Т Нован - Exposure Season 2

"I’m trying to reach him. He’s out of the country on business. I’m having a hell of a time trying to track him down. Apparently, he’s somewhere in Eastern Europe and their phone service is less than reliable."

"Anything I can do to help?"

"Nah. His company is helping out. I’m sure they’ll find him." I take the last sip of my cold coffee when something occurs to me. "She’s not going to have any legal problems here, is she? You know, because she, ah…." I can’t quite bring myself to say it.

"No, not at all. It’s one of the most clear-cut cases of self-defense I’ve ever seen. When Kelsey is up to it, we’re going to need a detailed statement, but I don’t foresee any problems."

"Good. I just want to get her out of here so she can rest and get better." I hear her fuss again. Returning to her, I take her hand. "It’s okay, sweetheart."

Her eyes open again. "It hurts. It all hurts," she whimpers.

"I know, chér." Yup. Gotta get her out of here and get her home. She’ll rest much better in that big, old, feather bed. So will I for that matter.

I need to call Saunders and tell him we’re both taking extended vacations. Hell, maybe Kels’ agent will have our new contracts negotiated soon then we can just quit.

I fuckin’ hate LA.

Scenes from Next Week’s Must Read TV:

When I come back into the room, I find Kels lying on her side, with two doctors examining her knee. They are discussing the surgery, and making small marks on her skin with black felt tip pens. I am not amused that my Little Roo’s backside is on display and I am quick to at least cover her a bit. It may be a body part they see everyday, but I had too wait a helluva long time to see this particular one, and I don't like everyone else getting to just pass go and collect an eyeful. When I tug her hospital gown closed, she looks over her shoulder and gives me a very silly grin.

"Hi ya, Tabloid!" she says, a bit too loud.

Oh, I get it now. They gave her a shot before her surgery. I move around the bed to sit by her head.

"How you feeling, Little Roo?" I reach out and take ahold of her hand, squeezing it gently.

"Oh, I feel great!"

I laugh a little. "I’ll bet you do."

She brings our joined hands to her lips and kisses my knuckles. "I love you."

I look over her shoulder at the doctors who have paused in their work at her proclamation. The older doctor chuckles and then continues on. "I love you too, Kels."

The doctors finish their exam and pull the sheet up to her waist. "Someone will be up to get her in a few minutes."

"Okay." I smile at the doctor who has spoken. He’s been very good with Kels during her time here, three weeks now, making sure she gets the best care. He's also seen to it that I’ve been allowed to stay with her despite posted visiting hours. Once we made it through the first awful week, when everything was still so raw and painful, Robie drew up a health care proxy for Kels. Once she executed it, I had the same rights as family to be at her bedside.

"Okey-dokey, Doc," Kels offers, giggling a bit.

He shakes his head, smiling as he leaves with the young intern.

I return my attention to Kels who is wide awake but cruising at about 30,000 feet. The air is definitely thinner up there. Sipping my coffee, I smile.

"Wha’s that?" she slurs. The meds must be working.

"Coffee," I reply.

"Yuck. I don’t like coffee." She gives me a pouty face.

"I know, but it’s not for you. You’re not allowed to have anything anyhow." I comb my fingers through her hair. I need to have the nurse bring me the stuff I need to wash her hair later.

"You know where they gave me a shot, Tabloid?" The pouty face transforms into an indignant one.

"I have a pretty good idea."

"In my butt."

I can’t help but chuckle at the comment. "Yeah, I know."

"So." She leers at me. "You gonna kiss it and make it better?"

"Later."

"Promise?"

"I promise, chér."

I am a bit surprised that she seems content with this. I must admit, I didn't particularly want to be caught with my lips on her ass when the orderlies come for her in a few minutes. Some things are just too damn hard to explain.

"Harper?"

"Hmm?"

"When can we go home?"

Lately, she has taken to calling New Orleans home, pleasing me no end. The first time Mama heard it, I thought she would swoon with pleasure, as well. "As soon as the doctors give you the green light, we’re on the first plane out of here."

"Good." She intertwines her fingers with mine. "I miss that big feather bed."

"So do I."

"I miss sleeping with you."

"I know, sweetheart. Me too."

"Harper?"

"Yes?" She's like a kid with these meds, full of questions and non-sequiturs.

"The doctor said I may always walk with a limp."

"Ah, don’t sweat it, Little Roo. You’re gonna be fine. They say that so you won't sue them later."

"Yeah, but if I do, are you still going to love me?"

I lean in, kissing her cheek, whispering in her ear. "Of course, I will Kels. I will always love you."

"Like Whitney Houston?"

"Huh?" I am well and truly confused.

She looks at me like I'm stupid. "She sang that song."

"Ah, I remember." I don't want to tell her that Dolly Parton composed the song and was the first to record it. Lord knows where a discussion of that particular blonde might lead to at this moment.

"Even if I’m not perfect?"

Guess we're back on the prior subject. "Hey, I’m not perfect. We make a great team in our imperfections."

"Nah." She draws back a little, wiggling a very dopey finger in my face. "You are perfect."

"I’ll remind you of that when the drugs wear off."

"You do that, Tabloid. In the meantime, shut up and kiss me."

I happily comply, giving her a gentle kiss. It’s one of the few real kisses we’ve shared since we got her back. I haven't wanted to push anything and she hasn't been in any shape to initiate any lascivious behavior. This simple act speaks volumes to me, telling me we're going to be all right.

An orderly enters, bringing our kiss to a close. His look shows his disapproval. "Problem?" I ask, staring him down.

He shakes his head, moving the gurney closer to her bed.

"Don’t hurt her," I warn in a low voice, still staring. I swear to God, if he causes her pain because of me, of us, I will deal with him. Personally.

A second man enters to assist in getting Kels ready to go.

When she is settled on the gurney, she turns her head to look at me. "Do me a big favor, Tabloid?"

"Anything, sweetheart."

"When I get out of surgery, I’d really like a cup of tea."

Okay, that wasn't a request I expected. Glad she didn't remind me that I had to kiss her butt later. The homophobic orderly would have pissed in his pants with that one. "I’ll see what I can do."

"’Kay." She nods, the meds finally taking their toll on her.

I watch as they tuck her in, and raise the rails to keep her safely on the gurney. I lean over, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Love you, Little Roo. Everything is going to be fine."

"If ya say so…," she slurs, her eyes falling closed.

"I do."

I release her hand but walk alongside her until I’m once again stopped at a set of doors. Standing there as they swing closed, I remain looking through the tiny window until I can’t see her any longer. Out of options, I head back to her room to wait.

As I do so, I am tired and nervous all at the same time. Glancing at my watch, I know Mama will be bringing lunch by in a couple of hours. I look at the cot where I have spent the last few week of my life, and I briefly consider taking a nap. Hell, I'll be lucky if I don't need to visit a chiropractor for the rest of my life after sleeping on it so long. I decide against it and settle back in the chair, closing my eyes.