Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
As Dylan’s pushed into the ambulance, I climb in behind and sit on the bench next to the gurney. The paramedics strap in and we take off to the hospital. On the way, all I can think of is how his mama is going to kill me as I replay every moment in my head.
One minute, he was being an asshole trying to cheat by knocking me off my board, and the next I’m dragging his unconscious body to the beach because he nearly drowns. It seems surreal, actually. I couldn’t find him, and when I did, adrenaline pumped through me so hard I rushed back to shore as fast as possible.
Once we arrive and Dylan is unloaded, they immediately move him to a private triage room as we wait for a doctor to evaluate him.
“What the fuck happened?” I ask when we’re finally alone, emotion thick in my voice.
“I don’t know,” Dylan tells me, making eye contact. “I was never a strong swimmer.”
I run my fingers through my hair. “How have we been friends for forever, and I never knew that? Why’d you agreed to get in the water then? And why the hell did you go out that far?” I’m throwing question after question at him because I don’t know what else to do. I’ve never felt fear like that in my entire life. “You could’ve died, Dylan. Do you know what your mama would’ve done to me if that had happened? I would’ve blamed myself forever,” I scold a little too sternly. My face softens, and I let out a long breath. “I’m glad you’re okay. You scared the shit out of me.”
Dylan smiles. “Not getting soft on me, are you?”
“You’re a dick,” I spit out just as a female nurse walks in, holding a file in her hand.
“Mr. Hart,” she addresses sweetly. “How are you feeling?”
Dylan sits up in bed. “Better. I’m breathing,” he jokes.
“That’s great to hear. Just to be completely transparent, the doctor wants to do chest X-rays to double-check there’s no fluid in your lungs or anything. Otherwise, you could get pneumonia, and that can be very serious,” she continues to explain. “The X-ray technician will be here in the next few minutes with their portable machine to do testing. But before then, do you have any questions for me?”
Dylan glances over at me, then back at the nurse. “How long do I have to stay here?”
“The doctor will follow up with you on that after the results come in, but normally it’s recommended you stay overnight so we can monitor your oxygen levels and make sure everything stays normal.”
Dylan huffs, and I can tell he’s unhappy with that answer. After the nurse exits the room, he starts his bitching.
“I’m a walking party foul! All I wanted to do was a have a good time and now look at me. Being pumped full of shit and having to get X-rays of my lungs…” Before he can finish his rant, the technician walks in, and I’m asked to wait in the hallway.
I sit in the waiting area and find myself becoming more antsy with each tick of the second hand on the clock. Standing, I walk to the window and stare out at the blue sky and thank my lucky stars that Dylan is alive. It was such a close call and frightening as fuck. Sure, I’ve had to deal with some shit on the ranch, like cuts and bruises, dying animals, and snake bites, but there’s nothing like watching my best friend lie unconscious. Before I’m allowed to fall too deeply into my thoughts, I’m told I can go back into the room.
I enter, and we sit there for at least an hour listening to the beeps of the machines before a doctor finally enters with a file in her hand and a smile on her face.
“Hi, Mr. Hart. I’m Dr. Jacobs. I’ve had a chance to review your X-rays,” she states sweetly.
“Howdy,” Dylan greets in return.
She opens the file and grabs the films before placing them onto a screen, and the X-rays light up when she clicks a button. “Your lungs look clear for the most part. This cloudy area down here…” She outlines the area with the end of her pen. “…somewhat concerns me, so just to be on the safe side, we’re going to keep you overnight for observation. I’d like to continue monitoring your heart rate and oxygen levels and keep you hydrated with the IV. I’ll order another X-ray in the morning just to be sure, and if everything looks clear, you’ll be discharged.” She flashes a hopeful smile, though Dylan looks displeased.
Dylan forces out a smile so as not to be rude.
Dr. Jacobs smiles back at him. “Do you have any questions for me?”
“No, ma’am. Thank you,” he tells her.