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Chapter 19

Melena – Fixed It

Jimmy hovered and lookedafter my every need the day after my surgery. I was still sore, but otherwise felt normal. I rubbed my chest. It was weird to think damaging my heart muscle was what fixed me.

He had to work on Saturday, covering for the crew mate who’d switched shifts with him so he could be at my procedure. As much as I loved having him with me, I was thankful for a little space.

Lisa texted near lunchtime.

Lisa: Up for some company?

Melena: Sure. Jimmy didn’t put you up to coming over, did he?

Lisa: Maybe. But I would have still wanted to come see you. I can bring lunch.

Melena: Sold. I never turn down a free lunch.

Lisa: Who said it’d be free?

Melena: Hah.

She arrived a few minutes later, and true to her word, brought us subs for lunch. I’d only been out a few days, but it already felt like too long. The full week to recover was going to be a stretch if I was restless already. As we munched away, she caught me up on the office drama I’d missed while I was out. One of the other therapists left her soiled sheets in the laundry room instead of sharing laundry duties.

“If she keeps it up, she’s going to be a strange smell in the attic.”

Lisa surprised a laugh out of me, and she smiled in return. “Dealing with Karen is like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall. I’m waiting for Nguyet to realize it and end her room rental contract. We don’t need her entitled self making more work for the rest of us.”

I shook my head. Lisa was a stickler for office etiquette. Her bluntness about expectations kept the rest of us in line.

“You’re back on Friday?”

I nodded. “I can’t afford to take more time off.”

“I’m surprised that sweet husband of yours is letting you go back so soon.”

My brows raised. “Lettingme?”

Lisa waved her hand at me. “You know what I mean. The man’s protective, and he cares about you. I imagine it wasn’t his first choice to have you back at work so soon.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t his choice at all. Which is what I told him and what he accepted.”