Chapter 10

“I’ll be back in a while, and then I can prepare you for those tests. I need to check on my other patients, and I’m sure you would like to talk with your daughter.” the nurse said as she smirked at Monique.

As the nurse left, Monique pulled up a chair, sat at the bedside and reached for my hand. “Don’t be upset, please, John. We wanted to ensure you saw a friendly face when you woke up.”

“What do you mean, we?” I asked with a frown, suspecting I knew exactly who we were.

“Let me explain, please, before you get upset. When the Gendarmes came to your house Saturday and got no answer, they came to us next. Mama gave them Chantel’s number, explaining that she was your assistant and closest friend. They contacted her and explained what happened and that you were in hospital. She spent all Saturday night in your room watching over you. She asked me to sit in on Monday so she could go into the office. The only way I was allowed in, was to be family.” She said in a rush, clearly upset.

I lay my head back and closed my eyes, trying to take in everything I had been told. “Monique, I’m not upset with you. I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you for being here when I woke up,” I told her as I squeezed her hand.

Chantel took this moment to breeze into the room with her usual energy and came over and kissed my forehead. “You gave us quite a scare, John. I came as soon as I heard you had woken.” She said as she hugged Monique.

“Can I assume my daughter called to tell you I was awake?” I said sarcastically.

“Relax, John. It was either call her your daughter or your fiancé, and that seemed premature.” She said with a laugh as both Monique and I blushed deep red. “Have they told you when you might be able to go home?” she added as she sat on the side of the bed.

I gave her a look after the fiancé comment before I answered. “The doctor still wants to do more tests now I’m awake to see how bad the concussion is.”

Turning to Monique, Chantel said, “Why don’t you go home and shower and eat something better than hospital food? I’ll stay with John; if the doctor allows, I can bring him home. If not, you can come back later.”

“I do need a shower and something to eat. Please let me know as soon as you know what’s happening.” Monique said as she got up. Before I knew it, she leaned over and gave me a scorching kiss before rushing out of the room.

Chantel did her best to suppress her laugh as she saw the look of shock on my face. “I’ve told you she has it bad for you, John. How long are you going to fight it?”

“Chantel, look at me. I’m a broken-down old man. What happens when the infatuation fades, and she moves on to someone her age?” I said.

“I see we are feeling sorry for ourselves. Listen to me, John Claude; you will heal. You are not a broken-down old man. Yes, you are injured, sore, and in pain, so I will forgive your pity party. That young woman cares deeply about you. Do not dismiss her feelings. Perhaps it may lead nowhere, but do not close yourself off to finding love.” Chantel said as she glared at me.

I was spared a further berating when the nurse came back in. Chantel got up and kissed my cheek before saying, “I’ll go make a few calls and ensure everything is running smoothly in the office while the nurse does what needs doing.” Then, without a look back, she fled the room.

The nurse smiled as she began to check my vitals. I felt she had heard the dressing-down Chantel had given me but chose not to say anything. She checked everything, including, much to my embarrassment, my catheter and told me the doctor would be along shortly as she left me alone.