Abby walked in just as Joe was settling back into the bed. He had been asleep when she’d gone downstairs for dinner, so she was startled to see that he’d managed to get himself up and moving in the last thirty minutes.
She didn’t miss the grimace that crossed his face as he lowered himself onto the mattress. She hurried in, kicking the door shut behind her and rushing to set the plate of food on the bedside table.
“Do you need help?” she asked, straightening.
“No, Abby,” he said softly, a hint of amusement layered beneath the pain. “I’m pretty sure I can take a piss on my own.”
She grabbed a pillow and slid it behind him as he shifted, propping him more comfortably against the headboard.
“How long have I been asleep?” he asked, leaning back with a quiet groan.
“All afternoon,” she re
