Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
6
SHAE
Ilook down at my phone. The vibrating hasn’t stopped, which is the number one reason I keep it on silent. Between my parents, my brother, and my sister, it hasn’t quit since I got out of the hospital. My dad insisted he and Mom stay the first night, and I’d allowed them to with reluctance. I also regretted it instantly. They were adamant that I sleep in my bed, and they took the couch. Sleep came, but only because the drive home, a shower, and a full belly, plus the half of the pain pill I’d been convinced to take knocked me out.
The next morning, I felt better. Mom and Dad were already up and moving around, being quiet so as to not wake me, but I’d had enough of lazing in bed. We had a cup of coffee together, and Mom made breakfast, this time keeping it light on the cooking with toasted bagels, cream cheese, and eggs, which were for Dad.
When they left, I picked up a few things around my apartment, making sure to walk as often as possible without lifting anything too heavy. Coralynn came over later on, bringing me goodies to pass my time. Coloring books, the adult kind with dick and boob illustrations, coloring pencils, magazines, and she even hit up my favorite gas station for a fountain drink with the good ice. Pebbled or chipped, it’s the best and an indulgence. I make it a treat for myself, or you would find me there every day. I’d also be strung out on caffeine and unable to sleep at night.
She hung out with me until I started yawning, then Coralynn made a pitiful excuse to leave. Of course, this was after she questioned me about McHottie for Doctor Camden and McBroody for Doctor Gallo. I held steady. I didn’t bring up the fact that unless I’m sleeping, I’m thinking about a certain doctor who made my insides quiver like never before.
A day later, Lyric, Lennie, Kenny, Winnie, and Maci bombarded me in a group text, telling me to be ready by eleven o’clock sharp Sunday morning. It was time to be introduced into the fold, and they weren’t taking no for an answer. I replied that I could drive, but Lyric shut me down, telling me not to bother. My place is on the way, which I doubted very much, but I went along with it. I’d offered to bring something, hating to arrive empty handed. I’d been shut down once again, this time by Lennie.
“Thank you for inviting me,” I say once we’re inside Asher and Lennie’s house, going straight to them to say hello. Jagger and Lyric meander through the throng of friends and children. Winnie’s son clings to her leg, begging to go swimming.
“No need to thank me. I’m pretty sure I strong-armed you,” Lennie jokes, her belly getting in the way of our hug, and a slight tinge of uncomfortableness with my healing abdomen doesn’t help.
“Glad to have you here. Grab a drink, a snack, and make yourself at home. We’re missing a few, but they’ll show up. I’ll fire up the grill here soon,” Asher says, pulling me into a side hug before he walks away.
“Who’s getting in the pool?” Kennedy comes up beside me, bringing the girls with her.
“Me. I’m going to look like a beached whale, but who cares?” Lennie says.
“You will not,” I reply.
“Well, make that times two, because I’ll be right there beside you,” Winnie follows up.
“Whatever. We’re pregnant and hot,” Maci says. She has a slight roundness to her stomach but isn’t near as far along as Lennie and Winnie.
“Touché.” Kennedy high fives her.
“It’s too hot not to,” Lyric states the whole truth. She turns her attention to me. “Are you getting in with us?”
“Nope, not this time. No swimming, no tampons, no heavy lifting, and no sex for two weeks, minimum. I probably shouldn’t even be here, but the thought of sitting at home and staring at four walls is unbearably boring.” When I dressed for today, I did it for not only comfort but also to beat the Florida heat and humidity. I’m sure I’ll still be drenched with sweat at some point today, unless I hunker down inside the house, an idea that defeats the purpose of getting out of my place in the first place.
It took a lot of deep digging to find something that would fit decently and not hit me where my incisions are. A pair of deep burgundy running shorts that are pulled higher than I’d usually wear them, a black strappy sports bra, and a cropped white tee complete the ensemble of being semi put together. I did have the good sense to wear a pair of flip flops just in case the decking gets wet. A baseball cap to ward off the sun complete the look.