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Is he seriously mad about that? I guess he hasn’t caught on to my self-depreciating behavior masked by humor. “Okay…”
“Yes, I do work out, I have a gym at home. We also have a gym on the eleventh floor of our building. You are welcome to use it any time.”
“Oh, really? That’s right, I think I saw that in the monthly newsletter. I’ll take you up on that. Y’all got treadmills there? Because it looks like mountain biking is gonna be out for the rest of the summer.” I lift my sling for emphasis.
He chuckles. “There’s every weight and piece of equipment your heart desires. Even a sauna, pool, and tanning bed, if that’s what you’re into.”
I look at my arm. “Nah. Since I won’t be getting my vitamin D from biking anymore, guess I’ll have to lay out on my back patio in my swimmin’ suit and get some sun to keep my tan.”
“You know, I have a large swimming pool and a jacuzzi at my house if you’d like to come over for a swim sometime. I just bought new lounge chairs, too. I’ve got a barbeque pit and outdoor furniture. I’m rarely back there, aside from my morning plunge. I’d be very happy if someone did.”
My eyes widen. “That would be amazin’.”
The door opens and an older Asian man in a shirt and tie walks in. “Hi, I’m Doctor Ito.”
“Quinn, and this is my… uh, boss, Lincoln Silverstone.”
“Nice to meet you both,” he says, sitting on a stool in front of me. “Mind if I take off the sling and take a look?”
“Not at all, doc,” I reply.
He unclips the sling and sets it next to the sink. I hiss when he bends my arm at a ninety-degree angle.
“The MRI shows a rotator cuff tear. How did it happen?”
I explain the bicycle accident.
“Common mountain biking mishap. People put out their arms to brace for impact and tear muscles. Those rocks are like camouflage, too. But once you hit them, you’re done for!”
“What can I do for this?” I ask.
“There are a few options. Your tear isn’t severe, so I don’t see you needing surgery. You’re young and healthy and it should heal on its own. Are you a smoker?”
I shake my head. “No, sir. I’ve inhaled enough Marlboro smoke to last a lifetime thanks to my papa and memaw growing up.”
He chuckles. “Where in the South are you from?”
“Sweet home Alabama, sir.”
“Your accent is charming. Well, good thing you don’t smoke, that inhibits healing. Keep wearing the sling, take NSAIDs twice a day, and see me back here in four weeks.”
“What are en-seds?”
“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve,” Lincoln answers.
The doctor looks at Lincoln, then at me. “He’s correct.”
“What about a steroid injection for the pain? We have a business conference next week. I’m sure she’d like to be out of the sling.”
“That’s our next step,” the doctor answers Lincoln, then looks at me. If you’re still in considerable pain in four weeks, we’ll do an injection.”
I make a face. “That sounds nasty. Is it a big needle? ’Cause I don’t like needles.”
“I’ll tell you it’s a small needle, and you can just look away if we end up going that route, okay?” Doctor Ito says, chuckling.
He pats my knee and stands. “Lisa will see you out, just wait here.”
He leaves the room and I glance at Lincoln, who’s looking at what seems like a very expensive watch. Although, I wouldn’t know a knockoff from a real one if it hit me in the face, if I’m honest. I doubt this man lets anything cheap touch his body.
