She shook her head. “No, it’s not the injury. I mean, you’re right, this was a bad tear, but according to this x-ray it’s healing, but should still be rested. Heavily. Why the concern about the speed of recovery? Insurance issues?”
“No, insurance is fine.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Never mind. I’m over thinking this case and part of me just wants it to be over and done with.”
“Are you having trouble with your patient?” Kelsey asked.
“Yes. No. Yes, I don’t know,” I replied.
“Is he making you feel unsafe?” Kelsey asked, her tone darkening.
I waved my hands. “Oh, no. Nothing like that.You know what? Never mind. I think I’m just overly tired. I’m sorry to waste your time.”
“You don’t have to apologize for anything. I’m here any time you need me.”
“Thank you,” I said, grateful she didn’t press any further. I was still trying to figure out how I felt about Gio and would hate to drag Kelsey through my work/life imbalance drama. I was probably already bound to face the ethics committee, and I’d hate for her to have to testify against me.
“The x-ray looks good, Waverly. I mean, this guy’s shoulder is jacked, but I don’t see any red flags for now but hit me up any time you need another set of eyes. And remember,” she said, lowering her eyes. “You can talk to me aboutanything.”
“Thanks, Kels. I appreciate that.”
I headed into my next appointment, trying my best to put Gio out of my mind.
* * *
The next day, I pulled up to the sprawling house in Felida, and after grabbing my bag and walking up to the porch, I rang the doorbell. Gio mentioned he was staying with friends while he rehabbed, and my initial thought was, ‘nice friends.’
The home was in a custom neighborhood with giant lots, no less than three-car garages and beautiful landscaping that showed every single person took pride in where they lived. They also all appeared to have money.
The door opened, pulling me out of my thoughtsand a beautiful blonde woman appeared before me like a vision. “You must be Waverly,” she said with the soft lilt of a British accent.
“Ah, yes, hi. I am.”
“I’m Maisie. Come on in.”
I stepped inside and followed her through the house toward the back. I nearly tripped over my feet by the clear opulence of the home, although, the décor was absolutely warm and inviting. It was like someone had taken all of my favorite things and put them in this giant house.
I was in awe.
“Jesus!” I heard Gio snap.
“Calm your tits,” another deep voice snapped back.
“Oh, they’re at it again,” Maisie said with a sigh, calling out. “Gentlemen, we have a visitor. Best behavior, please.”
We walked into the great room and a tall man with long, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail at the base of his skull was picking up glass that was shattered next to the chair Gio was currently sitting in, his leg still in a cast, raised on an ottoman in front of him.
“Waverly, this is my husband, Ha...uh, Connor.”
Connor smiled, setting the glass on the table beside him and reaching his hand out to me. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I shook it and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Thank you for making the house call.” Connor nodded toward Gio. “He’s dealin’ with a lot of painright now, so gettin’ him in a car would have been tough.”
I smiled. “Ergo, he would have given you hell if you tried.”
Maisie let out a quiet squeak as she tried to stop a laugh.
Connor, on the other hand, didn’t cover his chuckle. “You’ve gotten to know him, I see.”
