“Me either. I love you. Never forget.”
“I won’t, because you are going to be around to tell me every single day.”
“It’s a deal, baby,” Reese beams, the blue of the sea illuminating the color of his sapphire eyes. “Be ready.”
“Oh, I’m ready, moto,” I lean into him, “and waiting.”
39
Dev
Ilisten to the strong thump of Reese’s heart through the stethoscope.
It sounds normal. If I believed in God, I’d thank him for small favors. I don’t like some of his preliminary test results. We’ll need to do a more vigorous screening when we get home, but I have a feeling, in the interest of prudence, I will recommend Reese get a pacemaker.And possibly be put on bed rest for the remainder of his life.The damage is severe, and I want to take every available precaution.
“Good?” he asks, restlessly. I suspect the great Reese Dane is a little nervous.
“Good.” I hang the scope around my neck. “Just remember your breathing exercises, and if you feel lightheaded, slow down. Losing is better than dead.”
Reese laughs. “That’s what Dad used to say.”
“I know.” I punch his arm. He’s leathered up and ready to go.
“You have no idea how many times I wished he was here. Got to see me race professionally just once.” Reese wrings his hands together.
“Man, he has seen you race. He has the best seat in the house.”
“Yeah,” he agrees, melancholy. “Dev, I need you to promise me something. I know we’ve had a bit of a bumpy ride the last few months, but if anything happens . . . Today, or in the future.Promiseme you’ll take care of them.”
“Hey. Nothing’s going to happen. You’re Reese fucking Dane. You’re a legend. Legends don’t talk like that.”
“Sick ones do.” He bounces his leg agitatedly.
“We’re gonna fix you up, bro.”
“Do you think it’s too late? Too late to fix the damage?”
I choose my next words wisely. “No, I don’t.”
He blows out some hot hair, scratching his scalp tensely with all ten fingers.
“Hey, I’m telling you now. These hands are medical weapons. And they’re going to do a number on you.” That gets a grin out of him.
“Just say it. It will put me at ease.”
“I promise I’ll pick up your slack.” I try to keep it light. The last thing anyone needs is Reese getting in his own head.
“Knock, knock.” Kayla walks into the trailer. “Everyone decent?”
“Unfortunately,” Reese jests as she comes to stand beside him. She’s wearing a sunny yellow dress, her long dark hair a stark and beautiful contrast to the vibrant color.
“How’s the patient?”
“Ready to roll.” I stand up. I may be here to support Reese, but seeing them together still kills me. Like, suffocates, stabs, and poisons me all at once. “I’ll be outside.”
“Hey!” Reese steals my scope. “Think we can hear the heartbeat?” He sticks in the earpieces.
This is where I take my expedited leave. Kayla laughs as Reese moves the resonator around her stomach.
