Page 145 of Payoff Pitch
“Put simply, she’s going to have back surgery. She’ll need a few screws. It will take a little time, but she should make a full recovery. Spinal injuries aren’t black and white, and you never know what they’ll find when they’re in there, but her prognosis is a good one. Probably as good as it could have been given that she broke her back and lost feeling in her legs. We could very easily be having a different conversation right now. She’ll need to stay here for about two weeks but will start physical therapy and occupational therapy right away. Within a day or two of the surgery. She’s going to need a lot of PT and probably a good amount of OT for a long time. There are rehab facilities equipped for all that. I can get you some names. She’ll need to stay at one for at least three months and, if things are going well, then she’ll be able to do outpatient therapy.”
“No, I’m not dropping her at some random hospital. I want you to help her.”
“We don’t have all the equipment needed in this hospital. That’s not exactly what we do here.”
“You have my credit card. Use it.”
“We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment. Maybe more.”
“Do I look like I care about the costs? Buy her whatever she needs to get better.”
“She can’t stay here, and she shouldn’t be transported back and forth. That could be dangerous for her. These facilities are all in-patient. That’s what she needs.”
“Renovate my home gym with every piece of equipment she needs. You’ll both move in.”
She sighs. “I’m not moving in with you. If you insist on doing this at home, I can find you someone to help her.”
“No. You’re the only person I trust with her.”
“I have a job.”
“I’ll double your salary.”
“Tan—”
“Please. I’m begging you. You. I only want you to help her.”
Her eyes fill with tears, and she kisses my hand. “Give me a minute. It’s been a long night. When I got the call, I thought I lost you.” She begins sobbing. “From the airport until I arrived, I didn’t know anything other than you wrapped your car around a pole.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m fine. I had my seatbelt on.”
“Thank god for that. Why didn’t she?”
I look away. “You don’t want to know the answer to that.”
“Oh cheez. Kamryn might cut off your manhood when she finds out. That kid is a fucking handful. She and Bailey are night and day.”
“That’s the understatement of the year.”
“I texted Cassandra and Trevor. Your accident is all over the news and social media. I asked them to keep things awayfrom Harper. I’ll pick her up in the morning and explain everything. She’s obviously going to be distraught.”
“I’m glad you thought to text them. Bring her here so she can see that I’m okay. I have no idea what Bailey will and won’t be up for.” I look around. “What time is it?”
“It’s four in the morning. Reagan Daulton called every member of the hospital board. There are probably fifty doctors treating Bailey right now. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like it. She was here earlier but had to get home to her son. She knew Bailey wouldn’t be out for hours. She said she’ll be back in the morning.”
“She’ll offer her resources to help get whatever equipment we need as quickly as possible.”
“What makes you say that?”
“That’s just the way she is. And she happens to adore Bailey, though I think she’d do it for anyone who plays for her. Please do whatever is needed and coordinate with Reagan. Shannon can help, but you know better than anyone. The home gym is big. Do you think we can fit everything she needs?”
“This is crazy. We don’t need to decide anything right this minute. No matter where she ends up, she’ll start her therapy here.”
“I’m not kidding, Fallon. The nurse said no phone. I need you. Get things rolling on the equipment. Pay whatever is needed to get it as quickly as possible. Tell Shannon to call my housekeepers and have them make up three guestrooms.”
“Three?”
“Do you think there’s a chance in hell that Kamryn isn’t moving in too? I don’t have it in me to fight her. Bailey will need her anyway.”