Gretchen laughed outright, removing some of the tension from Jax’s shoulders. “I feel fine. My ribs don’t ache, my shoulder only hurts when I either move it too much or too little, and my face is all healed.” Gretchen pulled her hair from her face and Jax was struck by her stunning silhouette.

“That’s very good.” Dr. Melendez made a few notes in Gretchen’s file. “Exercise?”

“Running every day, but only a little. I still get winded pretty quickly.”

“Don’t push yourself.”

“I’m not.” Gretchen fiddled with her hands. “No headaches other than the usual mom headaches. I’m taking my medication as directed.”

“Uh, okay. Good.” Dr. Melendez jotted something down. “Your scans came back, and while there are some shadows where your injury was, I don’t see any reason for concern. You’re healing well and your speech has fully returned.”

Unexpectedly, Jax had the desire to hold Gretchen’s hand.

“What do you think, Dr. Melendez? One more week before I can get back to work?”

She wished she hadn’t heard Gretchen correctly. “Of course you care about work,” she said.

“I do. I have bills to pay, and disability is a joke.” Gretchen pinched the bridge of her nose, as if she was annoyed with Jax before the conversation even started.

“One more week, and then I’ll clear you for part-time. I’m not changing my mind about the six months for driving, though.”

“That’s fine.”

“How’s Caleb with all of this?”

Gretchen chuckled. “Loud, but wonderful.”

“I knew he was smart,” Jax said, pride filling her chest and voice, “but the way he’s been and how much he understands has really floored me.”

“Sometimes kids are better than the adults.” Dr. Melendez’s eyes sparkled knowingly. “I want to see you back in four weeks. You can schedule that appointment on your way out. Other than that, you’re healing very well, and I hope you are looking at this as a second chance.”

Gretchen tilted her head but didn’t say anything.

“We’ll see you soon, Doc.” Jax stood.

“Tell Amanda I said hi.” Dr. Melendez closed the folder and opened the door for Gretchen and Jax.

She waited while Gretchen made her appointment, and they walked back to the elevator side by side. An odd tension surrounded them, one Jax had never felt. “We should just give her Amanda’s number and get it over with.” Jax waited for a response, but none came. Gretchen’s sporadic memories and mood swings were starting to terrify Jax. She needed a minute alone with Dr. Melendez, and now was her chance.

Gretchen stopped in her tracks, almost causing Jax to collide with her. “You forgot your keys,” she said with her back to Jax.