I stepped up to Easy’s bedside and pulled out my flashlight. I pointed it into his eyes, and he cringed slightly. “You can see a little bit more, can’t you?” I asked.
“It’s brighter, but it’s not like I can see you or anything,” he grumbled.
But the light was brighter. I couldn’t express to Easy how amazing that was. His vision was coming back. “The swelling is more than likely going down, and the nick to your optic nerve is healing.”
“That’s what we want, right?” Gwen asked,
I nodded and put my flashlight back in my pocket. “That is exactly what we want. Once they do the MRI, we’ll be able to see exactly what the swelling is doing.”
“Well, hell yeah,” Greta called.
“Good news,” Bear agreed.
“The best fucking news,” Gambler cried. He wiped his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m going to call King and let him know.” His tone was light, and I could tell for the first time since Easy had passed out that Gambler was happy and optimistic.
They should be.
Cancer was ruled out, and now, Easy just had to worry about getting his vision back.
“How is your pain?” I asked. “Is it better, the same, or worse?”
Easy shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt any more than it did. When the pain meds wear off, it kind of sucks, but it isn’t anything I can’t handle.”
“Tough Easy,” Greta grunted. “Strong caveman.”
“Do you think we can ban her from the hospital?” Easy asked. “At least until I get discharged.”
I glanced at Greta who was swinging her arms around and walking like an ape. “Uh, I’m not sure about that. She might be good to have around to motivate you to get moving, though.”
“Get moving so I can kick her ass?” Easy asked.
“Stop it,” Gwen scolded. “I swear to God, I thought when you two got older, I wouldn’t have to play referee so much.” She shook her head and ran her fingers through her hair. “I’m gonna need a vacation after all of this is over.”
“Oh,” Greta gasped. “You could take a trip to Bear’s house in the mountains. It’s gorgeous.”
Bear grunted and closed his eyes.
“I mean if that’s okay with Bear. It’s just so peaceful and probably just what mom needs after having to deal with me the past billion years.” She batted her eyes at Bear and leaned up on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek.
“I think Bear needs a vacation from you,” Easy called.
“Right now, the only vacation I can afford is a trip to the cafeteria for all of us,” Gambler laughed. “Shitty hospital food on me,” he called. He pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons. “I’m calling the club on the way. Let’s go.”
Gambler herded Greta, Bear, and Gwen out of the room.
“You still here?” Easy called.
I moved to the side of the bed. “For a minute. I do need to get back to the ER.”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I tipped my head to the side. “Uh, yes, but I think I should be asking you that.”
He shook his head. “I’m fucking great, Doc. You heard what Dr. Gus said—cancer free.”
I smiled softly. “I heard, and that is amazing. I told you to stay optimistic, and everything would work out, right?”
“You were right, Birdie.” He sighed and laid his head back on the pillow. “Not I just need to start seeing again, and everything will be perfect.”
