Page 112 of Reacher
I told her make coffee and sit with me, and I’d forgive her. Mostly I just really needed the company while Reacher was out, because without him here, the fears were returning. And as much as I knew Stitch needed him right now… I couldn’t deny that I wished he’d stayed.
Reacher
Awkwardnessisn’tsomethingI’mused to, especially with Stitch. I mean, it occurred with a bang last night, when I grudgingly offered to look at what he was so afraid of. It wasn’t like I was hitting on him, or anything sinister, it was more about offering a second opinion. He’d brushed the offer aside pretty quickly, mentioning an appointment he’d made, but had decided not to go to.
And that was exactly where we were now, waiting for his name to be called. Just two unsavoury looking guys sitting in a GP’s waiting room, with mothers and children dotted around the room. Mostly dotted around the seats as far away from us as possible, and that suited us just fine.
“Jesus.” He held a hand over his chest, letting out a harsh breath. “Every time someone steps out to call the next name, I nearly shit my pants. I can’t believe what a pussy I’m being.”
I crossed my ankle over my knee, trying to get comfortable in the crappy plastic chair.
“Brother, you’re here, and that takes more… uh…couragethan I can imagine.”
“You were gonna say balls.” His lips quirked in a small grin.
“I’m so fucking sorry. We all say shit like that, and now I feel like I’m gonna keep putting my foot in it.”
He rubbed his palms against his thighs, probably drying sweaty palms, because the poor guy was freaking out.
“I’m gonna have to get used to that. I mean… if they have to… remove stuff… there’s no hiding from that fact.” He looked like he’d throw up at the mere thought of it. I’m right there with ya, buddy.
“Seth Woods?”
Stitch’s hand pressed against his chest again.
“Fuck.” He looked up and saw the female doctor standing there. “Shit, it’s a fucking female doctor.”
I slapped his shoulder, urging him up.
“Better getting your junk out for a woman, right?”
He stood up, and nodded at the doctor, who turned and headed back into her office, expecting him to follow.
“You uh… want me to come with?”
He shook his head vehemently.
“I need to do this alone, but thanks, brother. I uh… I should go in.”
I nodded, silently wishing him luck, as he turned and ambled in the direction of the office, like he didn’t have a care in the world.
Hell. And now the waiting game…
Ten minutes later he was back, looking pale and worried.
“Brother?”
He shook his head, and left the surgery at a fast pace, with me following.
Once outside, he took a deep breath. Then another.
“Stitch?”
He leaned a hand against the wall, like he was worried he couldn’t stand without help.
“Jesus, Reacher. She’s scheduling scans and biopsies and shit. Fucking hell.”
My heart thudded in my chest. This shouldn’t be happening to him.
