Page 91 of Wrecked

I take a few awkward steps from the bed toward the window. Beth’s right behind me, like a shadow, getting ready to keep me from toppling over. This time I manage to make it all the way to the window, turn, and start hobbling back to the bed. I make it just in time because we hear footsteps coming.

I climb back in bed, and Beth returns the crutches to the corner.

When Cooper enters the room, we’re both sitting on the bed acting like nothing happened. Frowning, he asks me, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Why?”

“Your face is red. Are you in pain?”

“No.”

Beth hops up from the bed. “What he needs is ice cream,” she says, as she races off. “Be right back!”

Sure enough, Beth returns with two bowls of chocolate chip ice cream. She climbs into bed beside me, and we eat while watching TV.

Each day, Beth helps me practice a few minutes with the crutches. Slowly, I get better at using them, and my leg hurts less when I do. I think I’ll be ready for the wedding. I just hope my big plan doesn’t blow up in my face.

* * *

Finally, after what seems like forever, Beth and Shane are finished with all the wedding preparations. It’s time! Cooper packs an overnight bag for me and one for himself. We’ll be traveling together to the Kenilworth house for the ceremony. Shane’s gigantic family will be there, along with a few close family friends. Everyone’s planning to spend the night at the estate. It’ll be one long weekend celebration.

I’m packed and ready to go, just killing time in bed—my usual position—watching aTransformersmovie on the TV, when there’s a knock on my door. “Come in.”

Beth walks in. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound upbeat when I feel anything but. Cooper and I will be spending an entire weekend in a large house with lots of people. How’s he going to handle that? Is he going to revert to his old ways and ignore me when others are around? I don’t think I could bear that again.

She frowns. “What’s wrong?”

I shrug. “Everything.” I know I sound like a petulant brat, but I can’t help it.

She tries not to laugh. “Care to be more specific? Maybe I can help.”

I point to the crutches, which are propped against the wall. “I want to bring those to the wedding, but Cooper won’t let me.” Then I get a bright idea. “Can you sneak them into the Escalade for me?”

“Why doesn’t he want you to bring them?”

“Because he thinks I’m not ready to be upright yet. But I need those crutches, badly.”

She frowns, not following. “Can’t you use the wheelchair at the house? The house is fully accessible, there’s even an elevator.”

“I want to stand up on my own power, so to speak, during the reception and ask Cooper to dance with me.”

Beth’s eyes widen. “Um, are you sure you want to do that? You’ve noticed that Cooper’s sort of tight-lipped about the two of you, right? Do you think asking him to dance in front of a room full of people is a good idea?”

“I know, but what better place for us to come out than a room filled with our friends? These are people we know and trust. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Beth doesn’t seem to agree. “Sam…”

“I’m doing it!” I insist. “Will you help me?”

“I guess I could ask Shane to put them in the Escalade.” She still doesn’t look convinced. “Are you sure about this?”

I don’t care if this is a bad idea or not. “I’m tired of hiding us. Yes, I’m sure.”

When Beth leaves my room, she takes the crutches with her and goes in search of her husband-to-be. I know if Beth asks him to put them in the SUV, he’ll do it.

* * *