Page 51 of The Vow

Alex and Nick were out of my line of vision. Twisting my head made the music grow louder. I found them standing a few feet away adopting the stance of a groomsman who crosses his hands in front of him. Or the stance of a mourner.

“Congratulations. Okay, all done, Mr. Conti. The doctor won’t be long.”

“Is everything normal?” Alex was back, sitting on the bed and holding my hand, squeezing it too hard.

“His blood pressure is a little low. I’ll let Dr. Pearson know.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry about the coffee.”

“Don’t give it a second thought. I’ll have someone take care of it.”

I closed my good eye and pictured the room the way it should be. It should be painted in vibrant colors and decorated with fashionable pieces. There should be paintings on the wall that invite hope. I should be resting beneath a fluffy comforter. The sheets should be flowery, or a cheerful orange.

“Exo... exorcism,” I said, opening my eye.

Alex placed her ear by mouth. “What, love?”

“It’s. Like. A fucking. Exorcism.”

Nick’s head looked too big for his body. “Try not to talk, buddy. You’ve had a pretty rough night.”

“What’s he saying?” My best girl was becoming friends with my best friend.

“The ER doc said he might have a concussion.”

“Why didn’t they tell me that!?”

“Shh... my head hurts.” But my legs don’t.

“A lot? Does it hurt a lot?”

“I’m alive.”

I remembered what Alex told me about Simon and his patient monitor. The Grim Reaper must have taken a detour since my monitor was on and driving me crazy.

“Good morning, folks. I’m Dr. Pearson.”

“Good morning, Doctor.”

“Good morning.”

What’s so fucking good about it? “The lights... off...”

“We can turn them off as soon as we’re done here. I’ll also have Nurse Stevens draw your blinds.”

“I got it,” Nick said.

The woman in white pulled the cover from my legs and poked, and prodded. “Let me know when you feel that.”

“Nothing.”

“Why doesn’t he feel anything, Doc?” I wondered why Nick wasn’t opening the bar instead of playing mother hen.

“I prefer doctor.”

“Sorry,” Nick said. “Why doesn’t he feel anything, doctor?”

“After initial tests, we’ve determined that Mr. Conti has a mild concussion. However...”