“Okay, fine then. Call Scotty the fucking Uber. I’m going to take a piss.” I made like I was going to the bathroom as Glen walked around the bar and then I ducked out and was on my bike and down the road before he could catch up.
The night was a blur, but then again, so was my life. I couldn’t believe those damned Pattersons and their greed. They were punishing me for something I had no control of. Guilt stirred in my gut.
I should have been on that plane. Lord knows that there were times I wished I hadn’t slept late. That I’d been right there with the rest of them as that plane went down. And suddenly, as if fate was reminding me who was boss, my front tire hit something on the road, and I lost control.
I was thrown off as my bike lay over on its side and then flipped through the air like a paper cup in the wind. I hit more like a rock across a placid lake, bumping and skipping along until I finally sank into the depths.
Chapter Six
Lexa
“Lexa! I need you.” Dr. Rob rushed past me, but I was already on my way into the room with him. “Motorcycle accident; he’s unconscious. Let’s see what kind of injuries we’re dealing with.”
“I’m already on it.” I could peel a person from their clothes faster than a supermodel during fashion week, but considering I used scissors, I guess I was cheating. I hadn’t looked at the man’s face yet, no need to waste time — though if his body was any indication, I knew he must have a pretty mug.
I peeled away every stitch and then checked his feet and hands while Dr. Rob pressed against his abdomen to assess any internal injuries. The other nurses were working on vitals, and he’d gotten his IV in the ambulance.
“I think he got lucky, but I still want to order up some scans to make sure, then I’ll let you handle the debridement, Lexa. You’ve got a hell of a rock collection, Mr…. Do we have a name for him?”
One of the others found his wallet where the EMT had placed it and looked inside. “Aiden Walker.”
“Okay, Mr. Walker the rock collector, we’re going to get you fixed up. Are you okay, Lexa?”
I snapped out of my daze and nodded as I busied myself. “Yes, I’m fine.” I wasn’t about to have him send me out again, even though the name was ringing in my ears over and over. This was Allison’s brother — the man my parents were suing. I wasn’t going to let him out of my sight.
One of the other nurses, Cindy, was lining out his IV and getting him ready for movement. “This guy is lucky. Most riders in his situation aren’t. Good thing he was wearing his helmet and all he got was some rash and a concussion.” She glanced over at his face and smiled. “He’s too pretty to be on one of those death traps.” A few of the other females made noises of agreement, and we continued to get him ready to move.
The newer nurse in the room, Tasha, giggled, but stifled it quickly. “Maybe if we shave him; could we get away with that? What’s with all these gorgeous men hiding their faces with beards?”
“He’s looking at a DUI. There’s a policeman hovering outside,” said another voice I didn’t look up to identify.
“He’ll feel this tomorrow,” said Tasha, who was covering his body with a fresh sheet, so he didn’t flash the entire hospital.
“Lexa, could I see you for a moment?” Dr. Rob waved me out of the room.
I walked out into the hall, and he pulled me behind a curtain where there were no patients hanging around. I let out a deep breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “I was okay, really.” I held up a hand as if to swear.
He narrowed his eyes and gave me a look that told me he’d heard better tales. “You know him.” He could read it on my face, so there was no denying it.
“Actually, I only know of him. We’ve never met. He’s the man my parents are suing. The one I was telling you about.”
He closed his eyes and shook his head as if he understood. “You feel responsible for him.”
So, maybe he did get it. “Yeah, in a weird way I do. I mean, he’s obviously been drinking, and the news of the lawsuit is probably to blame. The man’s whole world has to be crashing down around him.”
He rested his hand on my shoulder and met my eyes. “You should have excused yourself. I would have understood. You realize if you’re asked to go to court, you being involved in this incident might not help things.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.” I couldn’t stop thinking about how much worse the accident could have been. “Please, don’t stop me from doing the debridement.”
He shrugged. “If you feel that you need to be involved, I won’t stop you, but please be sure about it. Nursing him won’t change things. It could actually make things worse.”
“I’m not worried about that. But I need to do this for his sister, Allison — and for me.”
He nodded like he understood, but held up a finger. “If this gets to be too much, you come to me, and I’ll make sure you’re covered.”
“Thank you!” I placed my hand on his arm and he gave me a wink.
“I still owe you a date. Don’t think I’ve forgotten. Things have been busy, but soon?” I nodded. “Good. I think he’s been sent to X-ray. I want to peek at him before I go.”