Page 22 of Chase the Sunset
“That’s what we are all thinking,” Birdie sighed. “Once we get the results back from the biopsy, we will have many more answers.”
“Thinking?” Gravel spat. “I’m gonna need more of a guarantee that he’ll be able to see again.”
“Can’t you run some tests? Find out if that nerve was nicked during the operation?” Ethel asked.
“I’m unsure about that because I am not a neurologist. That is a question you can ask Dr. Gus,” Birdie replied.
“Where can I find him?” Ethel demanded.
“Mom, you need to calm down. We just talked to Dr. Gus. He won’t be back here until tomorrow.”
Something hit the floor. “Well, fine. I guess I’m not leaving until I get some answers.”
“Pick up your purse, woman. We’re not spending the night on the hospital floor.” A hand rested on my shoulder. “How much longer do you have in here, son?” Gravel asked.
“He’s in the hospital, Gravel,” Meg laughed, “not the slammer.”
“Same thing in my book,” he grunted.
“Should be out of here in three or four days.” I reached around for the calzone I had set down. “At least Meg is bringing me food, so I don’t waste away.”
“Ethel and I are in town for the week, maybe longer if we need to be.” He patted my shoulder. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Gravel.” I hadn’t seen him in months, but it was like nothing had changed. He was still one of the guys I knew I could count on, no matter what.
“Well,” Meg called, “you know I made enough calzones for everyone, so you might as well dig in.”
Gravel’s hand left my shoulder, and everyone moved around me.
Life kept moving around me, but I couldn’t see it happening.
I was a prisoner in my own head, and I didn’t know if I would ever be free.
Chapter Eight
Birdie
“He asked me for my phone number.”
I looked up from the computer screen and took off my glasses. “Who? A patient?”
Layla laughed and shook her head. “No. Snapper asked me for my phone number.”
“Really?” I gasped. “That’s great, Layla. He’s the one who have the hots for, right?”
She cringed and shook her head. “Don’t ever say that again, Birdie. You’re dating yourself.”
I rolled my eyes and looked back at the computer. “I’m not a spring chicken, Layla.”
We had a lull in patients in the ER, and Layla had come to visit me while she was on her break.
“Oh, please, You’re in your thirties, not your fifties.”
“When I talk to you and Bailey, I feel absolutely ancient,” I muttered.
Layla scooted her chair next to me and looked at the computer screen. “What are you looking at?” she asked.
“Just refreshing my memory and also learning a few things.”
