Read Online Come and Talk to Me by June Kramin - Free Book Online Page B

done the trick. About half way into the drive, he drifted off.
    Watching him resting now caused her mind to wander and place a heavy load of guilt on herself. She was feeling horrible about having just had sex with him. Hell, she practically demanded sex from him so soon after he was in so much pain. Instead of pleasing herself, she should have insisted they not continue. He swore he was better afterward, though. Maybe it was endorphins acting like a runner’s high and he did feel better, if only for a moment, or maybe he was just being himself; always wanting to please her. When he was better, they really needed to have a talk.
    Derrick had opened the sliding window, continually asking for updates along the way. Reggie couldn’t respond with much. “The same” was usually her response. Small talk and any other conversation didn’t come easy. This was not the place for their normal banter. Even as cool as Derrick tried to be, he seemed to be nervous, too. His replies of, “He’ll be okay,” only made her worry more. Having had enough of awkward silence, Reggie positioned herself next to Van, noses touching, with the tire well at her back as she stroked his short hair.
    Van woke up when they were transferring him to a gurney. Reggie kissed him goodbye and went to get him registered.
    “Member’s last four?” the nurse asked.
    “Excuse me?”
    “Member’s last four. His social security number, honey.”
    “His name is Donovan. Donovan Kimball.”
    “Don’t do me no good. I need his last four. Do you have your military ID?”
    “Yes.”
    “Give me that. It’ll be on there.”
    Reggie handed her the card and waited while the receptionist keyed in the four numbers. Within seconds she had his entire history. That was frightening. She quickly verified his address, phone numbers and rank. Reggie waited to hear verification on his preference on boxers or briefs.
    “You can sit in the waiting room. Doctor will be out to see you as soon as they are done looking at your husband.”
    “Thanks.” She sat closest to the swinging door that he had been taken through.
    Derrick joined her. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Your hubby is the toughest bastard we have. He’ll be fine.” He tried to give her a reassuring hug. “I hate to leave you, but I have to head back.” Reggie sat upright. “I’m not abandoning you here. Someone called Bobby; he’s off tonight. He and Virgie are on their way. They’re probably going to keep Van overnight. I already checked. There’s housing available out back if you want to stay here.”
    “I’m staying with him.”
    “I figured that. So did Virg. She’s bringing you a change of clothes. Sorry I can’t stay, Reg.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead. “You know I would if I could.”
    “I know. Thanks for coming to my rescue, Derrick, and don’t tell me it’s your job.”
    He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Give me an update in the morning.”
    “I will. Thanks again, Derrick.” Reggie wandered to the picture window, allowing Derrick his escape. She’d linger over the goodbye forever if he let her. She didn’t want to sit here alone, but she didn’t want to get him in any trouble. As she watched the truck drive away, her sadness turned into anger. Why did it have to get so bad before Van got it looked at? Why did her husband have to sit in pain through a horrible drive when they could have gone for help much closer? He’s a person not a goddamn number! Last four? Kiss my ass! While stewing over her husband’s pain, Reggie paced the waiting room. She went to the vending machine for coffee but realized she didn’t have any cash on her. They both emptied their change nightly into a jar marked “Maui Fund” so not even a stray quarter was to be found. A swift kick to it brought her brief satisfaction, but no coffee. The nurse had disappeared long ago. There was no one to vent her frustrations to, which was probably a good thing. Complaining about the