Page 15 of Healing Daddy

Leary chuckled. “Hey there. Can you tell me what you’re having done today?”

JJ might have been confused if Leary hadn’t broken down absolutely everything for him in advance. “I’m getting a titanium rod and nerve restructuring to prepare for my bionic hand.”

Leary’s smile never dimmed. “Great. Can you tell me which hand?”

“My right.”

Leary patted his shoulder.

JJ could see in Leary’s eyes that he wanted to do more.

“Do you have someone here with you?”

JJ nodded. “July. I thought I’d die before I made it here.”

Leary laughed. “Watch out for those meds they gave you. They’re basically truth serum.”

JJ snorted, realizing exactly how high he was.

“I’ll see you afterwards.”

JJ barely heard Leary’s last words before he was asleep. He came awake with a start. It felt like only seconds had passed. A curtain surrounded him, and there was no one around. The first thing that hit him was the pain. JJ breathed through his nose. His head was still too heavy to lift.

A nurse hovered over him, appearing like a wraith. “How’s your pain?”

“Bad.”

The guy nodded. “That’s to be expected. Dr. Justice left some fentanyl here for you.” He quickly shot the meds into JJ’s IV. “That should help. If it doesn’t, let me know. There’s a second one waiting.” The nurse looked over his paperwork in silence.

The pain lessened, but not enough. “How long is this supposed to take to work?”

The nurse immediately grabbed the second syringe and pushed it through. “That’ll definitely do it.”

His head spun. “Fuck. I really hope I don’t puke.”

The guy snatched up a third syringe. “I’ve got that covered too.” Another med pushed through his IV.

“Thanks.” He swallowed. His throat felt scratchy. “Can I have some water?”

Water and a straw appeared as if that, too, had been waiting for him. JJ risked a sip and then ended up drinking more. His throat felt a lot better. “Thank you.”

Leary popped in. “Hey, you’re awake.” The nurse slipped out, leaving them alone.

“Hey.” Even JJ heard the relief and happiness in his voice.

“Everything went great.”

JJ didn’t hesitate. “I knew it would. It’s you. Boy, did I severely underestimate the pain.”

A line appeared between Leary’s eyebrows. “I left instructions for some pain meds.”

JJ nodded. He felt like a bobblehead. “They gave them to me. It’s better now.”

Leary rubbed his chest. “I went out and talked to July. He’ll make sure you get your scripts before this round wears off. I won’t let you be in pain.”

“I know.”

They held each other’s stare.