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He breathed a big sigh of relief when Stephanie left. The way she had pulled away and the sadness Bret had seen on her face proved she hadn’t believed what he said. Yet, she didn’t call him on it. She let his words stand on their face value. Maybe despite their growing feelings, Stephanie wanted to let him go to rehab alone.
Maybe she didn’t want to put her life and career on hold for him.
Bret couldn’t really blame her. He wanted her to be free. And when, or if, his body was strong again to live the kind of life he wanted, he’d return to Sweet Falls. He’d beg Stephanie for her forgiveness and hope she’d be able to pick up where they left off.
Still, it was a hard future to face. Bret desperately wanted to ask her to stay but he knew this was something he had to do alone.
Bret awoke early the next day. The nurse helped him wash up, shave, and get dressed. Then, Bret hung out in his wheelchair by the window. He watched as nurses, doctors, and technicians arrived for their shift. Everyone was coming and going. Bret couldn’t help himself from wondering if Stephanie’s car would pull up in the parking lot. Maybe she’d arrive early enough to catch him.
It was nothing but a fools dream, Bret thought as the door behind him opened. “Yo, boss,” it was his baseball cap wearing pilot. “Helicopter’s fueled and ready to take you to the Miami rehabilitation center.”
Bret nodded and slowly pivoted his wheelchair around to face him. He drew a deep breath. “You can grab the bags. I’m just waiting for the doctor to sign the last few forms. I’ll get a nurse to help me up.”
“You sure? I can wait here and take you.”
“You go,” Bret said. “I”ll wait here a few minutes longer. I could use the time to myself.”
The pilot took his leave and Bret returned to the window feeling like a fool. Did he want Stephanie to go or did he want her to stay? He was afraid of the answer himself. He didn’t know what the right thing was to feel or to think.
He missed Stephanie when she wasn’t around but he couldn’t ask her to go with him. Could he? He just spent the last day convincing her of why it was a bad idea. Bret just had to put her out of his mind, no matter how much he hated it.
*****
Bret signed the last two pieces of paper before handing the pen back to the doctor. “I hate to say it, but I won’t be missing this place.”
The doctor smirked. “We understand. I hope we never have to see you back here.”
Bret chuckled. “I certainly do hope that’s all true. Thank you for everything you and your staff have done. A donation check will be in the mail.”
“That’s not necessary but appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Mitchell and good luck. You’ll be successful. I have no doubt about that.” The doctor walked out of the room with clear confidence and long strides. Bret hoped one day he’d get to walk like that again—with no limps or pain. He just wanted to get his life back.
A nurse entered almost as soon as the doctor left. She took hold of the handles of Bret’s wheelchair and pushed him out into the hall. “I’ll help secure you into the helicopter waiting upon the roof. Any questions you have for me?”
She had rosy cheeks and a joyful voice. Bret liked listening to her and it made him forget his troubles for a short while. “Not really. Just anxious to get this show on the road.”
The nurse pushed him into the elevator and pushed the up button. “We’ll be there in a few minutes. If you need anything from us, please don’t hesitate to call. You can ask for me. Nurse Meyers.”
“Thank you.” Bret tilted his head back to smile at her. “You have one of the nicest bedside manners of anyone I’ve ever met. And I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals.” Bret rarely admitted that to anyone but it was easy to say to her in thanks part to Stephanie and the interview they had done together.
“Well, thank you. I try.” When the elevator door opened, Nurse Meyers pushed him out across the roof toward the helicopter. It was parked with neither it’s engine running or the helicopter blades. “I can help get you inside.”
Bret grabbed the edge of the helicopter and pulled himself up to his feet. It hurt, his leg shook almost immediately from the strain. He’d be thankful for some help, truth be told. In the past, he would’ve been too proud to accept help but not today.
The helicopter’s rear door opened and Stephanie stepped off. She was dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and her curly hair cast over one shoulder. “That’s not necessary. I’ll help him.”
Bret’s eyes widened as he took her in, and his heart raced with excitement and with dread. Now what in the blazes was he going to do?