“Please come have a seat.” Chase said waving a hand at the couch. This must be about the way she had spoken to Callie she thought to herself.
“Callie, I am very sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier. There is no excuse for my rude behavior.” Lindy said taking a seat against the arm rest of the couch.
“You were upset, I understand. It’s no big deal.” Callie said taking one of Lindy’s hands into hers.
“If you will excuse me, I need to go pack my things.” Lindy said, but Callie tightened her grip keeping her in place.
“I appreciate you apologizing, but that wasn’t what I wanted to speak with you about.” Chase said sitting on the coffee table in front of her, making her feel like they were boxing her in. “I understand that you are upset with us, and you have every right to be, but we still need you.”
“Callie is fine with the twins. I rarely help at all. I will be fine on my own.” Lindy told them wishing she could just run up the stairs and be done with this conversation.
“Please hear us out before you take off.” Chase said watching her close. Apparently, they really had boxed her in for a reason. Crap. Lindy nodded, then Chase continued. “I know it has been a long day, and it hasn’t gone all that well so far, but we can still turn it around. I need you to stay and care for him.”
Lindy’s mouth fell open, they couldn’t possibly expect her to go back and care for him after what had just happened. She looked to Callie, then back to Chase. They were serious, they were delusional.
“Y’all can’t really think I would go back and help him after what just happened. I may be stubborn. But even I know I can’t fix whatever problem he has with me.” She told them shaking her head.
“He will do better, I promise. I can’t say he won’t be grumpy, but he will do what needs to be done to get better, and he will be nicer to you.” Callie told her.
“Look, I knew going in he would be moody. Possibly even down right mean at times, and I can deal with that, but no one deserves to have to deal with someone who hates them.” Lindy bowed her head wishing it were different. If only she knew why he hated her so much, then she could fix it.
“I can guarantee he doesn’t hate you, but I don’t have any answers for you other than that. I talked with him after you left. I can’t tell you everything we talked about, but I can give you one part that may help you to understand where his head is at right now. Before I do, I need to know if you will at least consider going back.” Chase had managed to say a lot, without saying anything, he sounded so cryptic.
“I can’t guarantee I will stay. I will hear you out, but that isn’t a promise of me staying.” Lindy told him honestly.
“That’s the best I can hope for right now. Luke is a strong man, but right now he is weak.” Chase told her.
“He is not! His body may not be strong right now, but he is. Don’t ever say he is weak.” Lindy was so mad she wanted to scream at him.
“I know that, calm down Lindy. Let me explain.” He waited till she nodded before he continued. “Right now, Luke has to depend on someone else for everything he needs. He hasn’t had to do that since he was a child. Physically, he is weak. You have seen that for yourself, but he feels like everyone is taking pity on him and sees him as helpless. He needs someone to care for him that can see past that. I think you are the only one who can be there to help him, without feeling sorry for him. He will be moody, and even mean, but you give back as good as you get from him. You won’t let him wallow in self-pity. He hates to think that anyone will see him as weak and helpless as he is right now, but I have confidence you can care for him and push him passed that. You won’t baby him or cater to him, and when he wants to fight, I have seen you hold your own and fight back. He needs you now. We will help when we can. If he is being mean and you don’t want to fight, I will come argue with him till he gets over it. You won’t be alone in this, but I believe you are the only one who can push him through this.” Chase was watching her intently and Callie was squeezing her hand.
She felt like her head was spinning with everything he said. He was right that she wouldn’t baby him. Luke needed someone tough to care for him. She had a feeling a lot of the nurses that the agencies would sent out would take one look at him, and want to baby him. Luke was hot, and they would see that and want to cuddle him, or take liberties while caring for him. He needed to be pushed, and when he wanted to push he needed someone who wouldn’t give into him.
“You’re right. He needs someone who sees him, not just injuries and can push him through it. Where is he now?” Lindy asked, expecting him to be in the house with them.
“He’s at his cabin.” Callie told her.
“Who is with him?” Lindy asked since they were both here.
“Nobody.” Chase shrugged. “He said he had a phone and would call if he needed anything.”
“Are you crazy? He can’t be by himself. How long has he been alone?” Lindy wanted to strangle them for leaving him alone.
“Since about 20 minutes after you took off. He wanted to stay there in case you went back there. He was gonna ask you to stay.” Chase told her confused.
“Chase, I know you are new to this, but he can’t be left alone. If he tries to get up and falls, it could rebreak his leg, or mess up the healing process.” Lindy said as she stood up.
“He said he would call if he needed anything.” Chase told her again.
“Chase, if it were you, would you call if you had to go to the bathroom, or just wanted to prop up your leg because it hurts?” Lindy asked moving toward the door.
“Shit.” Chase said walking behind her. “I’ll drive you down there.”
She hadn’t meant to scold him, but she knew men. Luke wouldn’t ask for help. As Chase drove, she hoped the stubborn man hadn’t hurt himself. Her leaving was reckless and he could be hurt because of it.
“Luke.” She called jumping out before the truck was in park and running to the door. “Luke.”
“Lindy, I’m in the living room.” Luke yelled back to her.
She ran up the ramp and jerked the door open terrified he was hurt. When she saw him sitting in his chair perfectly safe, she couldn’t stop herself from running over and wrapping her arms around him.
“Thank God you’re okay. I was afraid something would happen and no one was here to help you.” She told him holding on for dear life.
*****
Luke had no idea what had changed, but he wasn’t going to jinx it. He wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back. He looked up as Chase walked in the door. He gave him a confused look, but Luke shook his head. He wanted to keep her there forever, but she pulled away.
“Do you need anything? When was the last time you took your pain meds?” Lindy asked going into nurse mode.
“I’m good.” Luke told her smiling. He was just glad she came back. She leaned forward and pushed up the leg of his shorts.
“Your leg is swelling. It needs to be propped up. Do you need to use the bathroom or anything before I put you on the couch?” Lindy asked as she stepped back.
“Um.” Luke really didn’t like this part.
“Luke, don’t. There is no need to be embarrassed. I got a portable urinal from the hospital. I figured it would be easier and more comfortable for you. You can do that on your own, and even empty it without needing me. It’s in the bathroom.” Lindy told him seriously.
“Thank you, Lindy.” Luke nodded to her.
“I will walk behind you, and wait outside the door. The bathroom is small, and I’m not sure if you can get in and out easily. This way, I will be there just in case.” Lindy smiled at him as she stepped around him.
Luke had used a portable urinal at the hospital and had to admit it did give him more freedom. He knew that there were still lots of awkward moments to come, but Lindy was trying to make this as easy as she could. As he got to the bathroom he looked at the doorway. “Chase.” Luke called out.
“Yeah, what’s up?” Chase asked as he cam
e around the corner.
“I think we need a contractor out here tomorrow. I will barely fit through the door, and I’m pretty sure it won’t be any easier in there.” Luke was gonna make major changes in here.
“I will make a call when I get home.” Chase told him glancing at the bathroom.
“Whoever you get tell them I will pay double it they can build on and have it ready in a week.” Luke wished they had thought about this before.
“Will do. Anything else before I go?” Chase asked him.
“No. If something comes up we will call you.” Luke told him turning back to the bathroom.
“Hey Luke, how about I take that in your bedroom. That way you will have privacy and room.” Lindy called as he tried to push through the door.
“That would be simpler. I can get in, but it would require help. I’d rather only do that when we absolutely have to.” Luke really didn’t like this.
He wheeled himself back and toward his bedroom. Lindy went in the bathroom and got the urinal, then brought it to him. She shut his door behind him and he shook his head, hating this whole situation. This may be the less humiliating way to do this, but only by a little. After he finished, he turned around and wheeled himself to the door. When he opened it, she was there waiting.
“Here, give me that.” She took it from him and walked away. Humiliating. “Don’t start. It doesn’t have to be weird. I have hand sanitizer in the living room, and I will be there in a second.” Lindy called out to him.
He wheeled up to the coffee table and grabbed the bottle she had there. His legs were starting to ache and he wanted to kick back on the couch and watch TV.
“Alright, we need to get those legs up. Where would you rather sit?” Lindy asked as she came in the living room.
“The couch has recliners on both ends. Would it be possible to get me there?” Luke asked her.
“Are they allowing you to put some weight on your left leg, enough to help with transfers?” Lindy asked him.
“Yeah, but for very short periods.” Luke told her.
“Then we can handle this. I’m going to line up the chair with the end of the couch. Then when I get beside you, I’m going to have you stand while I support most of your weight, then you will basically need to fall on the couch. Ready?” Lindy asked rubbing her hands together.
“Not even a little bit.” Luke said, shaking his head.
“Do you trust me?” She asked as she looked into his eyes.
“Absolutely.” He didn’t even hesitate to respond.
“Good. We got this. In a couple of days this will be routine, I promise.” Lindy replied as she set the brakes on the wheel chair. “Okay Luke, show time.”
“Lindsey, I am a big guy, I don’t think this will work.” Luke was terrified he would crush her.
“Luke, I have done this a million times.” She told him with a smile.
“But you’re so small. I will crush you.” She did this little giggle snort thing that he found way too cute.
“You need glasses. I’m a big girl, Luke. You can’t hurt me.” She was still laughing as she said it.
“Never say that again.” Luke snarled at her.
“What on earth is wrong with you?” She looked at him like he had two heads.
“Never call yourself big again.” He snapped at her.
“Luke Collins, I’m in no mood to fight you. Now stop stalling.” Lindy had her hands on her hips glaring at him.
“I’m not moving till you promise not to say that again.” Luke crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her. It would be nice to have Chase’s “daddy voice” now.
“Fine, I won’t. Now get your butt up.” Lindy demanded, but she mumbled you need an eye exam under her breath.
Luke would let that slide for now, because his legs hurt. He looked up at her and slowly moved toward the edge of the chair to stand. Watching him closely, she waited till he got to the edge then wrapped one arm under his armpit and he pushed up to stand. Apparently, he pushed too hard because they over balanced and he fell on top of her on the couch. Confused on how they got here, he looked down at her, and she started laughing. Her smile lit up her face and her laugh was contagious. He was laughing with her, wishing the circumstances were different.
“Well, that didn’t go as planned.” She said when she stopped laughing.
“Obviously not, what did I do wrong?” Luke asked, he couldn’t stop staring at her. Her arm was still under his and she had put her other hand on his shoulder as she smiled at him.
“I think you pushed up too hard. Since I was pulling this way, it tumbled us on the couch. At least it wasn’t the floor.” She said with a shrug.
“Did I hurt you?” Luke asked pushing up a little, afraid he was squashing her.
“No, I’m fine. What about your legs, are they hurt?” Lindy asked him.
“Huh?” He was confused, he landed on her.
“Luke, your legs, are they okay? Did we hit them?” Lindy asked as she tried to twist him to the side so she could see his legs. Looking down, he remembered they were in casts.
“No Lindy, they are fine. I forgot about it for a second, so thanks for that.” Luke said smiling at her.
“I’m glad I could help. Now, let’s get you situated. I’m sure it’s time for your meds by now.” She was watching his face, he was sure she was trying to gage his pain level.
“I’m quite comfortable right here.” He grinned at her.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m gonna try to scoot up so we don’t bump your legs. Your arms are working just fine, so all I need you to do is push up a bit to give me room.” She was wiggling before she finished talking.
“Um, Lindy.” Luke said knowing his body was going to react.
“Yeah, why aren’t you lifting up?” She asked looking up at him.
“Just give me a second, okay.” Luke said trying to concentrate on anything but her.
“Luke, stop playing arou…” Lindy said as she wiggled again, then her eyes snapped to him. “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh. I asked you to wait.” Luke said looking at her.
“But I didn’t think you meant…” She trailed off her, fingers squeezing his shoulder.
“Well, cat’s out of the bag now, here.” He said pushing up on his arms as far as he could. “Does that give you enough room to get out?” He asked her. She looked up at him dazed. “Lindy.”
“Yeah, I think I can get up, I mean out.” Lindy said blushing. She moved carefully and started to pull herself out.
“Are you okay? Did I hit your leg?” Lindy asked as she stopped with her breasts just an inch below his face.
“Lindsey, there isn’t enough pain in the world to distract me from what you are doing.” Luke growled down at her. She looked confused, so he tipped his chin down and it brushed across her breast.
“Oh.” She said her eyes wide. “I didn’t mean to.” She had the nerve to bite her lip.
“Baby, you have got to stop.” Luke really needed a cold shower, but that was impossible right now.
“Everything okay in here?” Chase asked in the “daddy voice”.
“Um, yeah, we are fine.” Lindy said as she jerked the rest of the way up. In the process, she managed to drag her whole body along his. He swore his eyes crossed, and he groaned.
Lindy managed to get him pushed on his side with his legs toward the coffee table, then she pushed him till he was sitting straight up. He could have helped her, but there wasn’t enough blood in his brain to process what she was doing. By the time he could think, she already had the recliner kicked out with more pillows under his legs, and she had disappeared into the kitchen.
“What the hell, Luke?” Luke blinked up at Chase.
“What?” Luke asked, he had forgotten he was there.
“What did you think you were doing?” Chase asked getting closer to him.
“I have no idea.” Luke told him, still unsure what had happened.
“Luke, be serious.” Chase used the “daddy
voice” again.
“I am. She was trying to help me get on the couch and we fell.” Luke told him honestly. His legs were starting to throb now. “Lindy?”
“What do you need?” She called from the kitchen.
“Are my pain meds in there?” Please God let her hurry.
“Yeah, I’ll be right there.” She called back.
“You haven’t had any since you got home?” Chase didn’t look happy about that.
“No. Remember how this afternoon went. Besides, it wasn’t bad until now.” Luke shrugged.
“Maybe Lindy isn’t the best choice. You should have already had them.” Chase said as he pulled out his phone.
“If you think that is best, I will go. Luke, here are your pills, and a sandwich. You shouldn’t take these on an empty stomach. Have a good evening.” Lindy said then turned for the door.
“Lindy, don’t you dare walk out that door!” Luke yelled at her.
“Chase is absolutely right. You should have already had your meds, and been fed. You should be resting. You don’t even trust me to support you when I transfer you. It’s best that I go. Chase, you should probably ask for a male nurse, so Luke won’t worry about crushing them.” Lindy grabbed her keys off the table and opened the door.
“Lindy, I will come after you, don’t think I won’t.” Luke snarled at her.
“Luke, stop it. I will find you someone else.” Chase tried to use the “daddy voice” again, but Luke wasn’t dealing with him now.
Luke leaned over finding the lever for the recliner and pushed it down. He wasn’t letting her go that easy. He pushed up gentler this time and stumbled to the wheel chair. He could hear Chase yelling at him, but he didn’t have time for him. He unlocked the brakes and shoved as hard as he could toward the door.
“Lindsey Clark. Get your ass back here now!” Luke yelled as he pushed through the door.
Chapter 5
Lindy was getting in her car as he tore out of the house. She had just gotten her door shut as he hit the bottom of the ramp. His arms were burning from how hard he was pushing the chair. He knew if he gave her half the chance she would disappear. As he heard her start the engine, he moved himself to the back of the car knowing she wouldn’t take the chance of hurting him.
Luke's Recovery Page 7
