Page 63 of Dickathlon

“Just not at the same level as before? Was that the good news?”

He continued, “Mostly. The good news is despite what I just said, your body is healed. It’s ready for you to ask more of it. I think we can do away with whatever restrictions were left. Just listen to what your body’s telling you.”

“So…I’m good to lift weights, get back on the ‘ole pommel horse and such?”

“Yes. Like I said though, listen to your body. I would avoid anything that’s going to put undue stress on your shoulder until you build your musculature up.”

“That sounds like a restriction, doc.”

“I know, kid. I didn’t want to limit your progress. Just be realistic with your goals and steady with your training. You’ll get there.”

“I think I understand.”

“I’ll send you an appointment request for six months. Just to be on the safe side. See you then.”

“Bye, doc. Have a good day.”

“You too, thank you.”

I breathed a sigh of relief and chanced a glance at Declan. He had a huge grin on his face.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I’m so happy for you?”

“I was nervous, okay? I didn’t want to jinx it.”

He leaned over to kiss my bicep. “You heard him. No restrictions. Now, I can bend you into whatever position I want.”

Without thinking, I said, “In my childhood bedroom.”

It was certainly going to be an interesting holiday.

“Okay, so O for Owen the oldest. He’s married to C for Christa. OC like Orange County. They have two sons, Casey and…fuck.”

“No, I don’t have a nephew named Fuck. His name’s James.” I turned onto our street.

“James. Okay, so OC has CJ. Got it. Then Kyle’s married to…”

“Starts with R. We’re almost there, by the way. Daughters are also K and R. It’s like they wanted it to be easy for people.”

“Rene, Kora, Riley.”

“Yes, and my other brothers?”

“Pierce and Travis. And your parents are Victoria and William.”

“Someone’s been studying. And just in time. Here we are.”

It looked like everyone’s cars were here. Normally, Pierce and Travis would’ve arrived tomorrow on Christmas Eve but with Declan coming, everyone wanted to be here.

“Wow.”

“What?”

“The house. It’s-”

“Huge?”

Declan nodded.