I lean my cheek into my phone as I type in the last notes from my check-in with a new patient. I was surprised when I opened the door to Nico Merryweather, the IceCats star goalie. Even more surprised when I learned his diagnosis. Autism. It’s incredible and inspiring to so many, if only he’d tell them. My mind is blown, and I almost told him he could help so many, but I kept it to myself. I didn’t want to scare him away. Not only did I have to sign an additional NDA, but Dr. Tembalt did too. We hadn’t had to do that with a player yet, so it was interesting, to say the least.
But my goal is to get Nico to come out to the world and help people.
First, though, I need to help myself.
“I know, but I feel bad using your money. Especially since I feel like I need to at least cook and clean at Owen’s since I’m staying there for now. He doesn’t have a lick of cleaning supplies, nor anything to cook. They eat out all the time.”
“Bachelors.”
I smile since Owen is no such thing. He’s all mine.
“It’s your card, Angie. Use it.”
“But it’s not my money. I can’t pay you back right now.”
“Angela Lynn, I’m not discussing this anymore. Use the card, and let me know if you need to pull more than a thousand for deposits on the new place. I can send you checks if need be.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say softly, feeling a little defeated. It’s all so much. I had mentally prepared to see London today, and when I got here, I discovered she had called out. That tells me not to go home today, but then I got scared that maybe she’s home burning my plants. I had Owen run by to make sure the house wasn’t on fire. He told me he’d go pack up my stuff for me, but I don’t feel right doing that. I need to do it, and I need to have a place to go. Though, Owen is convinced I just need to live with him. “Owen offered me his place,” I say then as I save the file. “It’s a beautiful beach house that he shares with his buddy, Dart, but I don’t know. We’ve only been dating a little over a month.”
“I like that boy,” Mom says then, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “Daddy was going at him, but he stood his ground and was so respectful.”
“He’s a pretty amazing guy.” I pause and lean into my hand. “I already told him I love him.”
She takes in a deep breath. “Oh, so it’s serious.”
“Yeah,” I admit. “I know it’s new and all, but we’ve—”
“Angie, you don’t owe me an explanation. I support you, no matter what.”
And I thought only Owen could make my heart skip a beat. I don’t remember much of my life with just my mom—the memories of my bio dad ruin a lot of it—but one thing is for sure, she’s always been my biggest fan. “Thanks, Mom.” I exhale as I look around our office. It’s dead today, but man, I love it here. “I’m scared, though.”
Her voice is full of concern as she says, “Oh, honey. Love is terrifying.”
“I know,” I laugh. “But it’s also because I don’t know what’s going to happen with my job. And I’m scared that I won’t leave for another opportunity because I love Owen and I don’t want to be away from him.”
“And he can’t go with you.”
“No, and I know that. I went into the relationship with the knowledge that his career would control where we are. If we stay a we, ya know. I don’t want to give up opportunities for love, but I’m pretty sure I would. For him.”
“That’s understandable. Have you discussed it with him?”
“Kinda. He said he’d do long-distance with me.”
“He’s a peach.”
“He is,” I agree with a grin. “But I know that’s crazy to even consider.”
“I mean, baby, you’re stressing over something that isn’t even an issue yet. The issue at hand right now is your living situation.”
“But it plays into it. Should I move in with Owen until I graduate and hopefully get hired here? Or do I get a place, and then I get stuck in this city for six months at least if I don’t get the job?”
“Oh…” she draws out. “I see.”
“Owen says move in.”
“Of course he does,” she laughs, and I smile at her suggestive tone. “I know this—if you move in with him, you won’t move out unless you two aren’t together.”
Shit, she’s right. “Yeah.”
“But I also wouldn’t want you stuck for six months.”
“Me either,” I agree, and she clicks her tongue.
“I know you said London is the manager and all, but you said you had a good relationship with the doctor, correct?”
“I do.”
“Have you thought about asking him about your future?”
“I feel like he does what London wants about staffing.”
“Maybe let him in on the situation. Don’t give details or place blame, but explain your concerns,” she suggests, and I nod as I watch Dr. Tembalt go into his office.
“I could.”
“I would,” she says confidently. “I think it would be smart.”
“Yeah,” I say slowly. “He just went into his office, but I need to ask you something first.”
“Sure.”
“Would you, Daddy, Charlotte, and the boys like to come to Owen’s game when the Adlers come? Elli said y’all can fly over with her.”
“Um, absolutely!”
The fear is there, my heart is pounding, but I want to see my mom. I miss her.
“Great. I’ll get you details.”
“Oh, I’m already texting Elli!”
I smile. “Okay. Let me let you go. I’m gonna catch the doctor before he leaves.”
“Okay! Good luck!”
We say goodbye, and I get up before I misplace those balls of mine I just found. I head to his office and knock on the open door.
Dr. Tembalt looks up from his desk and then flashes me a welcoming smile. “Hey, what’s up?”
I clear my throat. “Can I have a moment of your time?”
“Sure. Come on in. Close the door if it’s private.”
I do as he asks, and then I sit down across from him. I clear my throat again nervously as I wring my fingers.
He watches me, concern on his face. “Everything okay, Angela?”
Nope. Freaking the hell out. “As you know,” I start before clearing my throat once more, “I’ll be done with school in a little over a month. It has always been the plan that I get hired on here.”
“Yes. We’re very excited to have you. I enjoy your work greatly.”
Well, that’s good. But it doesn’t ease my anxiety even a bit. “Thank you,” I answer, though I’m not sure I should have. “Well, unfortunately, I’m a bit worried.”
He looks confused. “About?”
“My position on the team.” He looks even more confused, so I continue quickly. “I don’t know if you know, but I live with London, and we had a bit of a falling-out. I’m moving out, and without getting into details, I’m worried that our falling-out may come into play with my becoming a permanent employee of yours and the facility.”