“I won’t have a plan to proceed until after today’s tests. I can tell you it will be an intensive surgery.”
“And after the surgery?”
“Extensive rehabilitation. Her crutches should be here soon. Encourage her to use them today. She needs to get used to getting around without mobility in that leg.”
“Not a problem.”
“She’ll be here at least four days after the surgery. I’d recommend getting your house wheelchair-accessible and opening up any small spaces. Hopefully, she will be out of here solely on crutches, but it’s best to be prepared.”
“Got it.” My first thought is to take her to Charleston, but it’s too early to talk about moving her.
“Mr. Graham, this is one of the most important things I can stress. You need to help her prepare for what comes after the surgery. It will not be an easy recovery. From what you said earlier, you both understand the chances of her dancing professionally again are grim. My team is the best, and I have faith Poppy will regain full mobility of her leg and resume a normal life. I’m a doctor, not a psychic; I can’t promise you a miracle.”
“You tell me you’re the best, there’s only one way to convince me.”
He grins, collecting the x-rays and folder. “Then I’d better get to work.”
I stare at his back, trying to make sense of what the hell is happening.
Get your shit together, man. You don’t buckle under pressure.
The fog clears and a plan forms.
First things first, get in that room and take care of Poppy.
Chapter 24
Poppy
As hard as I try to fight it, my head is too heavy and it falls to the side. Maya giggles softly, readjusting the phone screen and leaning into me.
“It isn’t fair that even drugged and in a hospital gown with a banged-up knee, you are still stunningly gorgeous.” Darby sighs dramatically.
“It’s the hair. I had it done Wednesday. Everyone loves colored hair. It’s ripe.”
“Ripe? Did you say ripe?”
“Oh, yeahs… All the boys thinks it’s sexy hot. Ask my personal nurzzze. He can’t keep his hands off me.”
Maya’s body vibrates harder and laughs echo around.
“It’s fresh.”
“What’s fresh?”
“My dippity-doo.”
“Fresh makes more sense.”
“Don’t judge me, Darby Graham. This shit is strong,” I slur, my eyes drooping.
“I’m letting that slide because you’re blitzed, but her name is Darby Kendrick.” Pierce’s face pops on the screen.
“Zip-it, Piercy-Wiercy. I have my own badass to control and he’s boozzyyy.”
“Was that bossy or boozy?” Dante teases.
“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?”