Blindsided

Chapter 8

Finally, after spending many days in the hospital and giving the parkade too much of my hard-earned money, Briana is ready to be discharged. By the time I arrive at her suite, she is already waiting impatiently.

"You're late," she groans, attempting to wheel herself around in a wheelchair.

"By five minutes. You knew I had to work today."

"I know; I'm just giving you a hard time."

"Ugh," I sigh. "Let's get you out of here."

"With fucking pleasure," she says, attempting to wheel around again.

"Bri," I say, shaking my head, "let me help you."

I grab ahold of the handles on the wheelchair and guide her out the door. The nurses wish her well as we wheel past them, but I know better. They're probably ecstatic that this crazy lady is finally leaving their ward. I would be overjoyed, too, if I weren't taking this lunatic home with me.

As we wait for the elevator, the image of Jason pops into my mind. I still haven't spoken to him about what happened a few weeks ago. I do want to talk to him, but I don't want to scare him off or put pressure on him. I've always been the one who goes along for the ride rather than initiating anything. That's how things happened with Kyle, and with Jason fifteen years ago.

The ding signaling the elevator's arrival is what pulls me from my thoughts. I'm ready to push Briana's wheelchair onto the elevator until the door opens, revealing Jason's beautiful face.

"Man, am I glad to be seeing the backside of you," Jason sneers, a smile forming on his lips.

"I'm sure you are," Briana mumbles under her breath.

I swat her shoulder.

"Hi, Kate," Jason says, directing his attention to me.

I immediately feel heat irrupt all over my body.

"Hi," I say, trying not to feel awkward, as I push the wheelchair onto the elevator.

"I'll come down with you," he says, pressing the main-floor button.

"Are you sure you don't want to come home with us, doc? Kate's bed is extremely comfortable," Briana says.

I quickly put my head next to Briana's.

"Shut. Up," I whisper into her ear before looking up at Jason sympathetically.

Thankfully, the opening of the elevator door deflates some of the tension.

By the time I get Briana settled in the car – which didn't come without her refusal for help – I feel less awkward around Jason. It helps that Bri is in the car and not budding in on our conversation.

"I'm so sorry about that," I say as I close the passenger-side door.

"About what?"

"About Briana. She enjoys making snide comments."

"Oh, I know, Kate. I've had to put up with her for the past two weeks."

"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience," I joke.

Jason chuckles.

"But about what she said, I'd love to see you again, Kate."

I squint at him, trying to figure out if he is serious or not. If he is pranking me, so help me God, I will be pissed.

"You do?"

"Kate," he says, placing a hand on my arm, "of course, I do."

His touch sends shivers through my body but makes me feel warm at the same time.