. “Good. Banks said you’re the new HR manager and he’s opening the Credit Union. We need you before our checks start getting lost.”
I have to laugh at that. They’ve been running with more employees than the hospital without a manager for a year. There are too many people that can do the job to let something like that happen. “I’ll make sure no checks are lost after my one and only speedy recovery. I should make that not so speedy, but it sounds stupid.”
He smiles. “Works for me. Doc will be here for the next two days making sure your concussion isn’t causing any problems. Are you dizzy, lightheaded or have blurred vision?”
“Not now. I was dizzy and saw a little gray earlier and when the ambulance stopped. Right now, I’m fine and clear-headed.”
Concern shows on his face in the form of a frown. “Make sure someone is with you when you get into the chair then the bed. Dizziness can last for a few days with a concussion and that would be considered normal. Call with vision change or a headache that isn’t reasonable. Meaning worse than yesterday or today. You need to keep being honest about the pain. Head injuries are serious.”
He’s being reasonable in his reactions and understands normal is okay for me to feel. “I will. I’m not chancing having to be hauled back for stupidity. My only job has been at a hospital. I don’t want to be a patient there because of pride.”
I hear people and think Victory must be here. Seren said she’d show her in when she got here. Patcher checks my eyes again then reminds me to call for any change. I agree and get mauled by Victory.
“Hey, she just had her shoulder dislocated. She’ll be feeling that for a week or so,” Patcher says, sounding annoyed.
I’m relieved when Victory steps back. “Oh, Lorelei, I hope Cort made him pay. I brought you some crystals, soothing incense and we can meditate...”
“I’m out. Seren, call me for any changes in vision or excessive pain. Victory, keep your fucking hands off her so I’m not called to set another bone. Doc will be here at nine tomorrow.” Patcher leaves and I’m smiling.
“You cannot hug me or I’ll tell Patcher,” I tell her before she tries again.
Victory looks devastated and Seren laughs. “I give her two minutes for a week away from the Flower Power Care Bear.”
“When I recover, I will too. I’ll be moving to the condos and be able to see everyone again. It’s been too long working six days a week at the hospital and Sundays spent in a mad rush to shop, clean and spend the afternoon and night with L. Shopping when the store opens sucks.”
Seren laughs. “The Prospects shop and put food away. I never see them. They sneak in and out like minions.”
I hold just under my shoulder and laugh. “Minions. That does fit but somehow I don’t think they’d appreciate the comparison.”
“Cowboy in the house!” A voice yells and I look at Seren.
“Last bedroom off the living room!” She answers him making me smile because she walks out as she’s yelling.
Victory laughs drawing my attention. “She’s always like this. Cowboy is a designer. He did the office, the Officers’ houses and the Clubhouse.”
“The office is awesome. This house is too. It’s good to see you, Victory. I feel like I just dropped back into reality.”
She laughs. “I have a crystal to keep that clarity flowing.” She digs into her bag, handing me six different crystals with names and reasons. I can’t remember the first when she’s done.
“Thank you. I’ll keep them all close.”
