Chapter 7

Emmett

The elephant on my chest decided to tap dance at about five a.m., and even though I was trained in the military to wake up early and start my days, I wanted to sleep in like the civilian I’d become.

I heard from my sergeant the day before. He had been glad to hear from me and needed me to go down to Camp LeJeune and talk to him after I got released. He also told me that my good friend Sgt. Hardin was not only safe, but back home with his wife and kids. I was content with the reality that my career in the Marines was coming to an end. I knew I still had my degree, and that as soon as I was well enough, I could find work in my field, but it wasn’t like I had anyone waiting for me on this side. I might have been better off in my comatose state.

Jodie poked her head in and found me stirring. “You’re already up and at ‘em, I see. That military is instilled deep.”

“I’m in a bit of pain.”

“I’ll get you something for that. The doctor had wanted to start cutting it down a bit, but it might be a bit early. Besides, today we’re going to start your rehabilitation, and you’re going to be a little sore because of that, too.”

“Great.” I held my chest and then tried to roll over a little to get comfortable. It was no use. I felt like I was becoming one with the damned bed, I’d been in it so long.

“Now, I don’t want you to get upset. You have a really pretty nurse coming down here to get you started. She’s not as nice as me, but you’ll get along just fine, I’m sure.” She gave a little laugh as a man came in and left my breakfast tray.

“I’m sure,” I mumbled. Then, I forced a smile, knowing she was trying her hardest to cheer me up. “What day is it?”

“It’s Tuesday.”

“Dammit. It feels like I’ve been here forever. I’m losing track of time with all of this sleeping. It’s bad enough I lost an entire two weeks of my life.”

“You’ve only been awake a day. It will get better. When Tara gets here to do your rehab, you’ll perk right up.” She seemed sure that this Tara person was going to miraculously heal me with her sexiness or something. She even gave me a little devilish grin, just to ensure I knew that this woman was supposed to be really banging, but opinions were like assholes, and at the moment, I was being busy being butt-hurt over my situation.

“I’m going to get you all ready for her, and after you’ve eaten, we’ll get you all showered and cleaned up.”

“I can wash myself.”

“I know you can, and you will. I’m not talking about no sponge bath. Oh no, I’m talking about hosing you down.” She gave me a wink and then pulled my tray closer. “You best eat all of this now. I’m not coming in here and finding anything half-eaten again. You can just consider me your new drill sergeant.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I knew if I didn’t agree, she’d never leave me alone. I didn’t bother telling her I was a sergeant, too.

“Now, I’ll be back in a minute.” She finally left, and I opened my tray to find plain oatmeal and a little package of butter. There was also toast and jelly, and as I put the butter and sugar packets into my bowl, I thought of Hardin’s optimism. “Best damned barbecue in North Carolina.” I closed my eyes and tried to remember that day, and even though more memories had started to return, there were still a few missing holes.

I remembered the first explosion and ducking behind the table. Then, I remembered turning around and seeing others run out the door and into the rubble, but then, I just remember running across a field with Hardin bleeding in my arms and the taste of dirt as I hit the ground.

I looked out the window, and every time I noticed the beautiful weather and scenery, I couldn’t believe that I wasn’t looking at the terracotta-colored land anymore. I was home and not too far from where I grew up. I had heard from my brother that after I left home, my father had lost the house, and the two had moved away to a cheaper neighborhood, which meant my brother had a much different life than me. He also hadn’t known our mother, who had passed away when he was little.

I hoped he’d come back to the hospital, and when he did, I had it all planned out to ask him if he’d go with me and share a place. The two of us together, we could catch up, and maybe I could make up for the years I’d missed with him.

I didn’t think he could be as bad as dad had made him out to be. Not many people were since my dad had a shitty outlook on life and no faith in anyone.

I finished the oatmeal and toast and then ate the banana they’d left from the day before. I had just laid back down to watch the local morning news when Jodie stuck her head in the door.

“Rub-a-dub-dub, we’re all out of tubs.” She sang the words as she entered. “You get to take a shower and shave that handsome face.”

“I’m kind of liking the beard.” I gave my chin a scratch. I’d started to grow a beard in my coma, but it wasn’t long enough that I could call it full just yet. Given a few more weeks, it would be amazing.

She gave me a sideward glance. “You want to keep it?”

“Maybe just trim it into a goatee?” I figured she’d have an opinion.

“I’ll let you look at it in the bathroom, and then you can decide. I’ll get you everything you need.” She was good to me, and at the same time, she was driving me crazy, but that was only because I was feeling frustrated and helpless.

“Let’s get you out of that bed, but first, we’re going to unhook your catheter and leave this IV in place.” She was moving the covers, and before I could protest, she had them up and was reaching between my legs to where the tube was coming out. “Deep breath, honey.”

I did as she said, and before I could exhale, my dick was free, and I felt so much better.

She brought a walker from the closet to the bedside.

“I can get up on my own. It’s not that far.”

“You can, and I’ll let you try, but you’re going to hold onto that walker while you do it.” She came over and pulled the covers all the way back. “I’m going to strip this bed down before I put you back in it. I’ll make sure it has fresh sheets and a nice warm blanket. We’re going to stand up nice and slowly.” She grabbed hold of my arm and helped me up.

I wasn’t used to having anyone dote over me. My mother had been gone a long time, and the last people who had done anything for me were Autumn and her mother. “Thank you.” I took a deep breath and then stood beside the bed.

The earth wobbled, and even though I began to slump a little, she held me up. “Hold on to that rail. You’ll be good. Just take it slowly so you don’t pass out on me.”

I steadied myself and let out a deep breath of frustration. I had to stand there a minute to regain my composure.

After a minute, she cheered me on as I headed for the bathroom and made it the rest of the way. Then she walked in, covered my bandages with plastic, and turned on the shower. “I hope you like it nice and hot. We need to get you good and clean, Mr. Burke.”

“Please, call me Emmett. I prefer the women who see me naked to use my first name.”

She gave a chuckle. “I ain’t going to be seeing you, Mr. Burke. I’ve seen way too many men in here to be calling anyone by their first name. I know better. Now you go ahead and take off those gowns and get yourself over on the chair.”

I did as she told me, and then I took the soap and rag she offered me and went to town on myself. She went out and stripped my bed to give me a moment of privacy.

“You make sure you get every crease now,” she said.

“I am, dammit.” I let loose a breath, and she laughed on the other side of the wall.

“Not you, Mr. Burke. I’m talking to the man who’s making your bed.” Laughter filled the room outside, and I laughed, too.

I found some shampoo and ran it through my hair, which was also a little longer than usual. When I was all done and smelling good, she helped me dry off and put me in a robe. It felt amazing to get clean and feel alive again. When I went back into my room, my bed was all made, and someone had brought in a pair of sweatpants, clean underwear, a pack of socks, and a pack of plain white tees.

“What’s this?”

“That’s from your sergeant. He asked me to pick a few things up for you. You can change if you want.”

“That was nice of him, and thank you. I think I will.”

“Thank you, Mr. Burke. For your service to our country.” She opened up the drawer beside my bed and picked up a plastic baggy full of cookies. “Some lady from a church dropped by and brought you these. I believe her name was Jodinia.” She gave me a wink and then gave me the side eye. “You keep them things under wraps, you hear? And don’t go making yourself sick on them.”

“Yes, ma’am. And might I just say that it’s been my honor to serve a country full of good people like you.”

She gave me a wink. “There’s a razor and some other toiletries in the baggy. You use them now.”

“Thank you.”

She made busy with my charts as I dressed. Then, I brushed my teeth and trimmed my beard down to a shadow. “How do I look?”

“Like you just stepped out of Hunk magazine.” She stayed by my side as I walked to my bed, but I did it all on my own. Then she helped me into my underwear and pants, and we opted for the shirtless look until further notice.

I laid back on the bed and was ready for the break when another knock sounded at my door and in walked my physical therapist. “Hello, Mr. Burke.” She had an amazing smile and a rocking body, but she wore a little too much makeup for me. I wasn’t opposed to the stuff, but I liked a natural beauty, and I preferred blondes. “I’m Tara Joel. I’ll be working with you on your physical therapy. You’re looking quite good for a man who has been asleep for two weeks.” She gave me a sexy grin, and her gaze lingered a little too long. She was practically eye-fucking me.

“You two enjoy your day. I’ll be off shift by the time you’re done, but don’t you worry none. Ava will be here later.” I remembered the other nurse from the day before.

“Thank you. Have a good day.” I liked Jodie and didn’t think I could have had a better nurse.

Tara waited for Jodie to be gone. “You’re much different from the men I usually deal with.”

“How’s that?”

“Well, you’re younger and hotter, for starters. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I don’t usually look at my patients like that, but you’re very attractive.” She tugged at her collar and then met my eyes. “I hope that doesn’t bother you that I noticed.”

“I’m not bothered.”

“Good.” She read over my chart and jotted down some things. “I’m going to need you to sign these papers, and then I’ll take you down the hall where we can work on you in a more accommodating setting. Not that I don’t think being alone in your room couldn’t be quite accommodating.” She was a hopeless flirt, and all of her trying was a little too much. I wasn’t used to anyone trying so fucking hard, and by the time I was done, I’d heard so much of her innuendo that I felt like I needed another shower.

It wasn’t that she didn’t turn me on, but damn, she seemed way too forward. I wondered how many men she came onto and just what kind of things was she doing in her private sessions.

“Now that I have your phone number on file, perhaps I could give you a call for something other than healthcare?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean, I’m still recovering, and I have a long way to go, right? It’s probably a bit unethical, too.” I didn’t want to tell her that my phone had been lost in another country.

“No one would know but us. I think we could have a wonderful time.” She grabbed hold of her ponytail and began to twist it. “You should try me.”

I didn’t quite know if I should turn her down, considering she was in charge of my healthcare, and I wouldn’t want her to start being unpleasant, but I just wasn’t into her. “I’ll have to get back to you.” I let out a long sigh as she shrugged her shoulders and finished up with me.

She disappeared, and after sitting there the longest time alone, wondering if I should just get up and leave, Ava came down to get me and bring me back. “I was told to bring you back. It seems that Tara had a patient call.”

I thought it was probably some poor old bastard who had fallen in love over an injury, or worse, her husband.

“Thanks. I’m ready to get back to my bed.” I knew it was a sad day when not even a pretty girl could cheer me up.

Ava held onto me as we walked down the hall. When she pushed my door open, she turned to me and smiled. “Oh, and you have a visitor here to see you.”

For a moment, I was glad to hear it, thinking it was my brother come back to visit. I had made up my mind about asking him to come and live with me and knew it was going to take a lot of convincing, but I was up for it. As she stepped aside, I saw Autumn standing by the window, her blonde hair shining in the sunlight. And that was when I remembered that my brother wasn’t the only person I’d loved and left behind.