Page 31 of It Had To Be You

“Mallory Abbott to room five.” The nurse disappears inside and we slowly follow her.

“Hello, Mallory. I’m Doctor Skye. How are you feeling today?”

We sit on the chairs on the far side of the table. “I’m feeling great, Doc. When do we get this pot off?” She smiles brightly.

“You’ll go into the plaster room in a few minutes, then I’ll get you a porter to take you to X-ray for some pictures.”

“I can walk, and I remember the way. What’s the porter for?”

“Once the cast is off, your foot will take some time to adjust. I’ve arranged some physio for you, but you still need to take it easy.”

Mallory’s face falls. “But I have plans…” A deep frown sets on her forehead. “Okay. Let’s get this party started.” She gets up from her chair too fast, and I have to help her steady herself.

We follow the nurse into the plaster room and two members of staff cut off the pot. I hold her hand but can’t look at the razor-sharp blade. The porter arrives a few minutes later, and I follow them down to X-ray. I sit outside on a bench while she has the pictures done.

We have to wait to see the doctor again, and Mallory’s lost some of her sparkle in the process. I’m a bad person because although I’m not glad she’s sad, I’m hopeful I’ll get her for a bit longer. Guilt laces my gut. I can’t be holding onto something that is inevitably going to change. Even if she stays a few more weeks, it’s only going to end in tears for me.

“Mallory Abbott,” the nurse shouts.

I follow her into the room as she uses the crutches to get herself through the door and into the chair.

“This is looking great, Miss Abbott. The X-rays have given positive healing results.” He comes over and manipulates her ankle before asking her to do a few exercises. We leave the doctor’s office with an appointment to see the physio tomorrow and a strengthening worksheet.

“One step closer to being good as new,” I say when we get in the car.

“Did you see the dead skin on my leg? I look like a snake shedding a layer. I’ll feel better once I’ve scrubbed down.” She looks out the window and I can tell she’s still upset.

“I have some strawberry salt scrub in the cupboard.”

“You’ve been holding out on me.” She smiles, and hopefully, I’m wearing those storm clouds down.

“Oh, I have. If you want a bath, I have essential oils, hair masks, and a strawberry body brush.”

“A girl after my heart. Soaking in the tub with both legs under the water sounds amazing.”

“Let’s get you home, then.”

We endure the short ride to my house and Mal doesn’t seem so gloomy. I run the bath while Mal starts on the strengthening exercises.

“It smells so good.” She rests the crutches against the wall and starts to strip. I avert my eyes, although I’ve seen it all before. I help her sink into the tub before leaving her to enjoy it.

CHAPTER16

MALLORY

Physio went betterthan I thought. After an extra week of discipline, I’m finally getting somewhere. It’s slow, but I can walk short distances without crutches. I reach for my phone, ready to give my boss an update.

“You’re through to the fast-paced magazine Level Up. How can I help you achieve your goals?” Candice says, in happy spirits.

“Hi, Candice. It’s Mal. Can you patch me through to Eve?”

“Sure thing. How’s the leg?”

“Almost working.”

She laughs before putting me through to my boss’s extension. “Hi, Mallory,” Eve says when she finally answers. I’m guessing Candice spoke to her first.

“Morning, Eve. I have some good news at last.”

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