A Very Rough Draft of Chapter Two of Wildcat Fall; suggestions are appreciated

Chapter Two
 
She saw a sparkling ocean beyond the treeline. Walking carefully down to the beach, she marveled at how soft the sand was as she dipped a toe into the water. Rows of shells washed up from the incoming tide surrounded her, and she could see tiny crabs climbing in and out of the colorful shells.
 
 
Gina called Richard right after she talked to Jenn. He picked up immediately. “Hey, Gina! How’s your vacation coming along?”
 
“It’s been great relaxing in the luxury of Manhattan's Upper East Side, but I need to head into Philly.”
 
“Right. Phil and I were just discussing the good news about our wonder girl. Would you like me to arrange transportation?”
 
Gina smiled. “Sure. I was hoping you could do that.”
 
“Of course, I can. That’s my job. I’m guessing you want to head out in the morning.”
 
“I do.”
 
“How about ten o’clock? You’ll miss all the congestion of rush hour traffic. I’ll have the driver call when he’s out front.”
 
“Thank you.”
 
“Well, tell everyone, especially Teri, we’re sending our best wishes. We found the best gift for her.”
 
“Best gift, huh? What’d you get her?”
 
“I searched out five of Jimi Hendrix’s live albums on vinyl. All in mint condition.”
 
“You know she’s going to love that, guaranteed to brighten her day.”
 
“Good. The driver will have the package in the car when they pick you up.”
 
“Thanks, Richard.”
 
“Just make sure you tell everyone that we send our love.”
 
“I will. What have you and Phil been doing?”
 
“We’ve been spending Wildcat money. Dinners, shows, clothing, and a bit of travel, too. All the pampering we can give ourselves after a long, hot summer.”
 
“Well, you deserve it after steering this craziness.”
 
“Speaking of that. You know you’re booked for Thanksgiving as the backup band for Bee and Tee on SNL, right?”
 
“How cool is that going to be? Teri’s bright idea to have the two biggest pop stars in the universe doing a show together has become the most talked about thing on the internet.”
 
“We’ll have to see just how exciting it will be. Zoe will either be bursting with a baby or recently postpartum. And of course, Teri will still be dealing with post-operative recovery efforts of her surgery, too.”
 
Gina laughed. “Yeah. The Wildcats have conquered bigger challenges in the past. Imagine Zoe giving birth at Thirty Rock!”
 
“No, Gina. I’m trying not to, but we will have a team standing by. And, of course, you guys are handling the Christmas show, too. That’s a week of Wildcat skits with the cast and playing two songs live.”
 
“Richard, that should be so much fun. Everyone will be excited. I can’t wait to hear what the band wants to play.”
 
“Well, speaking of surprises, when was the last time you talked to your dad? He’s got something to share, and I won’t spoil the surprise.”
 
Gina nodded. “Okay, I’ll call him at work tomorrow when I’m in the limo. If I call him at home tonight, Mom will get on, and he’ll sneak off.”
 
“Well, when I hang up, I’ll arrange your transportation. Have fun!”
 
Gina started thinking about a present for Grace. She wanted to buy her something she knew was from her heart. She flopped down on the couch in Grace’s office and stared out the picture window. It had the best view of Central Park.
 
As she was sitting there, Gina got a great idea. She called Grace’s favorite gallery owner. In a few minutes, she outlined what she had in mind and was pleased to hear that the woman was just as excited as she was. It would be a great surprise.
 
 
Without hesitating, she walked into the warm ocean, smiling at how wonderful the water felt. Holding her breath, she lowered her head under the waves and began swimming.
 
 
Robyn and Julia took her back to see Teri, and she could spend the rest of the evening in her private room in recovery. Around ten o’clock, she kissed her sleeping girlfriend and took an Uber back to their apartment. 
 
After showering, she curled up in bed. She fell asleep, knowing that she’d be over at the hospital when they opened for visitors at ten.
 
 
The next morning, Gina saw the large two-toned SUV sitting outside Fifth Avenue and was pleased to see a cute young woman holding the door for her.
 
“Gina DeNardo?”
 
Gina looked over the pretty thing in her long-sleeved tee and yoga pants. She almost laughed out loud because she was wearing the same comfy clothes. “That’s me.”
 
“I’m Madison and ready to drive you down to Philly. Before we start, do you need anything? I’ve got snacks and water in the back. We even have a chiller, too.”
 
Gina had grabbed a bagel after her run this morning and wanted something sweet. “Uh, any ice cream?”
 
“Frozen Snickers, Milky Ways, and Heath Bars. Just watch biting down too hard. I’m not a dentist.”
 
“Great. And Madison, where are you when you’re not driving this machine?”
 
“School. Studying law in Philly at Kline.”
 
“You drove up this morning?”
 
“Sure. The service finds it easier to come and get you rather than farm out our services. Quality goes a long way.”
 
Gina smiled. “You sound like you own the business.”
 
“Well, it’s a family business with a few partners. The Wildcats are important clients. And you’re my favorite.”
 
Gina blushed at her statement. Her gaydar was pinging. She looked around and was impressed. The back of the SUV was a beautifully upholstered office with two recliners. “This is pretty nice back here. What is it?”
 
“It’s a Maybach. Mercedes makes them. This one is the top of the line and is all-electric.”
 
“Very cool. Okay. I’ll let you concentrate on driving us out of this traffic. I have to call my dad.”
 
“Put in a good word for me. I’m looking for an internship. His law firm is the best.”
 
“Sure. But then you’ll owe me.”
 
Gina watched the cute young woman stare into the rear-view mirror. Madison grinned. “Uh, you know you’ve got a reputation.”
 
Gina laughed. “Wait, do you keep a file on everyone you drive?”
 
“Nope. Just the beautiful ones.”
 
Gina inhaled and shook her head. She thought, ‘I love my life, I love my life.’ Picking up her phone, she called her dad.
 
“Dinardo, Hopkins, and Ryan. How can I help you?”
 
“Hi, Judy. It’s Gina. Could you have my dad call me when he’s not busy?”
 
“Gina, he just got off the phone. Let me connect you.”
 
A minute later, she heard his warm voice. “Hey, baby. How’s my favorite rock star?”
 
“Life is good. I’m heading down to the hospital to see Teri. What’s up? Richard told me to call.”
 
“Yep. Richard wanted me to share the news about William Wiggins wiring us a check. It’s for royalties from all the streaming services.”
 
“Oh, wow. I didn’t even know that existed.”
 
“Uh-huh. They pay the record company every time your songs get played. And all the services have been playing your hits all summer. Every time someone chooses a Wildcat song, you get paid. And all those pennies add up. After Warner takes their cut and Richard gets his cut, you guys split a hundred thousand. That’s twenty grand per Cat.”
 
Gina thought about the painting she’d ordered from the gallery and wondered if that money would cover it. “That’s unexpected. I was going to call you and draw some bucks out. I’m having Grace’s favorite artist paint the view from her apartment to hang in her office. But now, I don’t know if I’ll need it.”
 
She heard her dad chuckle. “My little girl is such a softy.”
 
“Love does that to you.” Gina looked up and realized that her driver could hear every word.
 
“Well, baby. I’m going to get back to work. Not all of us get six-month vacations. Richard told me that you’re going international in the Spring. Your mom and I will fly over to hear you if you play Italy.”
 
“Of course, we’ll book Rome just for you guys. Love ya.”
 
After she hung up, she closed her eyes and thought about how lucky she was to have a family who embraced her. Opening her eyes, she saw they were just going over the Ben Franklin into Philly. Gina looked up at Madison and smiled. “Hey.”
 
“Hey, back. I’ve been fantasizing about the favor I will owe you.”
 
Gina grinned. “You do know I have a true love.”
 
Madison hummed. “Oh, I know. And that’s what’s going to make it so special.”
 
 
She started swimming through the water and looked down at the fish around her. She swam into a large school, marveling at all the different reflective colors on their scales. Looking ahead, she realized they were headed out towards large reefs of colorful coral with hundreds of various species of fish, crabs, snails, and things she’d never seen before. Her eyes opened at the rainbow of beautiful colors against the sandy bottom below.
 
 
Lisa and Smith walked down the ramp toward the waiting plane. Lisa chuckled at the woman leading them to their seats as they entered the doorway. The woman couldn’t seem to take her eyes off Smith. Lisa knew he had that star charisma without trying after being in a world-famous band and several big movies. She liked that he didn’t notice the fuss surrounding him as they quietly sat in the corner of first class.
 
After sitting, the same flight attendant stood in the aisle, blocking the view of their seats so the rest of the passengers wouldn’t notice them. As much as she enjoyed the Wildcats' success, the constant staring had grown tiresome. She knew she’d never complain, but having the most beautiful man on the planet for a boyfriend made her invisible. She hadn’t quite figured that all out in her head. She made a note asking Grace Goldman for advice on dealing with passive-aggressive jealousy.
 
Smith leaned over and buried his nose in his iPad on his tray table. He was working on lyrics for new EBR music.
 
Lisa looked over and read some of the words. “Hmm. Storm clouds, lightning, heavy rain. Sure sounds like a recycled Eaten song.”
 
He turned his head slowly, smiling into her face. “Uh-huh. Except this one might have the sun coming out. You know, maybe throw some love into the mix.”
 
Lisa squeezed his thigh and inched up his leg using her fingers. She whispered in her sexiest voice, “The sun came out and dried up all the rain. And the itsy-bitsy spider went up the spout again.”
 
Smith inhaled as her fingers caressed him. He pretended to shake his head. “Why did I have to fall in love with such a wise-ass. It must run in the Nelson family. But how come your mom’s not like that?”
 
Lisa made a fist and smacked him hard on the bicep before she went back to stimulating him. “That reminds me. When things settle down, I want to hire a private detective to track down my sperm donor's biological parent. Wouldn’t it be ironic if he’s a musician?”
 
“Or a wise ass.”
 
Lisa’s hand grabbed down hard. “Maybe you don’t need this boy for a while.”
 
 
It amazed her as she swam along the coral, looking at the creatures inhabiting their colorful homes. It was all so beautiful and welcoming, even though it was alien to what she knew.
 
 
Robyn brought Jenn back to Recovery and Teri’s room at ten o'clock. She helped her stow her backpack and coat.
 
Jenn stared over at Teri. She looked so small and pale, lying there on the bed surrounded by big machines, all making different noises.
 
Robyn squeezed her arm. “Now it’s time to wake her up. Just sit tight and watch the action.”
 
Jenn watched as Robyn adjusted the controls, sending fluids into her body through a port on her hand. “I’m giving her a wake-up call, and we’re flushing any sedatives still lingering from the operating room. Give her a minute or two to figure it all out.
 
 
As she swam along, she noticed the light from above was getting brighter. She headed towards the sun and the surface. As her head broke through, she could hear sounds and opened her eyes.
 
 
The phone was beeping, and someone was running a vacuum. Lying in her old bed at her mom's house, Teri knew she should answer her phone. She lifted her head to look for it
 
But when she moved, everything spun around violently, and she discovered that her arms and legs were tied down. She attempted to scream, but the pain in her throat was terrible.
 
Having flashbacks of being tied down with duct tape and zip ties when Amos kidnapped her, she panicked.
 
 
Suddenly, a face loomed so close that she couldn’t focus. “Welcome back, Teri Nelson. I’m Robyn, your nurse on the recovery floor. You’ve just come out of surgery, so please don’t worry about your restraints. I’m removing them right now.”
 
As Robyn released the straps, she called out. “Honey, the operation’s over, and everything went well.” She continued speaking as she busied herself with the bed. “Your throat and tongue ache where they inserted a breathing tube during surgery. It’s been replaced with a cannula. I will get you some crushed ice and bring you a soda.”
 
Teri couldn’t feel anything below her waist. She heard a machine between her legs. She lifted her blanket to look.
 
“That’s the sound of an icing machine that keeps your surgical area cold. It’s important to keep the swelling down. Right now, you’re still numbed from your operation and packed with gauze to maintain the shape of your new vagina. There’s a drain inside to remove all the fluid and a catheter in your urethra. Those bags are under your bed. They come out this afternoon before you get up and walk around.”
 
Teri listened, but her mind drifted. Everything had evolved. She realized she’d been given a gift as her body and mind aligned.
 
She took a deep breath and felt the tears roll down her cheeks. The surgery was over. Instead of fearing falling into a bottomless chasm, she prepared to leap hurdles.
 
Robyn looked into her eyes. “And you have your first visitor.”
 
Teri looked up and saw Jenn standing right next to her nurse.
 
Robyn saw her tears and handed Teri a tissue. “Our job is to take care of you during your recovery.”
 
As Robyn showed Jenn the various machines surrounding her, Teri smiled. The surgery was over; the new adventure had begun.
 
“Teri, surgery took six hours. The general anesthesia takes a few days to leave your body.”
 
Teri watched as she pointed everything out but was having trouble concentrating. Her eyes kept closing. She felt a squeeze on her arm. She looked up and saw Jenn looking down at her. They were both crying tears of joy as they kissed.
 
A few minutes later, Robyn held two large styrofoam cups. “Here you go. Jenn’s going to feed you ice very slowly. Now take your time because choking is a real no-no.”
 
As she felt the bed lifting slowly, she heard a motor vibrating under her. When her head and trunk were raised, Teri saw she had a picture window, and the walls were painted a faded green. Her nurse, Robyn, was wearing dark blue scrubs.
 
Jenn grinned as she dipped a long-handled plastic spoon into the cup and brought out ice shards. She waited until Teri opened her mouth and fed them to her.
 
‘I’m a baby bird,’ she thought as the first shards melted on her tongue and trickled down her throat. Teri savored the ice and used her tongue to run it around her mouth before letting it slide down her bruised throat. Jenn filled one spoon after another until the cup was empty.
 
Robyn checked her legs. “You’re wearing elastic support stockings to prevent blood clots from forming. Now, are you ready to try a soda?”
 
Teri croaked out, “Please.”
 
Robyn placed a Coke and another cup of ice in front of her. There was a bendable straw attached to the cup.
 
Robyn opened the can and poured it over the ice. “You’re only going to get a little bit at a time. I’m going to let you hold the cup.”
 
When the soda was gone, Robyn whispered, “Remember that a catheter is in your urethra. You can’t feel it, but relax and let it go. Don’t try to squeeze your muscles and hold back. We want you to make sure everything works.”
 
Teri nodded as she felt the bed being lowered. She saw Robyn adjust the IV drips on a touchpad near the bags. “Time to close your eyes, honey. When you wake up, I’ll introduce you to Julia, the other nurse in this wing.”
 
As she closed her eyes, Teri took a deep breath and smiled.