Badges and Bikes

Chapter 13

Over the next week, I do everything that the doctor and physical therapist tells me to. My soreness has waned and I'm anxious to start a more rigorous therapy at the gym. I am now walking unassisted by any crutch or cane. I just told mom that the doctor said that walking is good for me to get back the circulation in my leg. So I am walking to the gym. That is a mile. I will rest then walk back home. Maybe in a couple days I can walk on the treadmill before going home.

I open the glass door to the gym and instantly see Alex talking to a client. I walk behind the counter and sit down in his chair. That walk tired me a little bit. Alex finished his conversation and turns to me. "Well hello, beautiful! How are you feeling today?" He paused a slight moment before asking. "Are you supposed to be here and does your mom approve?"

I laughed. Why is everyone scared of pissing mom off? "I'm good, Alex. Mom knows that I am here and the doctor said that walking is good for me. Nothing strenuous yet. Just walking. So I walked here then I will walk back home. Maybe more tomorrow. Doc said to take it slow and easy. I don't want to over-exert myself and do more damage."

"Gotcha! Do you want something to drink?" He asked more relaxed now.

"You got some water? Not that fruity shit either." We laughed as he got my water out of the fridge behind me.

"I would never give you the fruity shit! I believe that may be illegal."

"It is! Most definitely! Thanks, uncle, you are the best."

"You tell all of us that. But I'm not mad about it. Mainly because I'm in good company with the rest."

"You are. I happen to like all of my uncles. You are all unique in your own ways."

We talk for a little while longer when he gets a call from mom asking if I made it there and if I am ok. "God, I love that woman more than anything else in this world. But sometimes I need a break from the constant worrying she does over me. It was bad enough before I got hurt. Now it is a hundred times worse." I tell Alex.

"She does it out of love and fear. I can only imagine what she went through when she got the call that you got hurt and needed surgery. No, I wasn't there, but Kaylee was and said that Tara almost passed out. Kaylee said that when Tara found out that you were shot, she hyperventilated. Then when she heard the entire story, she wanted blood and balls. At least a dozen pair. Your dad's included."

"Wow! That bad huh?" Alex nodded his head as the door opens again. A customer left as dad held the door for her. "Hi, dad! What are you doing here in the middle of the day?"

"Mom called and said that you were probably here working out. Against doctor's orders."  He said as his cocky grin showed up.

"Well I guess you can call her and tell her that I am being a good girl. Make her relax, dad. I'm going crazy being under constant watch!"

"Nope! That is between you and mom. I have pushed her to the limit this year with getting you hurt."

"But it isn't your fault that I was hurt. That is the Black Momba crew." He didn't look too convinced. "I don't blame anyone but them. So you guys need to come to terms with that. I'm done trying to convince everyone!" I stood and kissed Alex's cheek and walked out of the door. I walk back home knowing that dad was following in his truck. For some reason I lashed out at him and I'm not apologizing for it yet. My phone rings as I enter my house. I start to just let it ring, then I check it and answer. 

"Hey, Thane! I was hoping you would call."

"Wow! Really? To what do I owe the pleasure of your thoughts?"

"You said that you don't have a girlfriend or wife, so do you want to get some dinner tonight with me?"

He was silent for a minute. I can tell that I had shocked him. I chuckled. I started to retract my offer until he spoke.