Unbroken

by Donna K. Ford

  Kayla tested her range of motion and found if she drew her knees up to her chest and moved slowly, she could bring herself to a sitting position. It didn’t take long for her to figure out that the medication was not the way to go if she was going to get better.

  She checked her missed calls. Two were from work and the other four were from Jen. After a much needed adventure to the bathroom, Kayla called the office. She could kill two birds with one stone by catching Jen at work. After a brief chat to reassure Martha that she was okay, she was put through to Jen.

  “Oh my God, K. Are you all right? I’m so sorry. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Jen. I’m okay. How about you? Are you all right?”

  Jen sighed. “Yeah. I just can’t believe he did this.”

  “That’s not your fault.”

  “I guess. But I still feel terrible.”

  Kayla took a deep breath and grimaced as pain stabbed beneath her shoulder blade. “I need a favor.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’m going to try to get in to see a physical therapist today. Can you take me?”

  “Of course. I’ll cancel the rest of my day and be right over.”

  “Thanks.”

  Kayla let out a sigh of relief. She wasn’t used to asking for help and the situation made her realize just how alone she was. If Jen hadn’t been there, she had no idea who she would have called. The neighbor was working today, she had no family nearby she could call, and her list of friends were mostly the people at work. Maybe she should rethink her introverted ways and get out more.

  Kayla was still struggling to get dressed when Jen arrived twenty minutes later.

  Jen took one look at Kayla and panicked. “What’s wrong? Should we go to the hospital? Should I call an ambulance?”

  Kayla rested her hand on the back of the sofa to steady herself as she slid on a pair of flip flops. “I think I just have a few kinks to work out. I’ll see what the physical therapist has to say, but I’m sure it’s fine.”

  “You don’t look fine. You can barely walk.”

  Kayla sighed. She didn’t have the strength to argue and didn’t want to snap at Jen when she was just worried.

  “Please. Let’s just try this first. I saw my doctor yesterday, but I don’t think meds alone are going to help.”

  Jen conceded. “Okay, just tell me what to do.”

  When they arrived at the physical therapist’s office, Kayla found it even harder to get out of the car than it had been to get in and she was getting a little scared. What if this was something serious?

  The waiting room was small and offered a clear view onto the treatment floor where several people were doing strange exercises targeting different injured body parts. Kayla spotted one man with a neck brace and cringed at the thought of having her head immobilized. That was the last thing she needed.

  Her attention was drawn to a young woman who approached the desk and picked up a chart. Every cell in Kayla’s body was at full attention as her eyes trailed up and down the tall, lean figure. There was no mistaking the taut muscles, dark hair, and confident swagger. Kayla stopped breathing when Jackie turned toward her, a cocky grin on her face.

  “Kayla?”

  Oh God, this can’t be happening. “Hello, Jackie.” Kayla almost choked. “You work here?”

  Jackie laughed. “Yes, I’m one of the owners.” She kneeled down next to Kayla and looked at the file, frowning. “What happened to your neck?”

  Kayla was taken off guard. What was she supposed to do now? She grimaced. “I fell a couple of days ago and jammed my shoulders and neck up against a wall. My doctor gave me some muscle relaxers and pain medication, but they just make me sleep and the pain isn’t getting any better.”

  Jackie glanced to Jen, who had been sitting quietly observing the interaction. Kayla followed her glance. Jen looked stricken. Kayla didn’t know how to make her feel better and convince her to stop blaming herself. She patted Jen’s knee. “I think I scared Jen half to death this morning.”

  “Hey, Jen,” Jackie said with a smile. “Good to see you again.”

  Jen nodded. “You too.”

  Jackie stood and held out her hand to Kayla. “Why don’t we go back and see what’s going on with your neck. You’re welcome to come too, Jen.”

  “Thanks, but I think I’ll wait out here.”

  Jackie nodded. “Okay, we’ll be just around the corner there if you change your mind.”

  Jackie helped Kayla to her feet and held on to her hand to steady her. Kayla was surprised when Jackie didn’t let go of her hand as they walked through the room.

  “Have a seat on the table,” Jackie said patting the table with her hand. She held both hands in front of Kayla as if she was ready to catch her if she fell. Jackie stood so close, Kayla’s thigh brushed Jackie’s arm. The instant they touched, warmth spread through Kayla as if she had been wrapped in an embrace. Kayla pulled away and scolded herself for the thoughts about Jackie’s body that sprang into her mind the moment they made contact.

  “I need to check your neck. Is that okay?”

  “Yes.”

  Jackie stood in front of Kayla and gently wrapped her hands around Kayla’s neck. Kayla was boneless as Jackie began gently working her fingers up and down her spine. Jackie asked a multitude of questions about the injury, level of pain, and positioning. The shock of seeing Jackie had almost worn off when she began her tender ministrations at the back of Kayla’s neck and down her shoulders. Now all Kayla could think of was how good Jackie’s fingers felt against her skin. If it hadn’t been for the pain, she would have been completely lost in Jackie’s hands.

  “You know, if you wanted to see me, all you had to do was call,” Jackie teased.

  “Trust me, if I wanted to see a woman, I wouldn’t be this dramatic about it.”

  Jackie smiled. “Well that’s good, because you had my attention the moment I laid eyes on you.”

  Jackie brushed her thumb across Kayla’s cheek.

  “Do you flirt with all your patients like this?”

  Jackie shrugged. “Only the beautiful ones.”

  Kayla could hardly choke back a gasp as Jackie placed her fingers at the back of her neck and her thumbs at the base of her jaw and lifted slightly on her head. The pain vanished.

  “Oh my God, that’s wonderful. How did you do that?”

  Jackie smiled. “Hmm, I like a woman who’s easy to please. Just imagine what else I can do.”

  “My neck feels better. That doesn’t mean I want to sleep with you,” Kayla admonished. “Seriously, how did you make the pain stop like that?”

  Jackie gently released the pressure on Kayla’s neck. “Hang on a second and I’ll show you.”

  Jackie stepped away from the table, happy for a moment to get herself together. She’d tried to play it cool from the moment she’d seen Kayla’s name on the client list, but she was unable to deny the surge of excitement and worry that had knotted in her gut when she thought Kayla was hurt. She was relieved that the problem was something manageable. But even an injury like this had the potential to cause Kayla problems for the rest of her life.

  Jackie returned with a replica of the human cervical spine. She settled onto a stool next to Kayla and pointed to the areas between the vertebrae.

  “You have a slight bulge in a disk.” Jackie pointed to the model. “The soft tissue between your vertebrae right here is putting pressure on the surrounding nerves. We need to reduce the swelling and try to coax the tissue back into alignment as much as we can, if we can.”

  Kayla looked worried. Anytime the spine was involved it was scary, and she could imagine what might be going through Kayla’s mind at that moment.

  “You can do that?” Kayla asked.

  Jackie smiled her most reassuring smile. “I think so. It’ll take a few weeks though. That means you’ll have to see me again.”

  “I’ll do anything to make this pain go away.”

 
; Jackie smiled. “Really? Anything?”

  Kayla’s face reddened at the suggestion. “Well, almost.”

  “Hmm…then we’ll have to work on that too.”

  “Jackie,” Kayla said with a warning tone.

  “No worries, nothing big to start, just some exercises. For now, I want you to rest and take the meds like the doctor told you to. If you don’t want to take the pain pills, at least take an anti-inflammatory. Reducing the swelling is the key we need to make this work.”

  Kayla sighed. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

  “Good.” I want to see you again in two days. Can you come back in by the end of the week?”

  “I’ll make it happen. I just want this to get better.”

  Jackie smiled and placed her hand over Kayla’s. She heard the fear in Kayla’s voice. “Well, although that will technically be our third date, I promise to take things slow.”

  Kayla sighed. Jackie caught the slight grin curve at the corner of her lips. That was a start.

  *

  Jackie picked up the file on her way to the waiting area. Kayla and Jen were seated close to the door. They looked anxious.

  “Kayla.”

  Kayla looked up.

  “You can come on back now.” Jackie motioned with the chart.

  Kayla stood and walked slowly toward Jackie, her steps measured and cautious.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “I feel better than the last time I saw you, but I’d really like to get this ice pick out of my back.”

  Jackie nodded. “Let’s see what we can do about that.” Jackie placed her hand on Kayla’s back and guided her into a treatment room. “We’ll work in here today to give you some privacy.”

  Kayla looked nervous. She looked around the room, registering every detail.

  “Have a seat.”

  Kayla sat on the treatment table without a word.

  “You’re quiet today. Are you okay?”

  “I’ve been better, but I think I’m just nervous.”

  “Hmm, good to know I have that effect on you.”

  Kayla was quiet. Wow, she must really be scared.

  “Okay, sit up straight and square your shoulders. Here’s what I want you to do.” Jackie demonstrated the movement to retract her neck and had Kayla put her fingers to her chin and thrust her head in a backward motion while keeping her shoulders square and her neck straight.

  “Now, you try.” Jackie placed her hands around Kayla’s neck so she could feel if the maneuver was right.

  Kayla imitated the move.

  “Very good. Now, do that ten times and rest.”

  Jackie watched Kayla repeat the move. It was a common technique, but she wanted to make sure Kayla didn’t experience any additional pain that might signal a bigger problem.

  “That feels better already,” Kayla said after she’d repeated two more sets of the maneuver.

  Jackie smiled. “Good. Have you been taking your medication?”

  Kayla grimaced. “I took some Mobic I had for my knees. But I really don’t like the muscle relaxers, and the pain pills are just out of the question.”

  Jackie pulled up a chair and sat in front of Kayla, placing her hands on either side of Kayla’s legs. “Look, I know you don’t like taking the muscle relaxers, but you really need them right now, at least at night. They’ll help you rest better and release some of the tension that’s just going to keep the area inflamed. You really need this for a little while, maybe just a couple more days.”

  Kayla sighed. “Okay, I promise to take them over the weekend.”

  “Good. I’ll see you Monday then.”

  Kayla touched Jackie’s arm. “Thank you.”

  Jackie’s skin tingled as if she had stepped into the rays of the sun. Kayla’s voice was soft and sincere, and Jackie was grateful for the relief she saw in Kayla’s eyes. She was proud she had been able to ease Kayla’s pain.

  “You’re more than welcome. I’m glad I could help.” Jackie wrapped her fingers around Kayla’s wrist and squeezed. She replayed the night at the bar over in her head and lingered on the memory of Kayla’s lips as soft as flower petals and just as sweet. Disappointment crowded her already jumbled emotions when she thought of Kayla’s promise not to call…and she hadn’t called.

  The message was loud and clear. Kayla wasn’t interested in her. Jackie grinned to herself. Maybe that was what was so alluring about Kayla—she was hard to get. She frowned. No, that wasn’t it. There was something real about Kayla, something wholesome and honest that Jackie admired. Kayla was the kind of woman who wouldn’t settle for what Jackie had to offer. But Kayla had been so vulnerable and trusting as Jackie cradled her head in her hands. Jackie shivered. The moment she’d looked into Kayla’s eyes and had seen her unguarded trust had been the most rewarding moment of her day. The whole interaction had her unsettled. For the first time, Jackie questioned herself, her life, and the emptiness that had been plaguing her. She was attracted to Kayla. That was no surprise—Kayla was beautiful. Maybe she just needed to shake things up a bit. Maybe Kayla was the challenge she needed to get out of the rut she’d been in.

  Jen was waiting for them in the lobby. “How did it go? Are you okay? I’m so sorry, K.”

  Jen was close to panic and Jackie wondered what had her so worried. Jen’s reaction seemed guilty.

  “I’m okay, Jen. Stop worrying.”

  Jen looked to Jackie, her eyes imploring and desperate.

  “She really is going to be okay. With a little work, we’ll have her dancing again in no time. What happened anyway? You act like you pushed her down a flight of stairs or something.”

  Jen paled and looked away. “I might as well have.”

  Jackie was confused. “What do you mean? I thought she fell at work.”

  “Not exactly, my husband pushed her down.”

  Jackie looked to Kayla, her confusion growing. “Why did he do that?”

  “It’s nothing really,” Kayla interrupted.

  Jen’s eyes were brimming with tears now and the words poured out of her as if she was confessing a crime. “He was in drug withdrawal and showed up looking for me. When he didn’t get his way, he freaked and pushed Kayla down.” Jen’s voice was shaky and held an edge of anger.

  There was a sudden roar in Jackie’s ears. Withdrawal. Drugs. Jackie heard the words echo in her mind and her blood ran cold.

  “There’s no reason to worry about that now. I’m okay.” Kayla wrapped her arm around Jen and rubbed her back. “Jackie took very good care of me and I’m feeling better already.”

  Kayla smiled at Jackie, but Jackie couldn’t bring herself to smile back. The thought of someone deliberately hurting Kayla was terrible enough, but drugs made it worse. It was a good thing she’d learned this now.

  Kayla’s smile faltered and Jackie quickly changed the subject. Her brain was on overload and she had moved into defense mode.

  “I’ll get your appointment card if you’ll wait here a minute.”

  “Sure,” Kayla answered.

  When Kayla and Jen were safely out the door, Jackie took a deep breath. There was no way she was getting mixed up in any way with anyone who had anything to do with drugs. Kayla was beautiful, but no one was worth that kind of hell.

  Chapter Four

  Jackie pulled in to her office ten minutes late despite getting up an hour earlier than usual. She’d had a night of fitful sleep and disturbing dreams and was in a bad mood. She tried to put the night out of her mind by driving around town for what seemed like forever as she took in the ornamental cherry and redbud trees that were competing for most spectacular blooms of the year. She hoped the time and change of focus would settle the unease that had plagued her all night, but as she walked into the office, her stomach clenched as if she had been punched. Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me?

  She ran through the client list and tried to get a handle on her day. If she could just throw herself into her work, she could put the past back into the past
. She scanned the list and stopped when her eyes fell on Kayla’s name. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation. She had known Kayla was coming in today, but just seeing her name stirred her up and she didn’t like it.

  Jackie replayed Kayla’s last visit in her mind and realized she had been out of sorts since last seeing her. The circumstances behind Kayla’s injury had caught her off guard. She’d heard the warning loud and clear. Reluctantly Jackie admitted Kayla’s confrontation with Jen’s husband was probably what had stirred her memories of the past. She should listen to what her big brain was telling her and back off where Kayla was concerned. She had spent too many years getting her life together to let the past derail her now.

  Jackie looked up as the door opened and Kayla walked in. She looked windblown and tense and beautiful. Jackie took a deep breath as every fiber in her body tingled and hummed with anticipation. Her brain might know seeing Kayla was a bad idea, but her body had other plans.

  “Good morning,” Kayla said.

  “Good morning,” Jackie answered. “It looks like you’re moving pretty good today.”

  “I’ve been better, but yes, I can at least move around now without feeling like someone is stabbing me in the back.”

  Jackie smiled. “That’s progress, I guess, but let’s see if we can do a little better.” Jackie motioned for Kayla to follow.

  Kayla followed Jackie into the treatment room she’d been in just days before but this time there was a small portable machine in the corner with wires and dials that looked like something out of a science fiction show.

  Kayla hesitated just inside the door as Jackie stepped in behind her and closed the door.

  “How was your week?” Jackie asked casually.

  “Aside from the stabbing pain that has taken up residence under my shoulder blade, things have been good.”

  Jackie laughed at Kayla’s sarcastic tone. “Have a seat on the table.”

  Kayla did as she was instructed. Jackie faced her and rested her hand gently on Kayla’s shoulder. “I’m going to start you off with some heat and light stimulation to loosen up the muscles.”