Gio kissed Joker’s temple. “We’ll worry about that another time.”
A few minutes later, the curtains parted, and a tall, dark-haired man in a white coat walked in. He shook Joker’s hand. “Mr. Wilder, I’m Dr. Marley.” He turned and shook Gio’s hand. “Mr. Galanos.”
“Hello, doctor,” Gio replied. “Thank you for looking after Sacha.”
“Yeah, thanks. What’s broken?” Joker braced himself. As if he didn’t already know what the doctor was going to say.
“I’m afraid you fractured your tibia.”
“Great,” Joker mumbled.
“The good news is, it’s a minor fracture, so no surgery is needed. You’ll have to wear a cast for about six weeks.”
He supposed it could have been worse. At least it wasn’t broken. The doctor showed him his X-rays and explained everything, then walked him through the next steps. When he was done, a couple nurses came in with a bunch of supplies, and before Joker knew it, he had a bright white cast that went from below his knee to just above his toes. They’d also had to cut his pant leg. Gio managed to get Joker’s sock over his toes and half his foot, but some larger socks were clearly in order.
A few hours later, Joker was back in the SUV on the way to the cabin with crutches and a walking brace boot. When they got inside the cabin, Red helped him up the stairs to their room with Gio close behind, carrying Joker’s newly acquired equipment. Chip and Cookie waited for them at the top of the stairs like good boys. Inside their room, Joker sat on the edge of the bed and sighed in relief.
“You should get some rest,” Red said. “I’ll check on you later. Is there anything I can get you?”
“No, but there’s something you can take with you.”
Red smiled knowingly. “I’ll let them know that you’re napping.”
“Thanks.” The last thing Joker needed was to have the Boyfriend Collective hovering over him, making a big fuss, except for Gio. He didn’t mind if Gio fussed over him. Or ran his fingers through Joker’s hair. Or kissed him.
“I know you’re going to get tired of hearing this, but are you sure there’s nothing you need?” Gio asked as he helped Joker lay back against the wall of pillows he’d just arranged and fluffed. He covered Joker in a cozy blanket and sat on the edge of the bed where Joker was currently being puppy-eyed by two dogs.
“I’m good,” Joker replied through a yawn. Why was he so tired? “Oh wait, there is something.” He tapped his lips, and Gio leaned in with a chuckle, kissing him sweetly. It ended way too soon. Joker huffed. “Why are you stopping?”
“Because you need to rest. I’m going downstairs to grab you a water bottle and make you a hot drink.”
“Okay.” Joker closed his eyes, smiling when Chip snuggled up close, shoving his face under Joker’s hand so he could pet him. He let out a little whine, and Joker sighed. “I’m okay, boy.” He’d intended on just closing his eyes for a few minutes, but it had clearly been much longer, considering that when he woke up, it was dark outside.
Also, Ace was sitting in the armchair near the bed. Weird.
“How long have you been there?” Joker murmured, side-eyeing his friend.
“You probably don’t want me to answer that.”
That was wise. “Where’s Gio?”
“Downstairs, helping Red make you some chicken and dumpling soup.”
Joker’s mouth watered. HelovedRed’s chicken and dumpling soup. “That’s one of my favorites.”
“That’s why they’re making it.”
With a grunt, Joker pushed himself up into a sitting position. Ace jumped to his feet and rushed over.
“I can sit up by myself,” Joker warned. “What are you doing here?”
Ace sat on the edge of the bed, looking all pouty. “Are you mad?”
“No.” Joker grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. He might as well put on a movie, seeing as he wasn’t going anywhere tonight.
“Is that you saying no or the drowsiness saying no?”
“I’m not mad, and I’m not drowsy.”
