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As he pulls his club cut over his shoulders and I grab some instructions from Dr. Adams, I feel his eyes on me. But I push past it, trying to concentrate on what the doctor says.
“If possible, try to have him keep up the electrolyte consumption. We want him to stay well hydrated to keep the lactic acid from building up.”
I let out a snort. “You think I can get Hoodoo to do anything? He won’t listen to me, but… I will try.”
Dr. Adams smiles, glancing over her shoulder at Hoodoo. “Well, if he wants to fully recover and get back to maximum strength, then I suggest he take it easy over the next couple of weeks,” she says much louder so he can hear.
He grumbles under his breath something about ‘damn women’while grabbing the last of his things. “I feel fine, doc. I could have gone home days ago.”
She tilts her head. “That’s not what your tests were saying. But just make sure to rest when you need it. Most people die from what you’ve been through, Hoodoo. You should consider yourself extremely lucky.”
He exhales and nods. “I do, and thank you and your team for all you’ve done for me. I appreciate it.”
“All right, you need anything, and I meananything,you call or pop back in. For now, though, you’re good to go.”
“Thanks, doc,” I tell her as I walk over to Hoodoo and grab his bag from him.
He narrows his eyes at me like he’s annoyed I’m treating him like an invalid, but I don’t give one single shit right now because he needs to take it easy. “C’mon, old man, let’s get you back to the clubhouse.”
He groans. “Fuck me! Why does it have to be you? Don’t you have to be at The Plantation?”
I smirk and shrug. “Luckily, we hired five new workers to take on the load. They’re doing okay and can work without us for a little while. I check in when I need to.”
“Fine, just take me home,” he grumbles, walking out ahead.
I giggle—I simply can’t help it. The thrill of being able to take Hoodoo home after all this is incredible. Grudge is waiting at the door as the escort ride home. I tip my head at him, and he smiles in return as I continue, spotting Nurse Charlotte on our way out. “Thank you for everything, Charlotte,” I call out, and Hoodoo stops.
“Yes, thanks. Appreciate you,” he states honestly, and Charlotte grins wide, dipping her head.
“Honestly, you were a pleasure. You take care of yourself. No offense, but I hope I don’t see you in here again any time soon.”
Hoodoo laughs. “Fuck! I hope not too. You’re a great nurse, Charlotte. You need a pay raise for what you do.”
She dips her head. “I’m a nurse because I love this line of work, but I do have another job. I work on the side to keep the money coming in. I need to pay bills, my college tuition fees, and general everyday living. Us nurses really do need a wage increase.”
Hoodoo and I both exhale. “Sorry to hear that, Charlotte. But if it is any consolation, you’re a fucking great nurse, so don’t give up.”
She shrugs. “Never could… I love it too much. Now go, get out of here. And don’t find a reason to come back now, you hear me?”
Hoodoo chuckles. “Yes, ma’am.” He winks at Charlotte, then turns toward me, and we walk for the exit.
Charlotte steps out in front of Hoodoo, halting his exit. “Wait a second. You can’t just walk out.”
We both look at her as she glances over her shoulder at an orderly wheeling a wheelchair over to us. I burst out laughing as Hoodoo widens his eyes while shaking his head. “Fuck, no. You’re not getting me in that thing.”
I know I’m a real bitch for loving this so much, but the look on his face is priceless right now. I place my hand on his shoulder and dip my chin. “Hey, you’ve been through a lot. You really should take it easy and let them wheel you out.”
“No. Fucking. Way.” He grunts out the words.
Charlotte smiles, raising her brow. “Unfortunately, it’s hospital policy. It’s a legal requirement that every patient leaves the hospital in a wheelchair. Your body is our responsibility until you’re officially out of the doors of the building. So either you leave in this wheelchair or get back into that hospital bed… your choice.”
Biting my lips together to stop myself from laughing, I watch as Hoodoo’s face turns red with anger. He turns to me, his nostrils flaring. “I’m not a fucking invalid.”
“I know, and this doesn’t make you one. Just take the free ride. It’s only to the exit. Then you can walk like the big man you are, okay?” I tell him.
A low growl reverbs from his chest, and he reluctantly flops down into the wheelchair, his entire body slumping like a spoiled child as he folds his arms over his chest. “Fucking, motherfucker,” he mumbles under his breath.
“See… isn’t so bad, is it?” Charlotte asks, fighting her smile.
