AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you, Dr. Davis,” I reply, returning the smile. “You truly are a lifesaver.”
“Just doing my job, Dolly.” He chuckles softly before turning on the shower.
We watch as it fills with steaming water. I take a step closer to it, putting out my good hand to check the temperature.
“It’s a little hot. But I like it…”
He looks at me but doesn’t say anything.
“Umm … okay, well, I guess I’ll change now and get this over with.”
“Okay, let me know if you need anything.” He nods before stepping out of the room.
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the challenge ahead. I’ve never had to undress and shower with only one hand before.
I carefully unbutton my shirt with my good hand and try to slip it off. But as I attempt to remove my arm, I see the fabric of my shirt has somehow entangled with the rough edges of my cast and is now refusing to budge. I tug gently, then more forcefully, but it’s futile.
It’s stuck.
Panic rises in my chest as I struggle with the shirt. It’s that kind of irrational panic, because you’re stuck in a piece of clothing and too embarrassed to ask for help, so you start to imagine worst-case scenarios … like how you’re going to die wearing this shirt—if you don’t pass out from exhaustion trying to pull it off first.
Why did I have to break my stupid arm?
After several minutes, that felt like hours, I let out an exasperated sigh, realizing that I have no other choice but to ask for assistance. “Evan? Could you come back in here for a second? I’m having some trouble with my shirt,” I call out, my voice tinged with embarrassment.
Evan reenters the bathroom, his eyes immediately drawn to the struggle I’m having. His lips twitch into a small smile as he steps forward to help. “Having a little trouble there, Dolly?” he teases.
“Yes, it got stuck somehow. I’m so sorry…”
“That’s what I’m here for, right? Queen…” he adds under his breath.
“Hey, I heard that!” I start to laugh. “I broke my arm!”
“Oh, I know. I put it in a cast, remember?” He smirks.
We both stand in the middle of my small bathroom. The steam has caused the mirror to fog just a little. Finally, after a few moments, Evan takes control of the situation, as always.
He carefully unhooks my shirt from the edge of my cast, releasing my left arm.
“Oh, thank goodness, I thought I was going to have to live in…” My voice trails off as he gently removes the shirt from my opposite arm. I realize I’m trembling, and it’s not cold in here…
I’ve suddenly become immensely self-aware, both of myself and of the fact that I’m standing in the middle of my bathroom, in my lingerie, in front of Evan, my best friend from middle school.
My heart is thumping like mad now, and I’m almost certain he can hear it.
I look up into his face but notice that he’s not looking at me at all.
Which is surprising to me.
Doesn’t he want to see me like this?
But he doesn’t look—as if something’s wrong with me.
I get a small pang of insecurity.
“Mhmhm!” I clear my throat loudly.
“Is everything alright? Is this making you uncomfortable?” he asks.
