Gambling It All

Chapter Twenty Six

"Mi tesoro, you are an angel," Javier said, wincing slightly as he shifted on the gurney upon which he sat. "Thank you for coming."

Dixie glanced around and noted they were in the trackside First Aid center, which seemed equipped only with a few cots, blankets, a rudimentary medicine cabinet, some bottled water and a blood pressure cuff. Dixie sighed affectedly, then crossed her arms and fixed Javier with a stern stare. "We need to establish a few ground rules," she said after a long moment.

Javier nodded for her to continue, looking abashed.

"You'll do what I say," she said, and he nodded his agreement. "You'll behave yourself," she added, and he nodded again. "And you won't call me your 'mi tesoro' ever again. If you can't be original, don't use it, and I know you use it on every gullible woman who crosses your path, including me."

Javier nodded again, looking further abashed, and Dixie strode over to the gurney.

"Why didn't you go to the hospital, Javi?" Dixie asked, her voice softer now. "That looked really bad on the track."

Javier sighed and shifted his weight while she gently tugged down his leathers and felt around with her fingers on his shoulder, making his shy away when she reached a tender spot. "If I go to hospital, it's a story. Then people wonder if I can't race, or I shouldn't race. If I just go to First Aid, is a, what is it? A Band Aid, and I'm back to racing fast tomorrow."

"And chasing women," Dixie said evenly, still examining his muscles. "Why don't you see one of the Clinica Mobile doctors? What about Dr. Costa?"

Clinica Mobile was the traveling medical facility affiliated with Dorna, the MotoGP planning authority, and Dr. Claudio Costa was one of the most respected men in the field of speed-related traumas. Everyone had heard of Dr. Costa, and nearly everyone on the circuit had seen him at one time or another.

Javier shook his head. "Too much press. I'm so close, Dixie. I'm in the championship running so close. I can't afford to be hurt now. I can't."

"Well, you're hurt, all right," Dixie said with a sigh. "It feels like some stressed ligaments, at least, possibly torn ones. We can try and do some exercises..."

"Yes, fine," Javier interrupted.

"But it's going to hurt," Dixie concluded. "And I can't say I will find that entirely unpleasant."

Javier gave her a long, appraising look. "Yes, I deserve that."

"Oh, and so much more," Dixie said pointedly.

"I'm a pig," Javier said by way of explanation.

"And a dog," Dixie added. "A horny, junkyard mutt."

"But with a nicer accent and faster wheels," Javier said, trying for a laugh and succeeding as Dixie snorted out a laugh.

"It's a good thing you're so charming," Dixie said, tugging his shirt back straight again and stepping away from the gurney. "Because otherwise even the women you completely dicked over would hate you. And probably form a club. Then put it on Facebook. I imagine it would have hundreds... no, probably thousands of members."

Javier winced again as he slid off the gurney and stood beside her, putting the hand of his good arm on her shoulder. "Mi... Dixie. I am truly sorry for what I did to you. I really did – no, I really do – like you, but... I had needs, and you were far away, and she was there, and I am weak. I have no excuse, I have only an apology."

Dixie eyed him, saying nothing.

"I apologize. I am sorry for hurting you. And I am sorry not to see you anymore, for I miss your company. But if you will help me with this injury, I will be the perfect patient. You will see."