“How long?”
“Longer than two days. That’s for sure.”
“Well, maybe the demand for MRIs is pretty low right now.”
“Maybe, but I doubt it. I think if Ronda Meyers needs something she gets it.”
“You don’t have to be all pissy about it.”
“I’m not. Believe me. I’m just glad I’m on the right side of the toast.”
“Smart woman. You’re just using me for the perks, huh?”
“Well, that and the sex,” Gayla said. “The sex is pretty good.”
Ronda laughed.
“That’s good to know.”
They got Ronda in the car and Gayla drove them to the clinic.
“It seems to be getting better,” Gayla commented offhandedly.
“But it’s not. It still hurts way more than it should.”
“I don’t get it. You can use it more, but it hurts still? It doesn’t make sense.”
They arrived at the clinic and sat in the waiting room waiting to be called in. When they called Ronda’s name, Gayla went with her.
“You’re not allowed back here, ma’am,” the tech said. “We’ll take care of her from here.”
Ronda looked at Gayla with fear in her eyes, but then got a grip.
“I’ll be okay, babe. I’ll see you when I’m out of the tube.”
The MRI seemed to take forever, and finally the noises stopped and Ronda was moved out from inside the giant tube. The tech helped her off the platform and gave her her crutches.
“You should hear from your doctor within a couple of days,” the tech told her.
Ronda and Gayla went out for lunch. After, Ronda took her pain pills.
“You brought them with you?” Gayla said. “It won’t be long until we get home.”
“I didn’t know how bad I’d hurt after the MRI.”
“And did you hurt?”
“No more than usual. But it was time so I’m taking them now.”
“Okay. It’s just that I thought I was in control of your meds and I can’t be if you’re going to take them whenever.”
“I’m not taking them whenever, babe. I just made sure to grab them as we left the house today. It’s no biggie.”
“Okay. Now, how about you give them to me?”
“I really think I’m okay controlling my meds now, babe. Like I said the other day, it was great for you to do that for me in the beginning, but I can do it now. Really.”
Gayla looked unsure for a moment.
“What?” Ronda said.
“Just be careful,” Gayla said. “Promise me.”
“Be careful, how?”
“Those things are dangerous. I just don’t want you getting hooked or anything.”
“Oh, please. I’m not going to get hooked.”
The nice, easy, peaceful feeling was starting to flow over her. The pills really made her feel good. If only they took away the pain.
“You ready to head home?” Gayla said.
“Sure thing.”
Another week passed and Gayla took Ronda in to have her stitches out.
“It’s healing very well,” the surgeon told them.
“Right on. That’s good to hear. But why does it hurt so damned much?” Ronda said.
“It shouldn’t. And your MRI results came out wonderfully. You’re healing a little ahead of schedule. Your pain should be mostly under control by now.”
“Well, it’s not. Can I get you to write me another prescription?”
“Sure. If you need it.”
Ronda took the slip from him.
“Thank you, sir.”
“You’re really looking good, Ronda. Keep up the good work.”
“When can I use my pool or hot tub?”
“I wouldn’t recommend any swimming any time soon. Your therapist will let you know when that’s okay to do. You can use your hot tub tomorrow, though.”
“Excellent. I’ve missed soaking in it.”
“Just be careful,” the doctor said.
“I will.”
“If it hurts, get out.”
“Yes, sir.”
They left and Ronda handed Gayla the prescription.
“Let’s go drop this off,” she said.
“You still have plenty at home.”
“Yeah, but as long as we have the prescription, we should fill it.”
“I can put it on the refrigerator door and use it when you get low,” Gayla said.
“What’s the big deal? Let’s just go get it so we’ll have it.”
“Okay. You win. We’ll go get it.”
That afternoon, Ronda was tired of the pain. She decided to take three pills instead of just two. She felt good, and the pain was lessened a bit. She thought maybe that’s how many she needed to be taking, regardless of doctor’s orders.
The next evening, Ronda couldn’t wait for dinner to be over.
“What’s up with you?” Gayla asked.
“We can go in the hot tub tonight. I’m totally excited.”
“God, that’ll feel good.”
“I know, babe. You do so much around here. I’m sorry I can’t do more.”
“It’s all good. Don’t worry about it. It’s my pleasure.”
“No. You are going to soak in that tub with me tonight and relax for the first time in weeks. I didn’t realize how much I was going to need you after that hit.”
“Nope. You thought you’d be able to go to the grocery store by yourself and do all normal things around the house. You didn’t realize how confining your crutches would be.”
“You’re right. I didn’t. I really appreciate everything you’ve done. As a matter of fact, I have a question I’d like to ask you.”
“What’s that?”
“Let’s wait until we get in the tub with a couple of drinks.”
“You shouldn’t drink while you’re taking pain pills.”
“I’ll be fine,” Ronda said. “Don’t worry. Besides, I’m not due for pills right now.”
She didn’t tell her she’d just taken some pills about an hour before dinner. She poured them each a scotch then she watched Gayla undress before she helped her get her own clothes off.
“God, you’re beautiful,” Ronda said.
“I think the pain pills must be messing with your mind.” She laughed.
“I’ve always thought you were beautiful. You know that.”
“That’s true. And you’re drop-dead gorgeous, so we’re quite a couple.”
“We’re one of Houston’s power couples to be sure,” Ronda said. “Now, let’s get in the water.”
They went out to the patio and got Ronda in the water. Gayla climbed in after her.
“Oh, yeah. That’s what I’m talking about,” Gayla said.
“It feels good, doesn’t it?”
“Is it too much for your knee?”
“I don’t know. It feels good now, but I might have to get out sooner than I’d like. For now, let’s just relax and enjoy the evening.”
“So what was your question for me?” Gayla said.
“Well, I was thinking…”
“Dangerous.”
“Very funny. I’m serious. Gayla, would you move in with me?”
“Wow. This is so not what I expected. But then, I’m practically living with you now.”
“You are living with me now. So why not make it official? Sell your place and move your stuff over here.”
“My stuff wouldn’t all fit over here,” Gayla said.
“Then we work out a compromise. Some of your stuff goes, some of my stuff goes. It’s all good. So what do say?”
“I say that sounds like a lot of work. Why don’t we wait until you’re off your crutches and then we’ll work on it?”
“So that’s a yes?”
“It is indeed.”
Ronda pulled her to her and kissed her hard on her mouth.
Chapter Sixteen
Ronda continued to work out with her therapist, eventually
moving to the gym to use state-of-the-art equipment.
“You’re really doing great,” the therapist said.
“It feels like it’s doing great, but it still hurts,” Ronda said. “Like I almost feel like I could walk on it, but the pain is still out of control.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. There’s no reason for the pain.”
“Could you have the doc call me in a prescription for more pills?”
“Sure. I’m sure she won’t mind.”
“Great. Thanks.”
Ronda gave her therapist a different pharmacy to call them in to. One she’d only used a couple of times before. She didn’t want anyone denying her the pills since she hurt so badly. They continued working out until the therapist decided Ronda had had enough.
“You keep doing your home exercises. You’re definitely getting stronger every time I see you. And I want you to wear this brace now. You shouldn’t need your crutches anymore.”
“I will. And you’ll make sure the doctor calls in a prescription for me?”
“I will.”
“Cool. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
“Sounds good.”
Ronda called Gayla to let her know she was ready to be picked up. She felt that she could drive by then and the therapist thought she could, too, but Gayla was insistent that she drive Ronda everywhere.
While she waited for Gayla, she wandered out to the practice field. She watched the team scrimmage and felt a loneliness in the pit of her stomach. Would she ever be able to play again? Everyone seemed so hopeful. Everyone seemed to think she’d be on the field next season. But did they really believe that? Or was it all just lip service meant to make her feel better?
Either way, she was determined to work as hard as she could, as hard as her knee would let her. It really didn’t make sense. She could see her range of motion improving, but still she hurt. She shouldn’t be hurting if she was improving. It was a contradiction. But she couldn’t change how she felt.
Gayla came onto the field to join her.
“How do they look?” Gayla said.
“Weak in the cornerback position.”
“Of course they do. Nobody can replace you, Ronda. You were league MVP last year. No one can step in and fill those shoes. They just have to do the best they do. And Lagerman is no slacker out there. She looks good.”
“I don’t know about that. But I guess it doesn’t really matter anyway. I’m not out there to help the team so she’s all they’ve got.”
“You keep doing all you’re doing and you’ll be out there next year, better than ever.”
“That’s the goal.”
“Keep your eye on it.”
“Oh, that reminds me. I want to stop by CVS on the way home.”
“What’s there?” Gayla asked.
“Doc called in a prescription for me.”
“What kind of prescription?”
“Pain pills. I’m almost out and I didn’t know if the surgeon would refill me again. And my knee’s still killing me.”
“That’s some dangerous business you’re getting into. Having two doctors calling in pain pills to two pharmacies just sounds like trouble. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
“It’s all good, babe. It’s just a precaution in case the surgeon won’t refill them again.”
“Maybe he thinks you should be off them by now,” Gayla said.
“Well, that’s not going to happen. Not until the pain goes away.”
“And when is that going to happen? Everyone says you’re getting better. Why are you still hurting?”
“No one seems to know. They all think the pain should be gone by now. But it’s not.”
“Okay. We’ll pick up your pain pills. But I still don’t feel good about this.”
They got home and Ronda took some pills.
“Don’t you need food with those?” Gayla said.
“I’ve found that they don’t bother me. And I’m really sore after my therapy. Hey, you want to hit the hot tub?”
“Sure. Let’s go.”
They soaked in the tub for a while until Ronda couldn’t stand it any longer.
“I love being out here with you,” she said.
“Thanks, baby. I enjoy it, too.”
“But it always makes me want to get you out of the tub and into my bed.”
“We’ll get there, baby. For now, let’s just relax.”
Ronda was relaxed. If there was one thing those pain pills did for her, they made her relaxed and at ease. She didn’t stress as much about things right after she’d taken them. She was with Gayla and life was good.
She slipped her arm around Gayla and just soaked in the tub. The streams of jets felt so good against her muscles. Before she knew it, she was drifting off. She awoke to Gayla shaking her.
“Ronda! Ronda! Wake up!”
“What? Huh? I’m awake.”
“You fell asleep in the hot tub. Not a good idea. You were sinking. I don’t know that I could have pulled you out. You need to be more careful.”
“Sorry. I guess I relaxed too much.”
“I guess. Maybe we shouldn’t mix your pain pills with the hot tub.”
“I don’t know about that. Maybe. We’ll see.”
“No. I don’t think ‘we’ll see’ is an answer. I’m not willing to risk you drowning, Ronda.”
“It’s probably a combination of things. Not necessarily the pain pills’s fault.”
“Still. I’d rather you not take them before we use the hot tub,” Gayla said. “Now, let’s get out of here.”
Ronda was unsteady as Gayla helped her out of the tub. They got her out and, still light-headed, she sat on one of the lounge chairs.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Huh?”
“For scaring you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. My heart’s starting to beat normally again.”
Ronda had to admit she was not feeling the usual euphoria the pills gave her. She told herself it was just because of the scare. She would feel fine soon enough.
“So, I’m guessing sex is out?”
“I’m thinking I need to make you some dinner. I told you not to take those pills on an empty stomach.”
“You really need to lighten up on the pills. They’re not the devil’s making. They help me. I can’t imagine not having them.”
“And I don’t want you to go without. I just want you to take them as directed,” Gayla said.
Ronda said nothing in her defense. She knew if Gayla knew she was taking three at a time instead of two, there’d be hell to pay.
“Okay. I’ll work on that. In the meantime, I’ll hang out here while you fix dinner, okay?”
Ronda lay back on the lounge and closed her eyes. She was tired. Apparently, physical therapy was too much for her. It must have pushed her too hard. Not that she couldn’t take it. She could. It just wiped her out. She relaxed into the lounge and fell asleep. She awoke once again to Gayla lightly shaking her.
“Ronda? Dinner’s ready. Wake up.”
Ronda was awake but felt a little cloudy in her head.
“I’m awake,” she said.
“You sure? You gonna stay awake?”
“Yeah. I’m up.” She started to feel more clearheaded. “I’m awake. Can you help me off this lounge chair? Dinner smells great and I’m so ready to taste it.”
They got Ronda to a standing position. They got her knee brace on and Gayla handed her her crutches.
“You feeling okay?” Gayla said.
“Sure. Why?”
“Your color is a little off.”
“My color doesn’t go off. I’m always the same color. I can’t be pale. Or gray. Or whatever. It’s just your imagination.”
“I suppose you may be right. Okay. Well, if you’re all right, then let’s go eat.”
She led the way into the house and served dinner while Ronda got situated in her chair. As they ate, Ronda again brought up the subject
of them living together.
“I can’t wait until I’m off these crutches,” she said.
“I’m sure they’re a hassle. But they seem necessary. When should you get off them?”
“I don’t know,” Ronda lied. The thought of no crutches scared her. She still felt she needed them. “Still. I want to be able to move independently so we can get your stuff moved in here. I can’t wait to have us living together.”
“You’re so sweet,” Gayla said. “I’m glad you still want to.”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“I don’t know. I wondered if it was in the heat of passion that you originally suggested it.”
“Nope. It was a carefully thought out question. I really want you living with me. It only makes sense. We’re always together anyway. And I love having you with me all the time.”
“You don’t have to sell it to me again. I already said yes.”
“I know. I just feel like I may need to remind you of what a great thing it will be once in a while.”
“Well, you don’t. I’m on board with this idea one hundred percent.”
“Right on.”
“Now, you sit tight while I do the dishes.”
“Sounds good.”
Ronda shifted in her seat so she could watch Gayla move about the kitchen. She was so gorgeous with such a kickass figure that Ronda couldn’t keep her eyes off her. She felt bad that she couldn’t help, but she was pretty useless on her crutches. She felt uncoordinated on them. But she was hoping to be off them soon. She was working hard toward that goal.
Gayla finished the dishes and came back to the table to join Ronda.
“So, what now, baby? You want to watch some television or something?”
“No. I want you. I’ve been asking for you for hours. Let me have you now?”
“How can a girl possibly say no to you?”
“That’s what I was hoping you would say.”
As was now customary those days, their dance toward the bed was anything but romantic. But Ronda had gotten more self-sufficient at taking her brace off and maneuvering herself on the bed. Still, it didn’t flow smoothly. Rather than a fine-tuned ballet, it was more like a rusty robot. But they got there and when flesh met flesh, nothing else mattered.
Score Page 15
