Oh, well, then.
“We’re almost done,” she adds, giving me an encouraging smile. “You’ll be pain-free before you know it.”
I lift my head, prepared to deny it, but Harper’s focused on her work and I don’t want to interrupt. Better to let her concentrate as she builds her confidence.
How the hell did she know my leg is killing me anyway?
Because you’re a piss-poor actor. Obviously.
I hear Harper’s sassy tone in that last bit, and I’m grinning like a fool when I feel the pressure of the IV piercing my skin.
“Backflow?” Nurse Rogers asks.
“Got it,” Harper answers, clear and confident.
“Make sure you advance the catheter before you withdraw the needle.”
Harper nods, a wide grin lighting up her entire face.
“And don’t forget to tape it up good,” Nurse Rogers adds, holding up a wide strip of tape. “We wouldn’t want itfalling outagain.”
No, we definitely wouldn’t want that.
Before I know it, I’m taped up, hooked up, and my pain meds are dripping down the plastic tube at my bedside.
Sweet relief.
Pride shines in Harper’s eyes as she cleans up and disposes of the trash. I can’t tear my eyes away from her. She’s incredible, really. Smart, beautiful, independent. And she’s got a heart the size of Wildcat Stadium.
“Nice work, Nurse Payne,” Nurse Rogers trills. The woman is sparing with her words, but for once, it’s actually a good thing.
Harper and I both gape at Nurse Rogers. I can’t speak for Harper, but it’s the first time I’ve ever heard the lead nurse give her a compliment. I’m so freaking proud of her, I want to leap out of bed and tackle hug her, but, again,fraternization policy.
Plus, there’s the wholeno putting weight on my leg for eight weeksthing.
“Agreed,” I chime in, winking at Harper. “Easiest IV I’ve ever gotten.”
She flushes a deep crimson and tosses her gloves in the trash. “I’m glad to hear it. Let’s just hope it’s also the last one get you for a while, shall we?”
“Amen to that.” If I never see the inside of a hospital again, I’ll die a happy man. “No more rooftops for me. In fact, I’m thinking about trying out this new thing where I stay on the straight and narrow.”
“Oh, really?” Harper crosses her arms over her chest, entirely unconvinced.
“Sure,” I reply, doing my best to sound innocent when we both know I’m anything but. “Who knows? It could be fun.”
She checks to make sure Nurse Rogers isn’t looking and rolls her eyes. “Let me know how that works out.”
I perk up at this, because,opening. “I didn’t realize the hospital had a follow-up care program. Will you be keeping in touch once I’m released, Nurse Payne?”
Harper blinks slowly and her eyes slide to Nurse Rogers, like she can’t believe I would ask such a thing. In front of her supervisor nonetheless.
“No, we do not have afollow-up careprogram,” she says, placing way too much emphasis on the words. It’s pretty obvious what she really means isI will not be keeping in touch. Clearly my work here is not done, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love getting her fired up. She’s so cute when she’s sassy. “But I’m sure your doctor will match you with a great physical therapist to get you back on your feet.”
“Now that you mention it,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck, “I’m pretty sure I’ve met my match.”
Harper’s mouth falls open and it seems I’ve rendered her speechless, because no sound comes out, though her cheeks are a lovely shade of pink.
Nurse Rogers opens the door and I swear to God she actually taps her foot as she waits for Harper to join her.
