I was happy to see her in the sense that I adored her, but not happy to see her in the sense that she always told me the cold, hard truth.
And she was doling out said truth right now, and I was not in the fucking mood to hear it.
“Look, buddy, if you don’t get some serious PT, you’re gonna lose use of your hand and arm,” Katie warned.
I scowled. “And how the fuck am I gonna do that, Kate, if I can’t leave Hatch’s home or the compound?”
She sighed. “Haven’t figured out that part yet.”
“And, maybe we don’t talk to Katie like an asshole,” Hatch suggested, walking into the room. Of course, his suggestion wasn’t a suggestion, and I knew it.
“Sorry, Katie,” I said.
She smiled as Hatch made his way to her and kissed her cheek. “Hey, sweetheart.”
“Hey, yourself.”
Hatch nodded toward me. “I think we can get you to PT and back without raising any red flags.”
“Yeah?” Katie asked, hopefully.
“You just gotta dress like a civilian.”
“What does that mean?” Katie asked.
“No cut, no colors, nothing to indicate you’re in a club,” Hatch said.
I frowned. “No fuckin’ way. I don’t roll up anywhere undressed, Hatch. You know this.”
“It’s temporary, brother.”
I scoffed. “You’re my prez, how can you ask me to do this? It goes against our code.”
“I’d rather you not be dead than follow any kinda code right now, kid,” he said.
I scowled deeper.
Hatch raised an eyebrow. “Have one of the girls or a prospect drive you. Cash has some time, he can drive you too. We switch up cars and routes each time.”
“Why can’tyoudo my PT?” I asked Katie.
“Because I’m not a physical therapist.” She patted my cheek, a little harder than might be necessary. “Plus, you’ll be way nicer to someone else.”
“Hey, I apologized.”
“Yeah, but the fact you had to apologize in the first place proves my point.”
“Fair.” I reached for her hand with my good one and gave it a squeeze. “I really am sorry, sweetheart.”
“All good, buddy.” She smiled. “I am happy to drive you, though. And sit in on the first appointment if that makes you feel better.”
“That’d be great.” I released her hand. “Thanks.”
“You ready to shower?” she asked.
I tried not to let the humiliation sink into my bones. “Yeah.”
Hatch and Katie helped me into the bathroom where Hatch helped me undress, then Katie slid on my cast covers, before Hatch was up again to guide me into the shower chair. He covered my dick with a hand towel, then Katie walked back in.
