Starting Over Chapter 25

She could see the pain that lined Sam's face as soon as she walked into the room. The detective was back in her bed, sipping from a large plastic cup. The tray in front of her held a bowl of chicken broth and a cup of red jelly. Various lines and tubes were still attached but a quick glance at the monitors showed that all was well. Lex knew how uncomfortable and invasive the equipment could seem and hoped that Sam would be relieved of some of the monitors before long.

The doctor looked at the cup and raised her eyebrows. "Protein supplement?"

Sam made a face. "I'd rather have a bitter shandy or, better yet, a Guinness."

Lexy laughed while moving closer to drop a quick kiss on her friend's forehead. "That will come in time but, first, you have to consume the high-protein 'shakes'. Your body will heal faster as we pump you up with lots of nutritional supplements."

Sam sighed and leaned back against her pillow.

Lexy could not wait any longer. "How did the PT session go with Bea?"

"It was okay, a bit rough …" Before she could say more, Lexy interrupted her.

"Did she hurt you?"

Sam looked at the concern on Lexy's face. Something else flashed across her lover's eyes but was quickly hidden. Oh, this is going to be an interesting dance. I hope the sessions with Bea are not a mistake. In fact, the physiotherapist had been quite professional and thorough as she assessed Sam's range of motion and then worked on massaging and moving both her lower limbs. Sam could only feel the workout on her left leg but she was sweating and exhausted by the time Bea had finished her first treatment. She was glad to take to her bed for the rest of the day. Bea would be coming by every other day until she was moved to a regular room and had clearance for more exercise with the sutured leg. She was hoping that would happen by end of the week. She wanted to stand on her own two feet even if it meant crutches. She would do whatever needed to become mobile again. Lying on her back only led to idle thoughts about her situation and the damage done. And then there was the issue of her parents …

"Sam? You're frowning. Bea is quite good but she can be demanding and a bit rough at times." The words were out of her mouth before she realized their double meaning. God help me! Did I really say that?

Silence, as Lexy felt her cheeks color. Sam rubbed her eyes and nodded. "No, it's not Bea. I had other things on my mind." She stared at her somewhat disturbed companion. "Lex? Is this going to be a problem? I thought you were okay with Bea being my therapist."

"I was … I am. I know for a fact that you will get the best of care. Bea is ace at what she does."

Sam prodded, "But?"

Lexy turned to adjust one of the IV lines and whispered, "It'll be hard to watch her with you."

Sam reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Look at me."

Lexy's eyes met Sam's. She could not hide the truth.

"You're jealous."

"Sod it! I swear it's all over between us but knowing that she will be touching you, working so closely with you … it's hard to accept."

Sam was strangely moved rather than annoyed. "Then I'll ask for someone else."

"No! I really want what's best for you … not me. This is not about me."

Sam tried to lift herself from the bed but still did not have enough strength to move freely. She took Lexy's wrist and pulled her forward. "Come here."

Lexy leaned over her and their lips met. Sam put her last bit of energy into the kiss. The intensity and desire were evident. It seemed like hours before their lips unlocked.

Sam was still holding on to Lexy's wrist. Her fingers slid down to entwine with Lexy's. Her voice was shaky as she said, "Stop putting me first. This is about the both of us. No one, nothing, is going to get in-between what we … we've just begun."

Lexy found herself pushing back Sam's tangled hair with her other hand. She had always been the tough one. Life's disappointments hardened her. And, now, one look into this woman's eyes and she was reduced to mush. So out of character! Did Sam really mean what she was saying? Tears threatened to spill. She cleared her throat and pulled back from the bed, holding the rail for support.

Sam closed her eyes, knowing that a line had just been crossed, a new sense of direction implied. She longed for Lexy. That could not be denied. She was falling hard for the persistent doctor who refused to let her give up. This wasn't supposed to happen. She needed time to get over Cat. Didn't she? Yet, Lexy had arrived like a comet, streaking into her life at her lowest point and showering her with wonder and hope. She still savored their first night. Lexy knew what she needed and took command. The fierce determination in her eyes as she stroked her, brought her to ecstasy, still burned brightly in her mind. And, now! Now her life had been completely upended again. She had no idea what the days ahead would bring. She only knew that she wanted Lexy with her through it all. This feeling was growing stronger each day, even through the pain, uncertainty, and disruptions.

Sam opened her eyes and gazed at the woman she loved. "Lexy, I don't know what's going to happen next. I'm … scared. I want you by my side. Nothing else matters."

"I'm here." Lexy's voice broke as she leaned over the rail and kissed Sam to seal the promise.

"Always."

Dear Readers, I am at a crossroads. This seems like a good place to end the story in many ways. Do I continue to write about Sam's recuperation in the hospital? Or do I start a new story that begins Sam and Lexy's journey as a couple? Do you like this chapter as "the ending"? Write and give me feedback, please. My Muse and I will be standing at the crossroads, waiting to hear. Once again, thanks for all your support and interest! Peace, CG