“Both, you alien. Why do you have three faces?”
“Time to wrap it up. Poppy needs to sleep.” Evin’s familiar voice cuts into my haze.
I reach for him and my arms fall.
“Let me get everyone out of here and I’ll be right back.” His warm hand covers mine.
“Hurray! Don’t let my butt show.”
“Jesus.” His lips sweep across my nose. Or maybe it was my mouth?
Vaguely, I hear Darby say goodbye and feel Maya sliding away. “Don’t worry, Aunt Poppy. Uncle Evin had Dad research your doctor. He’s totally legit and going to fix your knee.”
It’s a struggle, but my eyes open slightly, and I try to smile. “Yes, my knee.”
She does not know the damage. We decided Pierce and Darby will share when she gets home.
“We’ll be back in the morning.” Annie comes into view.
“I need you to favor me.”
“What’s the favor?”
“Make Evin shower. I can’t be sassy and he smells like hospital.”
“I can do that, Poppy.”
I reach for her, this time using claw hands. “Let me pinch your cuteness.”
“You don’t call me cute. You call me classic.”
“Yeah, classic.” I breathe out, “Like me… I’m going to be a classic. One day, people will remember me as a dancer.”
A drop of wet hits my elbow and my eyes close, welcoming the darkness.
When I wake, the scent of Evin surrounds me. His chest rises and falls under my cheek and his arm is folded around my side protectively. How long was I out this time? Slowly, my head clears and for the first time since the fall, I can think without people hovering.
The events of the day roll through my mind. As soon as my last test finished, the nurse allowed me to shower. Evin arguing with Annie about who would help and Evin winning. Ryanne blow-drying my hair while I sat in the wheelchair. Lynda, Maya, Annie, and Jill all gabbing.
The endless phone calls from Charleston, Charlotte, and Atlanta—all of my new family wanting to talk.
After the men got lunch, Dante announcing we had more visitors. That’s when my Cirque family filed in. No one asked about my injury, likely because Dante had already spread the word.
It may have been the drugs, but I held it together with Evin by my side.
Now, I’m unsure how to feel.
“Baby, you awake?”
“Yes.”
“Are you in pain?”
“Not right this second, but I haven’t moved yet.”
“Do you need to move?”
“Yeah.”
“Would you like me to carry you or get your crutches?”
I want him to carry me because I hate the significance of those crutches. But it’s time to suck it up. I waver too long and he curls us up. “Carrying you.”
“No, I need to get used to them. Plus, I’m going to the bathroom.”
His finger moves to my chin and urges my face up. “I don’t care where you’re going. I’ll carry you through Hell if you’ll let me.”
“Be careful what you wish for. I think Hell’s coming soon.”
His eyes fill with sympathy and he hugs me to him. Without a word, he slips off the bed, delicately lifting me.
“Call me when you’re done.”
Humiliation flames on my face when he sets me on the toilet.
“Baby, let it go,” he says kindly.
“Can you roll the chair close? I want to brush my teeth and wash my face again.”
“Call me and I’ll get you in it.”
“I practiced this afternoon with Maya. It should be fine.”
“Okay, call me and I’ll watch to make sure you don’t stumble. You’ve been on some heavy drugs.” He shuts me in.
When I’m done, I use my good foot to hook the wheelchair seat and roll it forward. It makes a dragging noise and there’s a knock on the door.
“Poppy, you ready?”
“Fucking chair and linoleum floors,” I mutter under my breath. “Yes.”
He comes back in, eyes the chair, and shakes his head. “Okay, badass, let’s see.” His arms cross his chest, but I know he’s ready to lunge if I wobble.
Slowly, I balance and swing into the seat, landing with a thud.
“Good job, maybe next time you’ll remember to lock it so it doesn’t roll backward.”
“Smartass.”
He spins me to the sink and peers at me through the mirror, his lips curving upward. “Glad to know your sass is back.”
“Did I lose it?”
“Not to me.”
My eyes go back to my reflection. “I hate this hospital gown. It’s gross, frumpy, and the thought it's been worn by others freaks me out.”
He bends out of the doorway, and his arm disappears, bringing back one of his t-shirts. “We’ll change you.”
“Not allowed.”
“Anyone who says something, I’ll handle it. But my guess is the nurses don’t give a shit tonight.”
It takes less than two seconds for me to untie and whip the scratchy material off, rip the shirt out of his hand, and slip it over my head.
Instantly, some tension leaves my shoulders. His eyes go soft and he kisses the top of my head.
“Evin, you may need to put on a shirt, too.” I admire his naked chest.
“Unnecessary, these nurses have already come in.”
“No wonder they won’t reprimand me for breaking the rules. One look at you would stupefy even Nurse Ratchet.”
He chuckles, leaving me alone.
While I go through my routine the best I can, I notice the bathroom is now filled with both our things. His favorite soap is next to my body wash, his toothbrush in the cup, a shaving kit stuffed on the back shelf. My perfect, beautiful, unshakable husband is here for the long haul, and the urge to cry hits again.
I suck in a few deep breaths and tie my hair back before maneuvering the chair back to the side of the bed. Evin’s arranging the pillows, his back to me, but when he turns, I can’t help the squawk that escapes. My rings are hanging around his neck on a thin chain.
He has me in his arms and back in the bed, this time with me across him and my braced leg propped on the railing. “You tired, or up for talking?”
“Talking.” My voice is raspy as my fingers go to my rings.
“Where is your head, baby?”
“Everywhere. I’m confident in Dr. Rexwell’s team; Dante researched him, too. My leg is screwed up.”
“That’s the shit you spew to your friends.”
I stare deep into his eyes, pouring out the undeniable truth. “I’m petrified more than ever in my life. My career on stage is over, Evin. This team of doctors can reconstruct my tendons, but they will always be compromised. My liability is too great to ever fly in someone’s arms and land again without fear,” I choke out, tears coming hard. “Not one professional dancer with my injuries has come back full force. This is it. My swan song. I went out sooner than I expected and it terrifies me.”
“You need to think positive and have faith in yourself.”
“Heel, calf, knee, the perfect trifecta to kill my career. I’m logical.”
“You could be the exception.”
“Dr. Rexwell’s reluctance to pinpoint a rehab and recovery timeline could mean many things. But I’m taking it as a hint. The Cirque team and family are awesome, but there is nothing they can do. I’ll be demoted and my physical evaluations will be testy. Being demoted means less money—”
“You don’t need to worry about money.”
“Sweetie, I have to worry about money.”
“Not anymore,” he answers gruffly.
“Let me rephrase. You may have added me to all your accounts, but I want to contribute. Especially living in separate places.”
His thoughts are clear in the way he’s staring at me. “We’re not living apart, are we?”
“Not after this.”
“Evin, I have a wonderful support system you c
an trust.”
“You will pull through this.” He evades my statement, which I’m learning is a Graham trait.
“I hope so.”
“You need to trust me to protect and take care of you. Your focus is recovering.”
There’s something in his voice that’s off. “Are you hiding something?”
“No,” he answers too quickly.
Suspicion settles in my stomach and I cup his jaw, scrubbing my nails lightly in his soft stubble. “What are you keeping from me?”
“Nothing that you need to worry about now.”
“Is it about the surgery?”
“No.”
“Then what? Evin, what aren’t you telling me?” My heart races faster and my chest tightens at the possibilities.
“Hey, calm down.” He cups my cheek, strumming his thumb over my jawline.
“Tell me what your hiding.” The high-pitch tone in my voice gives away my panic.
“Baby, you’re freaking out.”
“Because—”
His thumb covers my lips and he leans in to kiss me. “I want to take you home.”
Out of everything he could say, this was not what I was expecting. “What?”
“Home to Charleston. After your surgery and when we have a better idea of what kind of rehab we are facing, I want it to be at home in Charleston.”
“I don’t think that’s possible. All my records and doctors are here. Not to mention the physical therapists and trainers on-staff.”
“It’s complicated, that’s why I haven’t mentioned it. You don’t need to worry or think about anything but getting better. Leave the details up to me to handle.”
“If you’re worried about going back to work, I’ll have Ryanne, Dante, and my other friends.”
“Work is the least of my worries, Poppy.” The resolve in his voice, his expression, and the instant tension in his body alert me that there’s something else going on. My mind flashes back to the one time I’ve seen Evin like this.
“You’re scared,” I whisper.
“More than anything in my life. You are my world, and tomorrow, I have to trust someone else to take care of you. There’s not a fucking thing I can do about it.”
I realize everything has been about me and not once have I thought about how this may affect Evin. “Sweetie, maybe you need to tell me where your head is?”
“I saw you go down and my heart literally stopped. Then that scream, that fucking scream chilled me to my bones. You looked at me, and I knew it was bad, but you knew it was bad. You were broken, hurting, and mourning something I didn’t understand. There was nothing I could do. Never felt so powerless in all my life. Tomorrow will be the same.”
A new understanding washes over me and makes my heart want to burst. I never doubted Evin’s love, but at this moment, it’s different. While I’ve been concerned about my dancing and what this means for my future, he’s been thinking about only me. My dancing is a part of me he supports, but he wants me anyway I come. Dancer, dreamer, crazy free-spirited bohemian—he loves me. A new sense of determination takes over. I urge his face forward, laying my forehead to his. “I’m going to be okay. Even if I don’t dance professionally ever again, I’ll have you by my side. That’s all I’ll ever need.”
“Any more questions?”
I glance at Evin, whose face is hard.
“No, thank you.” I force myself to be polite to the perky nurse who’s ogling him with little stars in her eyes. “You can go, like now.”
Her head snaps, and a flush fills her cheeks before she scampers out of the room.
“Meowwwwww.” Ryanne slashes her nails through the air.
“Shut up. That woman was shameless and should be fired. I’ll be under anesthesia wondering if the little twat is flirting with my husband.”
Evin lifts my hand to his mouth, not hiding his smile while the room erupts.
“I get it. Barbara flirted with Edward during my hospital stay,” Annie adds curtly. “I had a long talk with her boss after my discharge.”
“She’s exaggerating. Besides, I’m an old man,” Edward defends, not hiding his grin either.
“You may be an old man, but you’re my old man. That hussy should learn respect.”
All my irritation drains and I giggle, too.
Maya is the only one not amused and looks on the verge of tears. “Maya, honey, what’s wrong?”
“I want to stay, but no one will let me.”
“You have to get home for school tomorrow. This will take hours.”
“I don’t care.”
“Come here, sweet girl.”
She slides in front of Evin and bends in to hug me.
“I’ll be fine, and if allowed, we’ll chat tonight. But swear you won’t make fun of the drugged Poppy like the rest of these people.”
She smiles sweetly. “You are funny.”
“Don’t turn on me. I need someone on my side when I can walk again and kick ass.”
“I’m your girl.”
“Have a pleasant flight home. By the time you land, Evin will have an update and you can relax.”
She surprises me by kissing my cheek and whispering, “I love you.”
My nose stings and all I can say is, “Same.”
The moment is broken when another perky nurse, this time a man, comes in with a wheelchair. “Someone call for an Uber?”
His eyes hit mine and he grins wider. Evin growls and the room erupts again.
“The price of being two beautiful people,” Dante sings.
The nurse’s eyes go to Dante, and it’s impossible to miss the flare in them.
“Jesus, another Dante,” Evin mutters, and I burst back into giggles.
He lifts me, placing me into the wheelchair and grasping my hand. “I’m going with her as far as I can go.”
“Okay, big guy. We’re headed to Rodeo Drive, otherwise known as the Surgical Wing.”
Annie comes to squat in front of me, taking my free hand. “We’re staying, Poppy. I’ll be waiting when you wake up, and I’ll have something besides these hideous hospital gowns.”
I squeeze her palm. “I’d appreciate that.”
Edward bends in to kiss me, and the nurse backs me out of the room while I wave.
Dante and Ryanne follow us to the elevator and both look edgy.
Oddly, I’m not nervous and there’s only one reason.
“Guys, I’m going to be okay. Take care of my husband.” They nod solemnly and Evin’s grip tightens.
We go into the elevator, and I flash my best friends a huge smile, blowing them a kiss as the doors close.
I peer up at Evin and he’s grinning down at me. Yeah, I’ll be fine.
Chapter 25
Evin
I welcome the burn of the whiskey down my throat, staring at the small purple pack on the table. My conversation with Darby replays in my head, and rage sears through my veins.
The lock beeps right before Dad, Dante, and Ryanne come in. My eyes stay on the table.
“What’s up? What’s so important that we aren’t at the hospital with Pips?”
Dante’s irritation is good. I need him ready to fucking rip heads apart.
“We have to talk.”
“We couldn’t talk at the hospital while Poppy sleeps?”
“Not about this. The doctor said she’ll be out for a while. Mom’s staying with her until I get back. She thinks I’m preparing to move hotels closer to the hospital.”
“Evin, no offense, but you look deadly right now and the vibes are seriously strong. Maybe you should tell us what’s wrong,” Ryanne states.
“I look deadly because the thought of killing someone is on my mind.”
“Oh, fuck,” Dad murmurs. “What the hell happened since you left the hospital?”
“And why are birth control pills on the table?” Ryanne points to the pack.
“Poppy was pregnant.”
All the air is sucked out of the room as shock crosses th
eir faces, followed by sorrow.
“Was?” Ryanne’s voice cracks.
“Was.” I shoot back another gulp. “The initial blood tests when she arrived at the hospital showed elevated HCG levels, which indicated it was extremely early. Poppy wouldn’t have even suspected yet. The test that came later changed.”
“Could test one have been erroneous?”
“It could have been, yes, especially since they were originally looking for drugs or alcohol in her system. But I don’t think it was.”
“Son, the probability of her being pregnant is slim with your situation. You should assume the test was wrong because you’ll never know.”
“When the doctor told me yesterday, I felt the same way, Dad. With all the other things happening, I forced myself to sideline the subject. But it kept plaguing me. When she woke up and the doctor announced the surgery a success, that nagging took priority.”
“So, what’s with her birth control pills?” Ryanne asks.
“She was right on track up through Friday.”
“Pills aren’t always one-hundred percent effective,” Dad throws in.
“I know that, Dad, but they proved to work for us so far. That’s why I called Darby. She knew immediately the window of this opportunity. The day after the wedding when Poppy got sick.”
His face falls and eyes fill with sadness. He gets where I’m coming from.
“Fuck.” Dante goes to the bar and pours a drink.
Ryanne sinks in the chair, looking crushed.
“Poppy isn’t aware of this.”
“You haven’t told her?”
I shake my head. “I’d appreciate it if none of you did, either.”
“My lips are sealed.” Dante is quick to agree.
“Dante, we can’t keep this from her,” Ryanne argues.
“I’m with Ryanne. Not a good idea to keep something this big from her,” Dad puts in his vote.
My eyes go between him and Ryanne, passing over Dante. As suspected, he’s in protector mode while Ryanne is filled with heartache.
“You all may feel differently after I tell you the rest.”
My gaze holds Dante’s. “Natasha Bindel did this. When her attempts to seduce me failed and Isaac laid her out, she was beaten. She took one last shot. By tripping her, Tasha went after Poppy’s vulnerability, her legs. Ultimately, she’s responsible for ending Poppy’s career in a gruesome way that stole our baby.”
Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) Page 25
