“I’m fine. I promise.” I nod.
But I’m not fine. And I find out as sure as the cast on my arm, just how not fine I really am, soon enough.
Chapter 10
Gunner
Blake pats me on the back. “Come on, I’ll take you.” He says, reminding me that I have to go to the hospital to get my cast removed. I so don’t want to go, but I can’t wait to get this goddamn thing off.
“What’s the matter, man? I thought you’d be tickled to be free of that thing.”
“I am. I just…I’m not thrilled about going back to the hospital.”
He frowns as we walk to his truck. “You’ve never been spooked by hospitals before. Well, maybe when mama was in that mental hospital, but that was different.”
“No, it’s not that, man.” I shake my head as we hop into the cab of the truck.
“Then what’s going on, man? This have anything to do with last week, when Tucker was born? When you came back looking like you’d just seen an old dude walking around without any shorts?” he says with an innocent chuckle.
“Yeah, I guess.” I rake a hand through my hair. “I ran into Ava in the gift shop.”
Recognition comes to his face as he inserts the key into the ignition. “Ava…that’s the one…” he trails off, letting me fill in the blank.
“Yes.” I nod. “The one that dropped me like a stone.”
“Happens all the time, partner. I don’t know why this one’s got you all bent outta shape.”
I don’t answer at first. Then Blake draws his own conclusion. “You’re still in love with her.” He says soberly, as we drive up the street.
“I fucking hate her, man. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I just don’t want to run into her again. It was so fucking awkward, I think I’d rather keep this goddamn thing on longer.” I say, raising my cast.
“Hate’s a strong word, boy. And I don’t think that anyone would say it and mean it given your situation. Not like she cheated on you or anything, man, you’re just hurting is all.”
“I still don’t want to see her.” I say, point blank.
He raises a hand off the steering wheel. “I get it, man. And chances are you’re not going to see her there. Not unless you set out to go back to the damn gift shop.”
“I’m not setting foot in there.” I say pointedly.
After a beat, Blake adds. “Besides, you’ll get over her quick enough. You’re young, and there will be plenty of other women, especially when y’all go back to school in a few weeks. It’s just too bad that you aren’t going back with the cast still on. Chicks love that shit. You know…the vulnerable guy.” He teases. I give him a look and he smiles. “Hey, man, I’m just trying to help.”
***
“Everything looks great, Gunner.” The surgeon says. My cast is removed, and the skin looks reptilian.
“You’re going to need some sun on that.” Blake says flippantly.
“Now, I’ve got y’all set up with a physiotherapist, so no heavy lifting with that arm yet, okay?”
“Gotcha.”
“You’ll be back to normal again in no time.”
“Can I drive?”
“Sure, you can. Just no lifting.” He advises. “Y’all have any trouble, you can come see me, but otherwise you are free and clear.”
“Thanks, man.”
