Page 6 of Layla's Daddy

Finally, Dr. Rubio covers my bottom with the gown and blanket. When he comes back around to my front, Theo starts to rise from the stool, but the doctor stops him with a hand on his shoulder. “You’re fine. No need to get up.”

Theo’s face is softening now that I’m no longer wincing.

Dr. Rubio strokes the top of my head and tips it back. He uses a pen light to look into my eyes. “Pupils look good. I don’t think it’s necessary to take any X-rays. I don’t believe your tailbone is broken, just badly bruised. Those take a while to heal. You probably won’t want to sit very often for a while.”

“Okay.” It’s not like I sit at work. I’m sure whatever job I get next will still involve me racing around serving people.

“As for your head, just to be cautious, I’m going to assume you have a mild concussion. Someone should monitor you for the next twenty-four hours. Do you have someone who can do that?”

I swallow. “I live alone.”

“I’ll do it,” Theo says.

I glance at him. “You can’t do that.”

“Why not?” he asks.

“Because… Don’t you have places to be?”

“My appointment for today got cancelled right before we collided. I’ll reschedule my other appointments for tomorrow.”

I stare at him, mouth open. “But…”

He squeezes my hand. “No buts, Little one. I feel bad about knocking you down. It’s my responsibility to make sure you heal. Concussions can be serious, Little girl.” He narrows his gaze at me, his full-on Daddy tone brooking no argument.

Knocking me down? I ran smack into him. I knocked myself down. I don’t know why he’s taking any amount of responsibility for my clumsiness.

“He’s right, Layla,” Dr. Rubio says. “Someone needs to monitor you.” He turns toward Theo. “You want to watch for nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Make sure her pupils remain equal. I’ll give you a list of what to look for. If there’s any doubt, take her to the emergency room.”

Theo nods. “Thank you.”

I try to push to sitting. This can’t be happening. “I’ll be fine. I need to get home and then…”

Theo takes the teddy bear from between my arms and sets it on the table next to me as he helps me sit upright. He stops me from continuing to speak with a finger to my lips. “Whatever you were going to do today can wait a few more days, Little one.”

I wince as I put pressure on my tailbone.

Dr. Rubio pats my shoulder. “I’ve known Theo for years. You can trust him, Layla. I promise. Take it easy for two days. No running or sudden movements. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat soft foods until you feel better. I’ll give Theo a prescription for some acetaminophen that has a higher dosage than over the counter.” He moves toward the cabinet and returns shaking out a pair of loose, drawstring pants. “Kristen told me your clothes are soaked. These will at least cover you until you can get home.”

I take them from the doctor, but I’m still reeling. Theo is going to watch me? Where? In my tiny studio apartment? That’s not going to happen. I’d be too embarrassed to show it to him. Plus where would he sleep? There isn’t space for a guest.

Dr. Rubio says a few more things to Theo and then leaves, shutting the door behind him.

Theo scoots so the rolling chair is right in front of me. He sets his palms on my thighs over the blanket. “I know you’re nervous,Little one, but I can’t just leave you alone. I’d be worried all night.”

I bite my lower lip.

“Do you have someone you can call? Someone who would at least know where you are tonight?”

“Where will I be?”

“My house, Little one. I have plenty of space. You can stay as long as you want.”

At least he isn’t suggesting he come to my apartment. That’s not happening. But how can I just go home with a stranger?

“Do you have a girlfriend you can call, Layla?” he repeats.

I look down at my lap. “My friend Sophia is out of town, and my friend Amelia just moved away.” I’m pitiful.