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“While we concentrate on the heel, we don’t want to overlook the knee. I’ll need to focus on both injuries, but know the knee relies on the Achilles repaired. Only when my heel and foot can take ninety percent of my weight, will we get a determination of the range of motion and functionality in my knee.” I recite the information from my research and knowledge of muscular mobility.
“Impressive. Yes, to all you said. But that’s where the balance comes in. Read your body.”
“Not a problem,” I answer a little too quickly.
He cocks an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Eagerness and impatience can lead to overexertion, which will counteract the desired results.”
“He’s right.” Evin cups my cheek. “You don’t have to be Wonder Woman. There’s nothing to prove.”
I grip his hand, lacing our fingers. “You’re wrong. I have to prove to Dr. Rexwell that it’s safe for him to sign off on my care. It’s the only way for us to go to Charleston while I recover.”
His body jerks, complete surprise washing over his face. I take advantage of his shock, turning back to Dr. Rexwell before Evin can argue.
“I am eager and impatient, but mostly I’m determined. Evin’s home is in South Carolina. When you think it’s appropriate, I’d like to continue my rehabilitation in Charleston.”
“So, you’re not only eager, you’re eager to get away from me?” The glint of humor is back.
“No,” Evin speaks up. “I want you to manage her care. We’ll fly back every two weeks if you require it. Another doctor isn’t good enough.”
“That sounded mildly like a compliment.”
“Take it as you will. If Poppy wants to go,” he looks down at me, narrowing his eyes agitatedly, “to our home, we will do whatever it takes to remain under your care.”
“I’ll need to look into who’s running the Orthopedic—”
“You’ll have his contact information in an hour—I’ve already spoken to him personally—as well as the highest-rated Physical Therapy group in the state,” Evin finishes.
A small giggle bubbles up and I squeeze his hand, explaining, “Evin isn’t only obsessively detailed and slightly neurotic, he also has personal connections.”
Dr. Rexwell grins arrogantly. “As long as they can stand to be second in charge.”
“He knows. You just guide us to get Poppy ready to go.”
“I’ll see you again in ten days and we’ll make an assessment. Her therapist will have a say, but my guess is she’ll be ready to travel.”
“That seems a little soon to be safe.”
“You aren’t the first patient to have this request.”
“I trust you,” I blurt out, jerking Evin’s hand to stop him from disagreeing.
“You’re moving to three days a week therapy. The nurse will come back and redress your incisions and help get your braces on.”
“Thank you.”
“One more thing. It’s been three weeks now,” Evin states, and Dr. Rexwell turns, halfway at the door.
They share a conspiring look.
“Mr. Graham, three weeks is sufficient if she’s feeling well. But I’ll stick to my original advice about considering protection.”
My skin flames everywhere and I can’t look at the man as I slink back onto the table. “You did not ask my doctor for permission to have sex!”
“No, I asked him when it was safe. The only person who gives me permission is you. He recommended at least three weeks if you went back on the pill. He also suggested using additional protection until your first cycle. But that’s not an issue now.”
“Oh my God, we have to sneak out. I can’t face him again. This is humiliating.”
“Why don’t we discuss your decision to move?” Evin props on the exam table, completely ignoring my frantic attempt to reach my brace.
“There’s nothing to discuss. Now help me.”
“Poppy.” His finger goes under my chin and tilts my face to him. “Talk to me. An hour ago, you were dead set on pushing me home alone and scared of more change.”
“An hour ago, I was selfish.”
He scowls, his eyes darkening. “Being afraid of change isn’t selfish.”
“I was thinking about only me and wasn’t willing to open my mind to the advantages.”
“What changed?”
“Seeing those videos.”
The darkness in his gaze softens into concern. “Baby, that wasn’t my intention.”
“I know, but a switch flipped and things cleared. It was a well-timed reality check. Those videos reminded me of other important things happening. We should go back to Charleston when Rexwell approves. Like you said in the hospital before my surgery, the support system is better.”
“I’m not sure you can get better support than Ryanne and Dante.”
“Dante is drowning in guilt. He’s scared to talk to me about the Cirque shows, his extra dances classes, or the company training.”
“He’s being considerate of your feelings.”
“Exactly! He’s trying to shield me and it’s exhausting for him.”
“What about Ryanne?”
“She’s been trying to get me to see reason; you overheard her.”
“We’ll see how the therapy and next appointment go.”
“Be prepared for it to go my way. I’ll wow him with my progress, even if I can’t look him in the eye because you discussed our sex life with him.”
