“Yeah, she called a few times. I had to tell her. Hope that’s okay.”
The air between us grew thick and awkward.
“God, I’m surprised she hasn't flown out here.”
“She wanted to,” he laughed softly. “I promised her I wouldn't leave your side.”
“And what else?” I asked, knowing my mother.
“She also wants round-the-clock phone calls.”
I tried to stand again, and this time I didn't refuse Elliott’s hand. He held me steady, his grip firm and warm.
“I’m so stiff. I need a shower.” I looked at the itinerary. “What’s on the agenda today? Cliff diving?”
“No. The rest of the week is just dinners, clubbing, and a bonfire. Morgan’s nesting, so she unpacked for you. She even bought some things for you to wear.”
I groaned and limped toward the bathroom.
“I’ll be right outside if you need me,” he called out. His voice was heavy with worry, a look I usually only saw on my mother’s face.
In the shower, the steam didn't help. I massaged my thigh, the phantom metal beneath my skin feeling like a hot poker. I finally broke, hot tears mixing with the water. When I stepped out, it was impossible to hide that I’d been crying. The pain had spiked from a dull roar to a screaming nine.
Elliott didn't even ask. He immediately called Morgan, the doctor, and my mom.
Ten minutes later, I was back in the armchair, waiting. Dr. Montgomery was handsome—older, a glimpse of what Elliott might look like in twenty years. I let out a jagged moan as he poked at the scar tissue.
“I’m not a specialist, Vanessa,” he said, his brow furrowed. “But this level of pain after so many years isn't right.”
“That means they botched the surgeries, doesn't it?”
He offered a sad, knowing smile. “I think you already suspected that.”
“Jesus, Vanessa,” Elliott groaned, his hand over his mouth.
“I can prescribe something for the rest of the trip, but you need to see a real specialist when you get home,” the doctor said. “It could be the hardware, or a long-term reaction to the metal. I’m based in Texas, but I can point you toward someone I trust.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Can you explain that to my mom, too? She’ll lose her mind.”
“Oh, so you’ll listen to him, but not me?” Elliott asked, his irritation masking his fear.
“He has a medical degree, Satan’s spawn.”
The doctor chuckled. “Do you want something for the pain?”
“Yes,” Elliott said firmly. “No,” I snapped at the same time.
“She’s taking the meds,” Elliott said, his eyes daring me to argue. I glared back.Make me.
Penelope popped her head around the corner with a tray of food, taking in the heavy atmosphere. “God, the sex must be amazing with this weird dynamic you two have going on.”
Dr. Montgomery forced a polite smile and excused himself as quickly as he could.
thirty
VANESSA
I lostthe battle with Elliott the second he called my mom.
