She glanced between my mother and me. “Do you have any questions?”

I had plenty, like, Why the hell had my client canceled our meeting, causing me to be at the race that day? or, Why are there such evil, despicable people in this world? The faces of the bombers were images that had been burned into my head.

“No,” I answered.

“I’ll leave you my card, which has my direct line, in case you would like to talk more about any of these options.”

When I didn’t reach for it, she set the small card on the table and left.

“I hope she sets that analogy on fire,” I said to my mother, turning toward her.

“Honey, this is a lot to consider, and already knowing your options, I discussed it with your father this morning.”

“And?”

“We think rehab is something you should really think about.” She held up her finger when I went to interrupt. “They’ll be able to manage your pain, you’ll have access to nurses and doctors, and we’ll all feel a lot better, knowing your chance of falling won’t be as high there.” She crossed her legs, slipping her notebook into her bag. “I assure you, I’ll find the best facility in Boston and pull strings if I have to, to get you in.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I’m not going to another hospital. I don’t care how nice it is.”

She moved her hand toward my leg, and I stopped her midair, holding it before she touched my most sensitive spot.

“You don’t have to decide now,” she said as I released her. “Take the day, but by morning, we need to have a plan.”

I was immediately relieved when there was a knock at the door, my attention moving in that direction just as Joe and Smith walked in.

“What are you doing back in Boston?” I said to Smith, knowing he had more than a week left of his trip.

“Did you think I was going to stay on the other side of the world when my best friend was put in the hospital?” He leaned in close, carefully clasping my shoulder. “I got here as quick as I could. It’s good to see you smiling, man.”

“Just picked him up from Logan,” Joe said as he hugged my shoulders.

The phone call from Joe’s wife had saved him from getting injured. The lucky bastard only had a few scratches on his face from falling to the pavement.

Both of my boys said hello to my mother, eventually taking seats by the bed.

“How’s it going today?” Smith asked. “Joe’s been keeping me updated. I know you lost your phone.”

My assistant had already purchased me a new one, but I hadn’t been checking it much—the notifications and messages didn’t mix well with how I was feeling.