“Do you need an ambulance, or do you think you can make it to the car?”
“The car. Fuck, Parker. What do I do if it’s broken?”
There was absolutely no doubt in Parker’s mind that Harvey’s arm was badly injured—the wrist, the thumb? He wasn’t sure, but one thing was clear—it was a serious injury, not just a simple sprain. He didn’t know if it was broken or dislocated, or both, but at least there wasn’t any blood—something to be thankful for, given Ravi’s worried expression as he arrived back with an armful of things.
“I grabbed everything you asked for and got you a jacket, Harvey. Those hospitals can be freezing.”
“Let me grab my stuff and we’ll go,” Parker said. He patted Harvey on his good shoulder. “It’s going to be okay, Harvey, you’ll see.”
He just hoped to hell he was right.
11
They all sat around Harvey’s living room, the whole band turning up as soon as Harvey had been released from the hospital after his emergency surgery. It was the first time they’d gotten to hear all the details.
“I still can’t believe it happened.” RG shook his head.
“It’s such bad timing,” Gibbo said.
“Have they said how long till you can play again?” RG asked. “Maybe you can manage somehow?”
“Don’t be an idiot.” Gibbo shoved RG’s arm. “Of course he can’t play.”
“He’s right. I wouldn’t even be able to play your drums at this point. I can’t hold a drumstick, let alone move my fingers.” Harvey’s words were heavy, his features tight.
Rafe couldn’t remember seeing Harvey look so down. He was obviously tired, in pain, and dealing with a shit ton at the moment. He wished there was something he could do or say to make things better, but Harvey was right—he wouldn’t be playing anytime soon, and certainly not at performance level.
“I’m so sorry, mate.” The words were inadequate; he just hoped Harvey knew how much he meant them. He couldn’t imagine himself in the same position, having his dreams ripped away, albeit temporarily—fingers crossed—and over something so stupid.
“You’d think I could have at least buggered up my arm by falling down a cliff rather than tripping over groceries. I’m never going to live this down.” Harvey’s smile was thin, but at least it was there.
“Yeah, it doesn’t make for a very dramatic story, does it?” This from Parker, who entered from the kitchen carrying a tray of mugs. “But we should be grateful it isn’t worse.”
“That’s true,” Harvey said, reaching for a mug with his good hand. “But it still fucking sucks.”
Ravi, who was sitting beside him, leaned across and grabbed the mug, placing it in front in Harvey. “It’s time for your meds, plus you should eat something before you drink that. I know you haven’t eaten properly today, and you’ll be buzzing from the caffeine.”
Harvey screwed up his nose. “Hospital food. Do you blame me?”
“I’ll go scramble you some eggs.” Ravi patted his knee and stood.
Rafe smiled at his retreating back. He was a good friend. Between Ravi and Parker, Harvey would be well looked after.
He hated to remind Harvey of the details of his injury, but they really needed to know what they were dealing with. “What did the doc say? Any idea of the prognosis?”
Harvey sighed and slumped back against the cushions. “It’s a distal radius fracture. Basically I busted one of the bones in my arm when I put out my hands to stop my fall. The problem is, I snapped it in two places, plus my thumb got caught in the shopping bag and dislocated with some ligament damage, so it’s not straightforward. Given how important my hands are to my career, they decided to operate immediately to pin the bones and repair the ligament tear. I have to wear the cast for six weeks or so, although they’ll change it in a couple of weeks when the swelling goes down. Then it’ll be a matter of seeing how it goes.”
“So how long until you can play again?” RG asked, this time a lot less blasé.
Harvey shrugged. “It’ll depend on rehab.”
“You had Sydney’s top orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hands and wrists, and we’ll get you the absolute best therapist, Harvey. Don’t you worry, you’ll be back and playing in no time.” Nigel’s tone was upbeat, and he meant to be reassuring, but Harvey didn’t look convinced.
Rafe looked around their small group. None of them looked optimistic, all of them downcast and not meeting Harvey’s eyes. All except Parker, who looked at his brother with compassion. He saw them exchange a small nod, communicating something silently. Again, he was grateful that Harvey would have his brother’s support. That led him to another thought.
“Hey, Harvey. What did the doctor say about travelling OS? Perhaps the US office can hook us up with some specialists if you need some follow-up appointments while we’re gone. What do you think, Nigel?”
“I’m sure they—”
