Dear Readers, This is an apology and an explanation. I started Wildcat Fall earlier this year and realized it wasn't the story I wanted to tell. So, I have started from scratch, and here is a completely new chapter integrated with the kernel of the original one. This is the continuing saga. I would appreciate any feedback. Constructive criticism is important to me as I am rewriting this story. Thanks.
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Chapter Five
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“Jenn, I’m Robyn, Teri’s other nurse. We’re about to wake her up. Grab your things and follow me.”

Jenn threw everything into her backpack and followed the nurse through the security door and down the hallway. Entering a private room, Jenn saw Teri and gasped. She felt her face go pale as the blood drained away. Her knees buckled.

Teri’s head was wrapped in a towel, and her eyes were closed. She was snuggled tightly in blankets. All Jenn could see was pale skin and colorless lips. Teri looked tiny in the large hospital bed surrounded by tubes and machines. The monitors beeping, the blood pressure cuff inflating, and the sounds of the machines all resembled a Hollywood horror film.

The scene was overwhelming; tears rolled down her face. She looked at her girlfriend lying there and felt helpless.

Robyn came over and took her hand. “It’s okay. Remember, she’s just coming out of surgery. She’s fine. All her vitals are steady. Our job is to warm her up, wake her up, then sit her up.” The nurse pointed at the machine blowing warm air under her covers. “During surgery, they lowered her body temperature slightly to slow blood flow. It’s okay. That machine is helping with warm air.”

Jenn’s voice was a whisper. “Is she all right? She’s so pale.”

Robyn smiled. “After six hours of surgery, it takes her body time to recover.”

Jenn watched as Robyn started adjusting the controls on the keypad of the machines, sending more fluids into Teri’s body through a port on her hand. “I’m giving her a wake-up call, and we’re flushing any sedatives lingering from the operating room.”

When Teri’s eyelids fluttered, the nurse leaned in and whispered, “Welcome back, Teri Nelson. I’m Robyn, your nurse in recovery. You’ve just come out of surgery. The operation’s over and everything went well.”

She kept talking as she removed the air machine and pushed it to the corner. “Your throat and tongue ache where they inserted a breathing tube during surgery.”

As Teri regained consciousness, she realized she couldn’t feel anything below her waist. Hearing a machine between her legs, she lifted her blanket to look.

Robyn watched her carefully. “That’s the sound of an icing machine for your surgical area. It’s important to keep the swelling under control. Right now, you’re still numb from your surgery and packed with gauze to preserve the shape of your new vagina.”

Teri was having trouble concentrating. Her eyes kept shutting, then she felt a squeeze.

Robyn whispered, “Teri, you’re still getting a strong dose of painkillers. Just remember that everything went fine. Now, rest your eyes, and I’ll get you ice chips for your throat.”

Teri watched the blurry figure leave the room. She took deep breaths and entertained herself by listening to the rhythm of the beeps. She wondered what song was in her head until she fell back asleep.

Jenn watched. Her initial fright had passed, but her heart continued racing. She kept reminding herself that everything went fine.

When Teri woke up, she sensed Jenn sitting on the edge of the bed. Her mind gradually cleared, and she was able to focus.

Robyn was holding two large Styrofoam cups. “Here you go. Jenn’s going to feed you ice very slowly. Choking is a real no-no.”

Teri heard a motor vibrating as her head and trunk were lifted into a sitting position. She watched Jenn dip a long-handled plastic spoon into the cup and scoop out ice shards. Teri felt the first shards on her tongue as they slid down her bruised throat.

As Jenn fed her ice, she leaned close to kiss her. “I love you, Rock Star.”

Teri kissed back but laughed because the occasional chip would slip out of her chapped lips, and the cold ice would roll down her chin. Jenn would gently touch her with a tissue and dry her off.

“Thank you,” she croaked. “I’m all loopy.”

Robyn smiled. “Are you ready to try a soda?”

Teri smiled and said, “Please.”

Robyn handed Jenn a can of Coke and another cup of ice. There was a bendable straw attached to the cup. “Remember, Teri. You have a catheter inside. Try to relax and just let it go. Don’t squeeze your muscles or hold back. We want to make sure everything works.”

After drinking the soda, Teri felt the bed lowering. She saw Robin adjust the IV drips on a touchpad near the bags. “It’s time to rest. Kiss Jenn and close your eyes.”

Teri took a deep breath, and all her anxiety faded as she sighed. She thought everything felt alright.

Gina called Richard. He answered cheerfully, “Hey, Gina! How’s your vacation going?”

“It’s great relaxing up here in Manhattan with the rich crowd, but I need to get down to Philly.”

“Right, the hospital. Phil and I heard the good news about our wonder girl. Would you like me to arrange transportation?”

Gina smiled. “I was hoping you could do that.”

“Of course, I will. I’m assuming you want to leave in the morning.”

“I do.”

“How about ten o’clock? You’ll avoid all the rush hour traffic. I’ll have the driver call you when he’s out front.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“Well, tell everyone that Phil and I are sending our best wishes. Oh, that’s right. We found the perfect gift for Teri.”

“A gift! What’d you get her?”

“Three mint condition vinyl albums - Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys; The Allman Brothers Live At Filmore East; and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Live at Austin City Limits.”

“Oh, wow. She’s going to flip out.”

“We hope so. Your driver will have the package, and you can be our delivery person.”

“Okay, Richard, and thanks for arranging the ride.”

“It’s my job and we do have a transportation contract. Tell everyone we love them.”

“Sure. What have you and Phil been doing?”

“Just enjoying a bit of quiet time. Phil’s heading back to the studio to warm things up for the band in a couple of weeks, and I’m coordinating plans for the European tour. If the tour sales look good, we’re hoping to add Asia and Australia. Bill Wiggins, Gimli, and Conor are excited about the momentum the band’s created.”

“That’s amazing news. How long a tour are you thinking?”

“Well, we’d have to break it into pieces, but if you want, it could wrap the world and go for close to a year. Six months in Europe, and wrap three months in Asia and Australia. You’d fly home for a big break a few times, but the equipment would stay out waiting.”

Gina started laughing. “You’re serious? You think we can sell that many tickets?”

“Bill Wiggins says the international sales are increasing. I know it’s crazy, but the Wildcats are gaining traction worldwide. After the big fundraiser, downloads, airtime on subscription radio, and Tiffany’s little pet project of weekly Wildcats videos on YouTube are all still growing. Your double album keeps selling. Billboard has you climbing with a bullet.”

“I wonder if Zoe wants to raise her baby on the road?”

“I talked to her.”

“Okay.”

“She says she could do everything as long as everyone stays healthy.”

“Everyone?”

“Yep. Bruno is in on this project, too.”

“Oh, wow.” Gina tried to picture Bruno closing his graphic design and illustration business and just being the babysitter. “He’d give his business up?”

“No. He said he’d work remotely. And of course we’d have nannies for the little one.”

Gina was shaking her head. “During a tour schedule like we did this summer? Working four nights a week, five to ten thousand people? I’m having trouble picturing it.”

Richard was laughing. “Bill Wiggins has the contacts and has done it many times before. Gimli has the venue experience. And I’d still manage the band. But I think the talk is that you’d be playing for ten thousand each night.”

“Okay. I’m not having much success wrapping my mind around it.” Gina was glad she was sitting down.

“The schedule would be just like the summer tour. You work for three weeks and get a solid week off. After three months, you’d fly home for a few weeks. Then you’d do it all over again.”

“And Zoe’s okay with that?”

“Zoe said it would be okay, because she’d be taking her family with her. She wondered about the rest of you.”

Gina was trying to imagine being alone on tour for three months at a time and realized that Grace could fly over to Europe during the band’s week off, too. Then she understood she could fly home for three or four days if she wanted. “Richard, it sounds okay on paper, but that’s a lot of tickets to sell. And I guess that’s what we want. Seriously, I’m itching to play. But it’s still hard to believe that the Cats are that popular worldwide.”

“Right. Well, you are. While we’re not ready to sell out stadiums, but when Wiggins says you can, we have to listen. And here’s a good one. A toy company has approached us. They want to make Wildcats figures and a scale-sized tour bus. Unfolding the box creates a stage. And there’s even talk about a Wildcats Anime cartoon.”

“That’s crazy!”
“Yep. It’s all good news. The fundraiser is still getting donations and is on track to break records. Both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé want you to help write and produce a special Christmas charity album for them. Lorne Michaels wants them to do the Christmas SNL. He believes the band can write songs, perform, and sing on the show as well. Let’s face it, you guys are golden!”

“Oh, wow. That’s nuts! But, a Christmas album. Nobody’s gonna create new songs in three months!”

Richard laughed. “Crazy, right? And they want to release the album at the beginning of December. But both women have unpublished songs that can be reworked into a seasonal album. And they want Teri to arrange their songs so that they can perform them together.”

“Richard, after the mind-blowing reception they got on the stage together, it would take the world by storm. That would be too much!”

“See, that’s what we’re saying. If the Cats were to announce a world tour, it would create a lot of interest. Oh, and before I forget, you need to talk to your dad about Wildcat business. He’s got something to share, and I won’t spoil the surprise.”

Gina nodded. “A surprise, huh? Okay, I’ll call him at work tomorrow when I’m in the limo. If I called him at home tonight, Mom will get on to talk, and he’ll sneak off for a glass of red and a cigar.”

“Well, once I hang up, I’ll arrange your transportation. Have a good time in Philly!”

Gina was thinking about the luxury of arranging door-to-door limo service to Philly and frowned at the cost. But then she thought about taxi fares to and from the train, the price of the Acela train service, and all the time it would consume. She realised that after making a million dollars from the summer tour, she needed to start thinking differently.

After hearing about Phil and Richard’s gift for Teri, Gina considered getting something for Grace. She’d been sitting on the couch in Grace’s small study while talking to Richard. She smiled and relaxed by looking out the picture window, which offered the best view of Central Park.

Staring out at the beautiful sight inspired her to take action. She called Grace’s favorite gallery owner. “Hey, this is Gina DeNardo, Grace Goldman’s girlfriend.”

“Sure, Gina. We’ve met before. I’m Ella Lancaster, the gallery owner. How can I help you?”

“I’m thinking of having something painted for Grace as a surprise. Can you get in touch with Rene Talbot? I want her to paint a landscape for me.”

“Sure, Gina. I’ll contact Rene. Do you want to send me photos that she can use for inspiration?”

“I can and I will.”

“Okay. We can set that up. Do you need some figures?”

“Sure. But let’s move it forward. I was hoping for a watercolor that I could give her sooner rather than later.” Knowing that Grace filled her office with her favorite photos and paintings, Gina figured she would have a painting made of the view from the sixteenth floor to hang in her second-floor office. Gina took a deep breath and relaxed.

Grace had refused every offer Gina had made to buy her jewelry, take her on trips, or even have a shopping spree in Paris. Knowing that Grace already had everything she wanted, she was disappointed when her lover told her that she only wanted Gina and nothing more. But now, she would have a surprise gift painted for her. Everything would be great. But the tour sounded crazy.

When Robyn and Julia came to get Teri ready for bed, they told Jenn to spend a few more minutes holding her hand and whispering to her. Robyn reminded her that they would both be here monitoring her all night, and Teri would sleep soundly.

Jenn leaned over and whispered, “Baby, I’m heading back to our place for the night, but I’ll be here tomorrow morning.” She kissed her sleeping girlfriend and took an Uber back to their apartment. As she fell asleep, Jenn knew she would be at the hospital when they opened for visitors at ten.

Tuesday morning, Gina saw a large two-toned SUV sitting outside on Fifth Avenue. She was pleased to see a cute young woman holding the door open for her.

The woman smiled and looked her in the eyes. “Gina DeNardo?”

Gina glanced at the pretty thing in her dark green long-sleeved tee and black Capris. She almost burst out laughing because she was wearing the same comfy clothes. “That’s me.”

Shaking her hand, she took Gina’s case. “I’m Tanisha Morgan, and I'm ready to drive you down to Philly. Before we start, I’ve got snacks and water for you. We have an electric cooler and can stop to get whatever you want.”

Gina had grabbed a bagel after her morning run and now wanted something sweet. “Uh, any ice cream?”

Tanisha grinned. “We’ve already packed frozen Snickers, Milky Ways, and Heath Bars. Just watch biting down too hard. I’m not a dentist.”

Gina laughed out loud. “That sounds great, Tanisha. What do you do when you’re not driving this big machine?”

“I’m in school, studying law at Kline.”

Gina smiled. She knew that Kline was a big deal. If she attended Drexel, Tanisha must have been at the top of her college class. “Does that mean you drove up from Philly this morning?”

“Yes. Our service prefers to come and get you rather than outsourcing our business to a New York firm. Quality goes a long way in our trade.”

Gina smiled. “You sound like you own the company.”

“Well, my mom and grandfather run the business. This is my side job. We enjoy shuttling the Wildcats around Allentown and Philly. And you’re my favorite drummer.”

Gina blushed at her comment. Her gaydar was going off pretty strongly as she climbed into the large vehicle. Looking around inside, everything was beautifully upholstered and presented an office with two recliners. Gina turned to look at her driver. “This is pretty nice back here. What is it?”

Tanisha grinned. “It’s a Maybach. Mercedes makes them. This one’s their top model, and it’s all electric. We have plenty of battery charge to take you back to Philly.”

“Tanisha, I’ve never paid much attention to our transportation, but it’s pretty cool to ride in an electric limo with a beautiful driver. But I’ll let you concentrate on driving us out of this traffic. I have to call my dad.”

Tanisha glanced back at her before starting out. “Please put in a good word for me. I’m looking for an internship, and your dad’s law firm is the best in Allentown.”

“Sure, I’d be happy to talk to my pop.” She grinned and wagged her finger. “But then you’ll owe me.”

Gina watched the young woman look into the rear-view mirror. Tanisha grinned. “Owe you, huh? Uh, you know you’ve got a reputation.”

Gina laughed. “Me, a reputation? Wait, do you keep a file on everyone you drive?”

“Nope. Just the beautiful ones.”

Gina inhaled and shook her head. She thought to herself, ‘I love my life, I love my life.’ Picking up her phone, she dialed her father’s office.

“Dinardo, Hopkins, and Ryan. How can I help you?”

“Hi, Judy. It’s Gina. Could you have my dad call me when he’s not busy?”

“Gina, he just got off the phone. Let me connect you.”

A minute later, she heard his warm voice. “Hey, Gina. How’s my girl?”

“Life is good, Pops. I’m heading down to the hospital to see Teri. What’s up? Richard told me to give you a call.”

“Good. Richard asked me to share the news that William Wiggins has just wired us a check. It’s your royalties from all the streaming services. Apparently, they send them out quarterly.”

“Wow! How’s that work?”

“They pay the record company every time your songs are played, and everybody’s been requesting your songs. All those pennies add up. After Warner’s takes their cut, and Richard gets his share, you guys are splitting a hundred thousand dollars. That’s twenty grand per Cat.”

Gina thought about the painting. This money should cover it. “Well, that’s unexpected. I was going to call you to withdraw money from my account. I’m having Grace’s favorite artist make a painting of the view from her apartment. But, this money should cover it.”

She heard her dad chuckle. “That’s a sweet present for Grace. I’m sure she’s going to love it. My little girl is such a softy.”

“Love does that to you.” Gina looked up and realized that her driver could hear every word.

“Well, baby. I’m going to get back to work. Not all of us get a month’s vacation from their summer tour.”

“That’s true, but in our defense, we hit it hard. Twenty-four-seven for three months is a grind. It sounds like a piece of cake. But you know what it really takes to keep the party going.”

“Richard told me that you’ll be touring internationally in the Spring. If you’re playing Italy, your mom and I will fly over to see the band.”

“Of course, we’ll book Rome just for you guys. But between now and then, we’ll be rehearsing, and maybe have new material to play and record. Who knows? Oh, yeah. One more thing, do you ever have law school interns?”

“Sure. We always have three or four. You have someone to recommend?”

“I might.”

“Just have them send me a resume and text me her name so I can look her up.”

“Okay. Sounds great. But how did you know that it was a she?”

She heard her dad laugh. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too, Dad.”

After she hung up, she closed her eyes and thought about how lucky she was to have a family that embraced her. When she opened her eyes, they were going over the Ben Franklin Bridge into Philly. Gina looked up at Tanisha and smiled. “Hey.”

“Hey, back. I’ve been having fantasies about the favor I’m going to owe you.”

Gina grinned. “You do know I have a true love.”

Tanisha hummed. “Oh, I know. And that’s what’s going to make it so special.”

Gina just sat there and smiled.

“Uh, Ms. Dinardo?”

“Tanisha, Gina is just fine.”

“Thank you for talking to your father, and well, can I ask a personal question?”

Gina nodded. “Of course.”

“Uh, what was it like when you came out?”

Gina grew quiet before she spoke.“I was lucky to have the best older sister in the world. She gave me the confidence to be myself.”

She paused. “I struggled with my sexual identity when I was young. I concealed my desires and thoughts, but one day, my older sister found me lying on the bed, sobbing into the pillow. I admitted how lonely I’d become, afraid to express my feelings of love for another girl that I really liked.” Gina wiped her eyes, remembering that it was her best friend, Lisa.

“My sister gave me the words of wisdom that I still live by. She said, Baby, you’re not a freak. Stop worrying about your thoughts and embrace them. Loving another woman is the most natural thing you can do. Seriously, who is more beautiful, smells better, and is more delightful in bed than another girl? A woman knows how to push your buttons both sexually and in your mind. Loving women is natural. Take it from me, my whole life revolves around women and beauty. One day, I’m going to open a salon and cater to women who love to be pampered. It’s going to be called Isabella’s, and it will be famous throughout the whole Allentown area!”

“Thank you, Gina. My family has been very understanding, but I still have trouble approaching women. Unless I am in a bar or club, it’s hard to decide who is a lesbian or not.”

Gina smiled as she hugged Tanisha. “You’re not alone. Gay women rarely are forward unless they’re in a comfortable environment. But it’s going to happen. I’m telling you to have faith.” Gina shoved two fifty-dollar bills in her hand and gave her a loving kiss on her mouth.

After showing their tickets, Lisa and Smith walked down the ramp into the waiting plane. Lisa chuckled and whispered, “That flight attendant can’t take her eyes off you.”

Smith turned and looked at Lisa. “What?”

She shoved his shoulder. “Yeah, you handsome star, you. I’ll bet that she’s old enough to remember EBR and has seen you in a movie or two.” Lisa knew he radiated that charisma, but Smith never seemed to notice the fuss. After that, the flight attendant stood in the aisle, so the rest of the passengers heading into the plane wouldn’t notice them.

Lisa whispered to Smith. “I don’t know much about this fame and fortune stuff. After seeing people staring all googly-eyed at you, well, as much as I enjoy the Wildcats' success, I want to be myself. I don’t need that public recognition.”

Smith kissed her gently. “Babe, if they’re looking towards me, it’s cause they’re wondering who the beautiful woman is.”

She nuzzled his face. “I seriously doubt it. Maybe I need to ask Grace Goldman’s advice on how to avoid passive-aggressive jealousy, so I won’t go beating on someone who wants your selfie.”

“You’re jealous of me? Forget that! Lisa, I’m happy just carrying your luggage. Look at all the other three guys I was with in EBR. None of them wants the fame or attention anymore. They all lived the rock and roll life, then moved on. I know they miss the music, but none of them wants to repeat those years of touring. Music, movies, I like all of it. But would give it all up in a heartbeat for you.”

Lisa smiled and wrapped her hands around his head as she kissed him. “Thank you, my dedicated slave. Now, which do you like better, movies or music?”

Smith thought for a second. “They’re both so different. I love losing myself in the music, just belting it out on stage. In a way, it becomes a dream. And having all those people watching and applauding is pretty heady. But movies are just so different. I have to stay on my toes with acting. Lines, cues, all the positions. Making movies is not relaxing. I mean, I watch all the real talent and they all seem so natural. It’s just all second nature to them to bury themselves in their roles, their lines, and their places in front of the lights and cameras. I look at them and wonder if it will ever be that way for me.”

Lisa smiled and nodded.

Smith leaned in. “Okay, so your turn. You were on the Chances movie set for a week. Wanna do another movie?”

Lisa shook her head. “No thanks. My four-day taste of movie-making cured me. Having to play the same forty minutes over and over reminded me of when we were in the studio recording. You have to lose the fun and almost become a robot. Not enough spontaneity. I like the challenge, but one and done for me.”

They snuggled for a while until Lisa closed her eyes and fell asleep. When she woke, Smith was buried in his iPad, working on lyrics.

Lisa read the words. “Hmm. Storm clouds, lightning, heavy rain. Sure sounds like a recycled Eaten By Raptors song to me.”

He turned slowly, smiling. “Uh-huh. But now this one might have the rain stopping and the sun coming out. You never know, maybe I’ll throw some love into the mix.”

Lisa squeezed his thigh and, slowly, using her fingers, inched up his leg. She whispered in her sexiest voice, “The sun’s coming out, huh? Like in the itsy-bitsy spider?” She whispered as she sang the children’s song. “When the sun came out and dried up all the rain, the itsy-bitsy spider went up the spout again.”

Smith inhaled as her fingers moved up his leg like a spider. He felt her hand caress him lovingly. He shook his head. “Why did I have to fall in love with such a sexy, wise-ass? But how come your mom’s not crazy like you?”

Lisa made a fist and smacked him hard on the bicep. Then she grinned and went back to stimulating him. “I’m crazy, huh? I think that’s the part of me you like the most. I’m not one of the women who throw themselves at your feet begging for your love. I’m still myself.”

She nuzzled his neck and whispered, “Speaking of crazy, that reminds me. When things settle down, I’m gonna hire a private detective to track down my sperm donor, you know, my biological parent. I really want to know about him.”

Smith nodded, “Wouldn’t it be ironic if he’s a musician, a mixed martial arts champion, or maybe just a wise ass?”

Lisa’s hand grabbed down hard on his crotch and grinned devilishly. “Wise ass, huh? Maybe you don’t need this boy functioning at full strength for a while.”

Smith used both his hands to keep Lisa from doing real damage. He knew how strong she was.

As Jenn walked in, Teri held up her spoon. “Hey, look! Real food!” Teri was wide awake and sitting up. There was a little bedside table pushed in front of her, and she was eating from a plastic container.

“What is it?”

Teri smiled broadly. “I never thought applesauce could taste so good! So far, I’ve had oatmeal and hot chocolate. I’m growing to love baby food!”

Jenn grinned and leaned over to kiss her. “You look a lot better this morning than you did yesterday.”

“Do I? I don’t remember a thing about yesterday.”

“That’s okay. You were pretty doped up. How about this morning?”

“I’m good. I don’t think they’re giving me much in the way of pain killers, but I’m still numb down there.” Teri finally took a deep breath, sitting in bed, feeling the ice machine between her legs. As she looked across at Jenn, there was a knock on the door. Another smiling person in scrubs was washing his hands with an antibacterial scrub in the doorway.

“Hi, Teri Nelson. I’m Dr. Hank. I’m a pulmonologist and here to check your lungs and breathing. It’s a standard practice after surgery. Your nurse told me that you sing and play guitar for a living.”

Teri nodded and hoarsely croaked, “I’m in the Wildcats, a band from Allentown.”

The doctor smiled. “I know who you are. I watched you perform on Labor Day.”
 
Jenn looked at him. “Do I need to leave?”
 
“Nope.” He beamed. “I’ll only be a few minutes.” Hank glanced at the two women and smiled.
 
Jenn watched as Teri blew into a tube, and the doctor recorded the information. He used a stethoscope to listen to her lungs and nodded. “You’re in great shape. You’ll be going home in no time! My assistant will return this evening and show you some exercises. I want to build up your lung power. Knowing that you sing and play for a living, we’ll send you home in perfect shape.”
 
As he was busy working, no one noticed Tiffany walk through the door. She immediately came over and gave Teri a warm kiss. “Surprise, Little. Oh, this is wonderful! You’re stuck in bed, and I can keep on kissing you. You can’t run away from me!”

Tiffany turned to Jenn. “You don’t mind if I ravage your girlfriend for a while. I miss my Little Shit so much.” She laughed and turned to Robyn and the doctor. “Excuse me. Is it all right if I climb up into bed with my girlfriend? Is it too soon to have hot monkey sex?”
 
Robyn looked frantic, not realizing Tiffany was putting on. “Oh, please don’t. She’s still hooked up to too many tubes, and we don’t want anything to go wrong.”
 
Jenn covered her mouth and giggled. She was enjoying Tiffany’s outlandish, impulsive behavior. She knew that the woman could make anyone laugh.
 
The man’s jaw dropped. The beautiful, tall, leggy blonde who was carrying on and the exotic-looking brunette were both gorgeous. He didn’t know where to look. His patient with her silver punk haircut and perfect skin was attractive, too. As the doctor slowly exited the room, he made a note to return to check on this patient more frequently.
 
Jenn’s phone buzzed. She asked Robyn if Teri’s mom could join them.
 
“No problem, Jenn. I’ll go get them. The whole floor is quiet, so we can even steal chairs from the other rooms.
 
Before long, Teri and Amy were hugging while Tiffany sat on the windowsill and talked to Conor. Amy was interested in what the nurses and doctors had said.
 
Robyn nodded. “Teri’s surgeon was in last night at around eleven. She mentioned that the surgery was a lot simpler because they had to do less cutting and suturing. She said that Teri’s body was pretty easy to work on and that it would speed up the healing process. She’s coming around this morning to pull out the catheter and check on her dressings. You can all hear what she has to say then.”

The gang sat around and talked. It was a pretty easy time knowing that Teri was doing well. Everyone was smiling and laughing.
 
An hour later, Robyn interrupted. “I need to kick everyone out. The doctor’s on her way. We’re going to disconnect all of Teri’s tubes and remove her drain and catheter. And after the doctor finishes her dressings, I’ll bring you back in so you can talk to her. Then we get Teri up and walking.”
 
Conor smiled. “That’s fine. We’ll all take a lunch break. We packed coolers. C’mon, gang, let’s go eat.”
 
Teri sat up and waved her hands. “Hey! What about me? Who’s going to feed me?”
 
Robyn laughed. “Your cafeteria tray is on its way, honey. Sorry, it’s not catered, just hospital food. It’s a pretty strict diet for the next three days while you’re under our care.”
 
Teri could be heard moaning and pretending to complain as everyone filed out.
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