Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 104869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Tina returned her smile with a small, almost nervous one of her own.
“Kenny, I’d ask how you are, but I suppose that pretty much says it all,” Tina said, pointing at the cumbersome fiberglass walking cast on Kenny’s foot.
“The break was worse than I thought,” Kenny admitted with an embarrassed grimace. “They had to realign the bones, basically yank them back into place.”
Tina flinched at the description.
“Good God, that sounds barbaric,” she whispered, her already pale skin going ashen.
“They loaded me up on anesthetic, so I didn’t feel much.” Although the disquieting grinding sensation as the bones slid back into place wasn’t something she’d forget anytime soon.
“And how long do you have to wear that?” Tina asked, as a stony-faced, silent Smith supported Kenny on one side while she hobbled along with a tripod cane up to the porch.
He sat her down on the porch swing, then perched on the half wall across from her while Tina took the rocking chair.
“Six to eight weeks. I can take it off at night. But I have to stay off the foot as much as possible for at least the first month.”
“What about work?” A valid question, since Kenny routinely spent hours on her feet every day during rounds and in surgery.
“I actually took…” She cast a self-conscious sidelong glance at Smith, feeling incredibly foolish for her optimism. “I’m on sabbatical.”
Smith’s eyes narrowed and he leaned forward staring at her intently. Kenny averted her eyes, focusing on her sister-in-law instead. The plump, pretty, red-haired woman was watching her with an expression similar to that of her brother. She found it a little uncanny because they resembled each other only superficially.
“You went on sabbatical before hurting yourself?” Tina clarified and Kenny hesitated before nodding.
“I see.” Kenny wasn’t sure what exactly Tina saw with that shrewd gaze of hers and she shifted uncomfortably, sending the swing rocking gently.
“Anyway, since driving is obviously out of the question,” Kenny said, with a wry gesture at the boot. “I’m going to have to arrange for a driver to pick me up. So I should be out of everybody’s hair by tonight, hopefully.”
“A driver?” Smith asked, voice sharp. “What about Paul?”
“He’s on leave. I don’t want to disturb his vacation just because my plans fell through.”
“What exactly were your plans?” Tina asked. There was nothing but curiosity on her face. No judgment or malice.
“I don’t really know,” Kenny admitted, avoiding Smith’s eyes. “I had the vague idea that I’d come here and talk. But I’ve never been good at talking. So it was pretty foolish.”
A long, troubled silence followed that bit of awkward self-reflection.
“You should stay,” Tina said. Her voice was firm and decisive.
Both Kenny and Smith stared at her.
“Butt out, Tina,” Smith finally said with growl. He was glaring at his sister. “This is none of your business.”
“What do you mean?” Tina asked disingenuously. Their eyes—the only feature they truly had in common—clashed. Hers wide and innocent, his fierce and stormy.
“You know exactly what I mean. You’re meddling.”
“I can’t stay here.” Kenny finally found her voice and they turned to stare at her, as if only now remembering that she was there. And had an opinion in the matter. “It wouldn’t be fair. Smith came here to be with you. You’re his family. And I’m intruding.”
“You’re family too.” Tina’s sweet, simple response stole Kenny’s breath away. In those three words, she finally heard the acceptance she’d always assumed would never be hers. Not from Tina. Or Beth. Or even Fern.
“Thank you.” The words were choked out on a sob, and she clapped a horrified hand over her mouth as she realized how close to tears she truly was. She took a moment to compose herself before clearing her throat and continuing. “I know I’m not the most…likeable person.” She ignored Tina’s gasp. “So I want you to know that it means so much to me to hear you say that.”
“Who told you that?” Tina asked in dismay. “Kenny, why would you say that?”
Kenny slanted a helpless look toward Smith, who looked more than a little guilty.
“No specific reason,” she said, wanting this all to be over. It was time for her to go home and lick her wounds in private. “I’m aware of my shortcomings. I’m sorry we never got to know each other better, Tina. I-I…I really wanted to. I just wasn’t sure…”
She shook her head. This was all moot.
“I’m sorry, I’m tired. I think I’ll make my calls and take a nap.” She struggled to her feet, ignoring Smith’s outstretched hand.
Tina also stood up, still distressed, and before Kenny knew what was happening, the much shorter woman gave her fierce hug.
“Kenny,” she said as she stepped back, her hands loosely clasped around Kenny’s forearms. “I’ve never been great with people either. In fact, before moving here I had only one friend and a truckload of baggage. So, trust me, I’m the last person to judge anyone for being socially awkward. I’m truly sorry if I ever made you feel like I didn’t like you. I just thought you…” She laughed, but it sounded like a sob. “Well, honestly, one trust fund kid to another, I thought you were a massive snob.”