I look at him and frown. “Do Ineedto take that?”
“Yes, you do, sweetie,” he says. “I’m sorry, Dee. What happened last night with the paparazzi—”
“Not your fault. It’s mine. I should’ve realized they’d come after me once the news of our split was leaked. I’m sorry they came here, and I fully understand if you want me to move out because of the attention that will be focused on your home now,” I say. I know how much Joseph likes his privacy, so he wouldnotbe keen to have twenty reporters camped on his front doorstep.
“Don’t be daft. You’re not going anywhere. No one is coming into the condo other than people we know. So don’t worry about your safety or your privacy. We’ve got you, Dee,” Joseph replies, placing the tray on the end of the bed.
“So, you haven’t told me how you’re feeling,” he asks, looking at the nearly empty IV bag.
I think through the fog in my head for a moment and know I feel a little better. Not great, but maybe good enough that I might be able to make it downstairs to watch some television.
“Yeah, better. My stomach is damn sore, though. It feels like I’ve done a heavy-duty round of sit-ups. Oh, and I really need to wee,” I admit.
“Well, thanks for that final little tidbit of oversharing. But what I meant was… how are you feeling emotionally?” I swallow, take in a deep breath, and then let it out slowly. “That good, eh?” He takes my hand in his.
“Do you think I might be able to have a shower?” I ask, trying to avoid the topic of my emotional state.
He smirks and chuckles. “Please do. I think a shower would be a great idea.”
“Sorry. I know I’m disgusting. I can feel it.”
“Well, if Danny did to me what that arsehole has done to you, I’d be the same,” Joseph says, and I half-smile. “Do you want to shower now? I can get Danny to unplug your drip if you like?”I nod slowly. “Okay, I’ll chat with Danny and be right back.” He stands and walks out.
Slowly, I move my legs out of bed. Princess is on the floor, jumping on my legs, so I pet her furry head. Footsteps sound in the hall, and Joseph and Danny walk in, hand in hand.
“Hey Dee, how are you feeling?” Danny asks as he steps over and fiddles with the drip in my hand. He’s so gentle, I can’t help but smile.
“I’m okay. A bit weak, but at least I can keep my eyes open,” I reply as he sits on the bed beside me.
“That’s good. Joseph tells me you want a shower?” Danny inquires with kind eyes. “I think that’s a great idea, but you’ll need to be careful. You’re still weak. Your body is in recovery mode. Make sure not to have the shower too hot,” Danny states sternly.
“How do you know about all of this medical stuff?” I ask.
“I used to be a nurse. My family comes from a line of medical professionals. I gave it up because it wasn’t for me. I’m the black sheep of the family for not continuing in medicine like everyone else. But I’m happy, even if they aren’t,” he replies with a slight chuckle.
“Well, I’m glad you’re happy. Everyone should be happy and do what they want in life.” I go to stand and wobble slightly.
“Take it easy.” Joseph takes hold of my arm to steady me.
“Maybe after your shower, you can come downstairs, and we can watchThor.A good lusting after Chris Hemsworth is the best medicine,” Danny says.
“Oooh, I’d like that.”
Danny stands and walks toward the door. “I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”
Joseph helps me walk to the ensuite, then lets me go, but stays to watch and ensure I don’t fall. He must see howexhausted I am and leans in, turning on the faucet and waiting for it to reach the right temperature.
“Okay, you going to be all right?” he asks, looking at me, concerned.
I fake a smile as I really don’t know how much longer I can hold myself up.
I wish there were a bath.
“I’m fine, thanks, Joseph. You’ve been amazing.”
He leans in, kisses my forehead, and walks out, closing the ensuite door.
I exhale, trying to hold myself up and remove my shirt, but I’m having trouble lifting my arms above my head. They’re so damn heavy. I make a few attempts and am exhausted already, so I slump against the wall, making a thud when my body hits it. The door creaks open, and Joseph peeks inside. He sees me struggling to stand, silently walks in, and lifts me, holding me to him.
