Page 144 of Payoff Pitch
I feel like I’m falling asleep, desperate to keep my eyes open but losing the battle. I simply nod, unable to do anything else before everything goes dark.
I’m awakenedto the beeping sounds of a hospital. I look around and see that I’m in a hospital bed with machines hooked up to my body. The room is dark, only slightly illuminated by the lights of the hallway.
My head is throbbing, and it takes a bit for my eyes to gain focus.
As soon as they do, I see Fallon sitting at my bedside with red-rimmed eyes. I croak out, “Where’s Bailey?”
Her eyes meet mine. “You’re awake. Let me call the nurse.”
She presses a button over my head.
Again, I ask, “Where’s Bailey?”
I hear a different voice. “She’s in surgery, you motherfucker.” I gingerly turn my head and see Kamryn. She’s hugging her knees in an empty bed next to mine, looking like she’s been crying for hours. Cheetah, Ripley, and Quincy are sitting in chairs by that bed. “How did you crash your car? Why wasn’t she wearing a seatbelt? Shenevergoes without wearing a seatbelt. She fucking yells at me about it all the time.” She begins rocking back and forth and getting more hysterical. “How did you let this happen to her? It should be you in there, not her.”
Fallon bites out, “Enough, Kamryn. It was an accident. He’s injured too. Give him a minute. Why are you so fucking accusatory? Do you honestly think he did this on purpose?”
“But he—”
“I’ve sat here for two hours listening to you bash him. E-fucking-nough. Just shut your mouth. I can’t listen to you bitch and whine anymore. It doesn’t help anyone, especially Bailey.”
I catch Ripley, Quincy, and Cheetah all trying to hide their smiles. They all stand. Ripley grabs Kamryn’s hand. “She won’t be out for a little while. Let’s grab a snack. We’ll give Fallon a chance to catch Tanner up on everything.” She then looks at Fallon. “Do you want anything?”
Fallon shakes her head, no, but I mumble, “Get her a Snickers bar.”
They all walk out, leaving me alone with Fallon. Shelooks at me. “I need you to tell me the truth right now. Were you drinking? Don’t lie. They took your blood. The truth will come out regardless, and if it’s worst-case scenario, we need to call a lawyer and get ahead of it.”
I try to swallow away the dryness in my throat before gently shaking my head. “I had two drinks hours ago, before the ceremony. There is zero chance I was above the legal limit. I swear to you. I’ve cut back on my drinking significantly this year.”
She nods, looking relieved. “Thank god for small miracles.” She takes my hand in hers. “You have a bad concussion. You need to rest, but you’ll be okay. There’s no brain bleed or anything along those lines. You’re lucky because you apparently hit your head pretty hard. Hard-headed bastard.”
“And Bailey?”
She blows out a breath. “The doctor will explain it better, but if she had to fracture anything in her spine, it’s the best-case scenario.”
My heart sinks. “Oh god. Her back is broken?”
“Yes, but it’s not as bad as you’re thinking. In layman’s terms, it’s the spot on the highest part of her lower back.” She shows me on her body exactly where it is. “It will be a long process, but she’ll recover enough to live a normal life. I’m not sure about playing ball though. There’s a big difference between being a functional person and being a professional athlete. Her surgery is tomorrow. Well, today, but you know what I mean.”
“I thought she’s in surgery now?”
She pinches her lips together. “She also had some internal bleeding, and they discovered something else. She’ll…umm…she’ll probably lose an ovary.”
Tears fill my eyes, and I cover my mouth.
“Kam gave them permission to salvage as many eggs as they can from the ovary being removed. She’s not infertile.Don’t freak out. Plenty of women have children with one working ovary.”
Before she can continue, a nurse walks in. “I see you’re awake, Mr. Montgomery.”
I can only whisper, “I am.” I almost wish I wasn’t.
“I don’t want to shine light in your eyes, but can you look at me?”
I do. She’s in my face, manipulating it for a few seconds before she smiles. “Your pupils look much better. Stay off your phone. No televisions, computer screens, or any other bright lights for the time being. Bright light will bother you for a few days. The doctor will come by in the morning with your discharge information and explicit instructions about how to manage your concussion.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
She walks out, and I turn back to Fallon. “What will Bailey’s recovery look like?”