Page 75 of Playing for Keeps (Checkmate 4)

* * *

Linc signshis paperwork while Riley and I sit by his desk amid quiet giggles and whispers. Thirty steps. Thirty fucking steps! I think that means wedding bellsanda BJ. And I will happily deliver; just as soon as we’re home alone.

“Your prosthetic shouldn’t hurt you, Mr. Cruz. It can and will bring you discomfort. It might annoy you sometimes. It might not always fit right. But if it hurts, you need to come back.” Tossing his pen down and folding the paper he signed, Linc passes it to me to hold. “Wear it when it’s comfortable. Take it off to rest when it’s not. You’ll be back often, so don’t feel like you can’t call me. There is no way for me or Miss. Conner to know it hurts or doesn’t sit right unless you say so. So, speak up.

“You need to continue your physical therapy, though I think Miss. Conner has you covered there. You cannot sprint with this leg, but you can run. Take it slow, give it time, but this leg will gain you a lot of your old mobility back.”

“Can I lift with it?”

“Weights?” Linc’s brow lifts. “You need to make that decision on a case by case basis. A lot of amputees do lift weights; some do it with their leg on, others do it with it off, so it’s a one-legged lift. These legs have a weight limit, so I guess the answer depends on how much you want to lift. Also, if you change shoes, you will probably need to make adjustments to the leg. Dress shoes are much different to sneakers, but the adjustments are quick and easy.”

“I can help with those.” I smile when Riley’s eyes come to mine. “I know how to adjust them.”

He squeezes my hand in thanks.

“Sweat could become a problem for you, especially in the summer. If you sweat too much, the suction might come undone, so be mindful of that. Wash your liners with regular soap, then hang to dry. No harsh chemicals, or it might wear the material away much faster than normal.

“Your whole life, yourfeethave been bearing your weight. But now yourlegwill. Your body will need to adjust to that, so don’t get frustrated if you hurt a little. It’s normal, and in fact, expected. If your incision opens at all, or if you rub your residual limb raw, keep the leg off until it heals. Infection is still a concern for you, so don’t push your limits. Other than that…” He stands and offers a hand.

Slowly, Riley and I stand. Riley holds my hand and grunts on the way up, but he comes up and smiles when he’s on two feet.

“You’re free to go, Mr. Cruz. I know you’re in capable hands, so stay strong, be smart and deliberate with your movements. Good luck. I’ll see you again in a few days, no doubt. Or a week at the most.”

---