La Reina de la Mafia

Recovery

Jax spends the rest of the day with me. We watch tv, play cards and talk. I'm grateful for the company.
"So," I start as Jax and I are watching Instant Family, "What's going to happen with the Halloween party? It's tomorrow."
"I am not so sure it's a good idea."
"But why?" He gives me a pointed look.
"You were shot."
"Not anywhere major though! I feel fine, really."

"Brianna-"
"We can have the party, and get married shortly after in November." He gapes.
"What? I thought y-"
"I don't care. Whatever it takes to stop those Russian bastards." Jax kisses me on the forehead.
"You're amazing."
"So, I can be discharged today?" I ask hopefully.
"Tomorrow morning." I roll my eyes.
"Fine."

When I open my eyes, I'm met with a view of a person inches from my face.
"Ah!" I flinch back. "Jesus Gwen! Ever heard of personal space?" She shrugs.
"I'm here for pick up duty."
"Where's Jax?" I expect to see him appear behind her.
"Planning."
"Jax, plan. A party? Ha, you're funny."
"Brianna I'm not kidding." She takes out her phone, and shows me a picture of Jax with a clipboard standing next to a terrified looking florist.

"Wow."
"He said he wanted to make things perfect for you."
"It's like he's done a whole 180 or something."
"A 180 of loveeeee." Gwen sings.
"Please." I scoff.
"You're right, he's been in love with you from the very start!" She giggles and runs out of the room.
"Hey!" I look down at my ugly hospital gown. "Nurse please?!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What's this I hear about you being a plan-zilla?" Jax gets up from his chair behind his desk, approaching me. Concern evident on his striking features.
"Was the ride home good?" He gently wraps me in his arms.
"Yes. Riding in those Range Rivers are like gliding on ice. I barely felt a thing."
"Promise you'll tell me if you're pain at all, ok?" I kiss him.
"Promise."

"Now, I need your help touching up a few things." He pulls me over to his chair, and I sit on the arm as we look at the computer screen filled with design patterns and flowers.
"Where's the party happening?"
"My mother's house."
"The ballroom I presume?"
"Mainly, but we will use the whole house." I glance at Jax.
"Let's get down to business then."

A few hours later, I ease onto Jax's- well our bed, completely exhausted.

I try to close my eyes and sleep, but the pain in my side is too sharp. Jax emerges from the bathroom and notices me grimace.
"Brianna."
"Yes?" I say, trying to sound inconspicuous.
"I don't think you should attend tomorrow night."
"I'm fine." He sits beside me, kissing my forehead.
"Don't lie to me." I try to scooch away, but Jax traps me in his bear arms.
"I'm not, it only hurts once in a while. Plus if I take my medication I should be ok."

Jax gives me a pointed look.
"Fine."
"Yay! Thank you." I quickly kiss him. "I'm going to call Tio to help me with my costume."
"What's it going to be?" I shake my head.
"Not telling. All I'm revealing is that you'll need a suit. Possibly a crown." Before he interrogates me more, I hightail it as fast I as can out of the room.

"Tio, how are you?!" I say when I enter the Women's parlour.
"Bien, bien. How are you darling?" I sigh.
"Pretty good, just a little overwhelmed at the moment." He gives me a sympathetic look.
"I know darling. I hope you liked the flowers I sent you in the hospital." I remember the gorgeous arrangement of mums.
"Those were from you?! Oh! I loved them. Merci."
"Now. What do you have in mind for tomorrow night?"

"What did you put here?" I ask, touching the spot where my gunshot wound is.
"Thin, yet comfortable padding, lined on the outside with Kevlar." I turn around, looking at myself.
"It's incredible. You can barely see it!" Tio shrugs.
"I have a skill. Now," he opens a thick black box that one of his assistants is holding. I gasp.
"Tio, you didn't-"
"Every Queen needs one." I smile.
"Thank you. I look forward to seeing you there tomorrow?"
"But of course. I wouldn't miss it."

I wake up, but I know it's nowhere near time to get up. I reach over for my phone and it reads 3:12. Great. I roll out of bed, walk to the washroom and take a few painkillers. But the funny thing with them is I have to eat right after or I'll get sick. Usually it's the other way around but not this time. Heading down to the kitchen I see a light already on.
"Hello?"

"Brianna. You're back." Gio's voice startles me.
"Yeah. I am. Feeling a bit better now, I just came to get something to eat." He nods, moving away from the fridge to let me by. I grab a banana and yogurt.
"So how have you bee-"
"How are you doin-" We both start at the same time.

"You go first." He says.
"I am so sorry that I hurt you Giovanni. Lately things have been crazy, and I'm just trying to keep my head on my neck." He nods.
"No need to apologize. I understand how things work. But I'm the one who should be sorry for not visiting you in the hospital. I just didn't want Jax to think-"
"Yeah, I know."

We sit in silence for a bit, and I yawn.
"I think, I need to go back to sleep. Its going to be a late night tonight."
"And you need to take it easy." I roll my eyes.
"Yes mom." He glares at me.
"I'm serious. You were shot."
"Don't remind me." I say, and leave him standing alone in the kitchen.

"Where'd you go?" I jump at the sound of Jax's voice.
"Kitchen." I reply, "I was hungry."
"At least leave me a note or something." I roll my eyes.
"I was fine. I am fine. I just had to take some medication and eat. But-" I yawn, "as much as I would like to continue this lovely conversation, I'm tired. So," I flop onto my side of the bed. "Night."

Shortly after, I feel Jax pull me towards him and I welcome his warmth, soon falling fast asleep.