“Knock, knock,” a woman called from the door. “Hi, I’m Dr. Daniels. Why are we seeing you today?”
I started gagging again before I could explain. Savior placed Hurley in my hands and answered the doctor for me.
“Have you had any other symptoms?”
I nodded and held up one finger. As soon as I could speak, I said, “I have this dull ache in my chest. I didn’t really notice it until I was trying to catch my breath, but I think it’s been there for a few days. I woke up covered in sweat last night and this morning, and the nausea and vomiting has been significantly worse over the past few days.”
She nodded and walked to the sink to wash her hands. “I’m just going to check a few things,” she said and proceeded to feel all around my neck and shoulders. Then, she brought out that damned light and shined it in every orifice above my belly button.
“I know this probably won’t be pleasant for you, but I need to feel your abdomen. I’ll try not to press hard,” she said, not waiting for me to agree. She was true to her word and was finished quickly.
“Okay, we’re going to give you some fluids. I’m going to order some lab work, and we’ll get you something for nausea. Is there anything else you need?”
“I would do just about anything for a toothbrush.”
“I think we can arrange that. But, I don’t want you to eat or drink anything for right now.”
“No argument here,” I promised.
“Do you want me to call your mom?” Savior asked.
“Yes, but tell her not to come up here just yet,” I said.
I closed my eyes and tried to breathe through the nausea. I knew there was nothing in my stomach and I dreaded dry-heaving.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll call as soon as we know something, and I won’t leave her side,” Savior said.
“You don’t have to stay with me. You probably need to get back to work.”
“I’m not leaving you here. Bronze and Batta were already there working out, so they’re going to cover for me.”
“Thank them for me.”
“I will,” he said and paused. “I’ve been meaning to ask you…are you okay financially? Because I can help out if you’re not.”
“Thank you, but I’ve got everything under control,” I replied and didn’t offer any other explanation. I didn’t want to think about the fact that I was fine because of my husband’s life insurance, and I’m sure he didn’t want to think about that either.
“Do you have a job?”
I snorted and shook my head. “I’ve really kept you at a distance,” I mumbled to myself. “I’m a graphic designer. I create book covers, logos, and promotional graphics for authors.”
“So, you work from home?”
I nodded. “For the most part, but I can work from anywhere if I have my laptop,” I explained.
“Can you show me some of your designs?” he asked.
“Sure. Let me see your phone.”
I internally smiled when he handed it over without an ounce of hesitation. I pulled up my website and clicked on my premade covers section before handing it back to him. “These are some that I currently have for sale.”
He spent a good ten minutes scrolling through my designs, zooming in and out on several. “These are really good. Did you say you do logos, too?”
“Yeah. Scroll back up to the top and click on the logos tab.”
After scrolling through that section, he looked up with a smile. “Will you design a new logo for the gym?”
“If you’re serious, yes. But, if you’re just asking because you feel some sort of obligation to me, then the answer is no.”
