The Amendment, page 8
“I understand,” I managed.
“There could be other issues too.”
“Other issues?”
“Psychosocial factors. Many patients experience depression, anxiety, even anger. Mood swings are common. They often require counseling, plus medication. Their entire life has changed, and they can’t cope on their own, even if they have a good support system at home.” He paused. “Their injuries affect not only them, but everyone around them. Nothing is the same when they wake up. It is exceedingly hard for them to grasp.”
“He’ll get everything he needs. I’ll make sure of it.”
He smiled. “I can see that, Katy. You’re an amazing partner for Richard. But you have to look after yourself as well. You need to be strong physically and mentally for his recovery. No more sleeping on the floor or neglecting yourself. I want you to eat and sleep. Exercise. Go see your little girls. You aren’t being selfish doing so—you are actually helping Richard.”
His words made sense, even if they made me feel a little panic. I grasped at the chain around my neck that kept Richard’s ring close to my heart. The crack was taped so I didn’t lose it, but I couldn’t bear to part with it, even for a couple of days. I would have it fixed when he woke up. “I hate leaving him.”
“Of course you do. That is natural. On the ward he’s being transferred to, he can have visitors. Not a lot and not all at once, but we can relax a little, and they can stay with him while you go home. He is going to be in here for a while.”
He patted my shoulder, his expression kind. “You obviously have a strong bond with your husband, Katy. He’s going to need that bond. He will have to rely on you in ways neither of you planned for a while. It’s not going to be easy, but together, you can do it.”
“Is there someone I can talk to about his needs for when he comes home? So I can get things in motion and be ready?”
“That’s what I want to see—looking ahead and positive. Yes, I will have Gloria come to see you. She’ll come to your house and do an assessment. You can meet with our physio team. Once a couple of these machines are gone, Colin will come by and show you some simple movements you can do on Richard to help keep his muscles from total atrophy. Colin is the head of my physio team and the best.”
“All right.”
He glanced at his watch. “We’ll be moving Richard in a couple of hours. We’ll need some time to settle him and get him stable, and a few medical items need to be taken care of that I won’t get into with you. The ward is on the fourth floor, and there is a private waiting room. A nurse will come and get you when he is done. Why don’t you go shower, eat, and try to relax?”
“You-you want me to leave now?”
“He’s in good hands, Katy. Remember what I told you about looking after you. We have your phone number, and you’re a minute away if we need you. Do this for Richard. He would want you to. Let us do what we need to do, and when you see him next, he’ll be more comfortable.”
I inhaled long and hard, then swallowed. I reached for my bag. “Okay.”
He nodded in encouragement. “Good.”
I sat, staring at the cold cup of coffee in front of me. My half-eaten sandwich was pushed aside. It tasted like dust, and I had no appetite. Despite what Alan had advised, I couldn’t eat. I would try later. Alan’s words kept running through my head. Richard’s recovery—the difficulties we faced. The way our life together would change. Everything I knew, everything that was us, wouldn’t exist anymore. At least not right away—in fact, perhaps never.
It depended on what happened when Richard woke up. If his mind was affected. If he was still Richard—or an altered version of the man I loved.
I rubbed a weary hand over my face, one thing certain in my mind. Whatever happened, whatever the result was, I still loved him. I would always love him, and somehow, we would find our way through all of this together.
I had texted Graham and Laura to let them know Richard was being moved and that I would send the information as soon as I had it. They responded with encouraging words and promises of being at the hospital later that day. Laura attached a picture of Gracie in the pool, splashing and having a good time. Beside her was Graham, holding Heather protectively, swishing her little feet in the water. She loved it when Richard did that with her. The delight on her face made the picture swim before my eyes as I wondered if he would ever be able to do so again.
A deep voice and a hand settling on my shoulder startled me from my thoughts.
“Katy.”
I looked up, shocked.
Beside me was Maddox Riley. Co-owner of BAM and, aside from Graham, Richard’s closest friend. They had struck up a relationship when BAM hired The Gavin Group as their marketing company, and it had grown and developed into a solid friendship. Maddox was tall, lean, and despite his young age, completely silver-gray. His warm blue eyes met mine, his gaze filled with worry.
I blinked, unsure he was real. I knew Graham had let them know what had happened, but I hadn’t expected to see him. The surprise somehow tipped me over the edge, and with a gasp, I stood, flinging myself into his arms. I sobbed into his chest as he wrapped me up, holding me close.
“Hey, hey, shh,” he soothed. “It’s okay, Katy. It’s going to be okay.”
He didn’t move or try to stop my tears. He held me and let me cry it out. When I managed to calm myself down, I pulled back and met his sympathetic gaze.
“Sorry,” I sniffled.
In true Maddox fashion, he winked and wiped my cheeks. “Usually women don’t cry until they’ve spent a little time with me. It’s not often it’s on first sight.”
A smile pulled at my mouth. “What are you doing here?”
He sat down and tugged me into the chair beside him. He pulled some napkins from the dispenser and handed them to me.
“I’ve been here for two days, Katy. Graham let me know they were moving Richard and you were finally off the floor.”
I blew my nose and gaped at him. “Two days? Why didn’t I know?”
“Because I didn’t want to interrupt or worry you. Graham has been keeping me abreast of the situation.” He studied me. “Did you really think I wouldn’t be here for him? For you? After what he did when I was lying unconscious in the hospital?”
I sighed, the sound long and shaky. “I haven’t been thinking clearly, Maddox.”
He reached out and clasped my hand. “I know. I had to come, though. As soon as we heard the news, Dee wanted to book me a ticket, but I waited a couple of days until I couldn’t stay away anymore.”
“Thank you.”
He glanced at the table then back at me with a scowl. “You aren’t taking care of yourself, Katy. You need to be strong.”
A ripple of anger went through me, but once again, I pushed it down. However, it showed in my voice when I responded, the tone clipped.
“I’m trying.”
He frowned.
“I know you are. But you’ve lost weight, and it’s obvious you’re not sleeping. You look like shit.”
I regarded him, trying not to bristle at his bluntness.
“I imagine this is usually when the crying comes in for most women with you? Have you considered hiring yourself out for motivational talks?” I asked, hearing the snark in my voice, even though I knew he was right.
“I’m stating the facts.” He stood. “If you won’t look after yourself, I’ll have to do it.” He held out his hand. “Come with me.”
Confused, I stood and accepted his hand. He pulled me along, and we took the elevator down. At the front door of the hospital, I hung back. “Where are you taking me?”
“There’s a great little diner two minutes away. I’ve spent a lot of time there the past couple of days. You’re going to eat something. We’ll come back, you can see Richard, and I’m taking you to Graham’s so you can see your girls and sleep.”
“I’m not leaving.” I shook off his hand and crossed my arms.
“Yeah, you are.”
“You don’t get to come in here and tell me what to do,” I snapped.
My anger didn’t faze him. “We can stand here and argue, but you’re still coming with me. Even if I have to put you over my shoulder.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I hissed.
“You want to try me?” he challenged. “I’m doing this because you need to eat. You need a break from here.”
“But—”
He glared down at me. “No, Katy. It will take days before he wakes up. You can’t sit there and wait.”
“Dee did for you,” I shot back.
His expression softened at the mention of his wife.
“She did, except she didn’t have two little girls who need to see their mommy. And she told me how good it felt when Richard gave her a break and she could decompress for a while and clear her head. I’m returning the favor, so stop disagreeing and come with me. The longer you argue, the longer you’re gone.”
I knew he was right and my anger waned, but still, I hesitated.
“Once we eat, you can check on him, and Graham will pick you up and take you to their place. You can be with the girls for a while, and I’ll stay with Richard. Now he is out of ICU, the rules are a little easier. We’ll make a schedule, and you are getting out of here. Richard would be furious if he saw you and knew I didn’t step in. So be quiet and come eat a damn bowl of soup.” He speared a hand through his hair. “I don’t want Richard’s main priority to be kicking my ass for not looking after his wife when he wakes up, all right?”
I gave in, seeing how upset he was. “All right.”
He grabbed my hand again. “Let’s go.”
The soup was delicious. Maddox watched me eat, insisting on a grilled cheese sandwich with the soup. He inhaled two bowls as I slowly made my way through my meal, knowing he would be upset if I didn’t eat.
His presence was comforting. He knew Richard so well. Despite the miles between them, they spoke almost daily, texted all the time, and had video chats with each other. Gracie often got in on the action—she loved “Unca Mattog” as she called him. His nickname “Mad Dog” was too difficult to say with her lisp, and he loved her spin on it.
“Have you seen the girls?”
He nodded. “This morning. Who do you think took the picture of Graham with Heather in the pool?”
I had to smile. “I didn’t think of that. Laura was in the pool with Gracie. I guess I assumed Jenna was there.”
“No, I went to visit. I was there when you texted Graham and gave him the news. I came straight here. I saw Carol at the desk, and she told me you were down here.”
I was dumbfounded. “You know Carol?”
He smirked. “I know them all, Katy. I asked them not to say I was around because I didn’t want to tear you from Richard. But I’ve been close. They let me peek in on occasion.”
Tears threatened again at his words. I clasped his hand and squeezed, incapable of words. What could I say that would be adequate? Thank you wasn’t enough, although I knew Maddox didn’t want thanks. He was here because of the strength of his relationship with Richard.
“Where have you been otherwise?”
“Here for the most part. I work, eat, go check on you, come back, work some more. Eat. I think I’ve gained five pounds. Their pie is stellar. In fact, you need a piece.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but his look silenced me. He waved to the waitress and ordered us coffee and pie, waited until they arrived, and lifted his cup.
“Tell me what the doctor said.”
9
Katy
As he promised, Maddox didn’t keep me from the hospital for long. We returned as soon as I got a message saying Richard had been moved. Maddox followed me into his new room, a silent companion, there to support me.
I went directly to the side of the bed. There were still machines whirring and beeping away, but there were fewer of them. Richard had obviously been given a sponge bath, his hair damp around his ears where they had wiped with the wet cloth. The room was large and bright with two comfortable-looking chairs and even a small sofa. The usual kind of hospital bathroom was in the corner, and the walls the same green, but it was private and had a window that looked over the street.
I cupped Richard’s cheek. “Hello, my darling. I was gone for a while, but I’m back. You look so much better. And look who I found!”
Maddox stood at the end of the bed, his hands wrapped around the metal frame.
“Hey, Richard,” he stated easily, although I saw the stress around his eyes. “Don’t be jealous, but I took your pretty wife for lunch. I thought she needed the break. You’re a little boring these days. I think you need to wake up and talk.” He moved closer and patted Richard’s leg. “Honestly, Richard, I get hit by a car and end up in a coma, so you have to outdo me? Your car flipped four times and took out a bunch of signs, causing total havoc and congestion. Talk about attention-grabber. Yeesh. I would have come for a visit if you asked. No need for all the dramatics.”
I didn’t hide my grin. I knew that was how they were with each other. Constant teasing and back-and-forth was their way of showing they cared. The fact that Maddox was here said it all—I knew how much it would mean to Richard.
“So, listen, buddy, here’s the plan. You and I are gonna hang together while Katy goes and sees your girls and gets a little sleep. Any objections?” He paused as if waiting for a response. “Good. I thought so. We can catch up and banter around a few campaign ideas I had. You’re gonna love them. Might even learn a thing or two. At least I’ll be able to speak my mind—you won’t be too busy telling me to shut up to listen to my brilliance.”
He met my gaze with a wink.
“Graham will be here soon. Go with him, Katy. I’ll be with Richard, then Jenna is going to take a turn. Richard will love that.”
I couldn’t help the smile that curled my lips. Jenna and Richard were like siblings, constantly squabbling. She talked a great deal and called him on his shit, and he pretended to only put up with her, when in fact, he adored her—most of the time.
“I’ll come to get you this evening. You can stay with him tonight, and by tomorrow, we’ll have a schedule set up.”
Before I could protest, he held up his hand. “You have to get the house ready for him coming home, Katy. You’ll have meetings and appointments to handle. Details. Your girls need you. Stop being difficult. Let us help.”
“I-I don’t know if I can do it all,” I confessed.
“You will,” he insisted. “I’m not leaving until he’s awake. I’ll help you with it all. We all will. Let us do what we know Richard would want us to do. Please.”
“All right,” I relented. “Thank you.”
“Thank me by going and getting some sleep. Cuddle your girls. Bring Richard some Gracie artwork to hang on these walls. That, I know he would really love.”
The thought of seeing the girls tugged at my chest. Maddox was right. I had to do this. It could be days before Richard woke, and it wouldn’t be instantaneous when he did.
I bent low and kissed Richard’s cheek. “I’m going to see our girls. I’ll be back soon. Don’t give Maddox a hard time.”
Maddox hugged me, shooing me out the door. He returned to Richard’s side. “You heard her. Now about those campaigns you sent me. I want to change the colors. I was thinking fuchsia and orange would be a striking combination.” He winked at me.
I was smiling as I went to the elevator.
Richard was in good hands with his friend.
My smile slipped as I thought about the girls. Gracie would want to know where Daddy was. I had to tell her—at least as close to the truth as I could.
I still had to figure out how.
Graham brought me up to speed while he drove me to his house, assuring me that Gracie knew Daddy wasn’t with me.
“I have to tell her something, Graham.”
“Yes, you do. But this will give you a few moments to settle before you do. Laura is holding off on Heather’s bottle. She thought you might like that time with her.”
“Thank you.”
He cleared his throat. “Ah, Katy, Brad is at the house for a few days. Laura’s sister, Barb, is there as well.”
“All right. I’ll try not to bother him. How is he doing?”
“He’s recovering. I need to tell you he is very worried about you being there.”
“Why?”
“He thinks you will hold him responsible for the accident. That it’s his fault Richard is in the hospital. God knows the boy is heaping guilt on himself every day.”
I gasped and turned in my seat to face him fully. “The man driving was drunk, Graham. He was speeding and blew through the red light.” We had found out he had hit three other cars—glancing off the back bumpers and sideswiping them, his speed increasing before plowing into the side of Brad’s vehicle. “How on earth is that Brad’s fault?”
“He has somehow decided he should have reacted faster. If he had sped up or slowed down, the car would have been hit in a different place, and perhaps Richard wouldn’t have been so severely injured.”
“I’ll talk to him, Graham. I don’t hold him responsible. That poor boy.”
He sighed. “Thanks, Katy. We’d all appreciate it. Maybe if he heard it from you, he could stop this needless blame on himself.”
“I will. As soon as I see my girls.”
He turned the car into their driveway. “I’m sure they’re waiting.”
Gracie was out the door as soon as the car stopped. I was smothered in Gracie hugs and kisses the moment I stepped out of the vehicle, catching her in my arms. She giggled and talked a mile a minute, the whole time patting my cheek, dropping little smooches on my mouth, cheeks, and nose and exclaiming in delight over the stuffed lamb I had seen in the gift shop and brought to her.
