Page 30 of Addiction

"I can look into it,” he says, opening the car door. “Have you thought about Wade?”

More than I should have.

"What about him?"

"Well, he's a physical therapist with a reputation that goes beyond anything else. Look at what he did for your dad. He would be good for the place.”

“Does he not already have a work base?”

“He’s at a clinic but I think he wants out. It’s something to think about.”

“Okay. Now, anything else I need to consider before I go ahead with this?”

He shrugs. “Whether you want my face to be the center of this new establishment or yours? I think I grade higher in looks than your baby face.”

I chuckle, “Silent partner you said. That means people won’t even know you’re involved let alone have your mug shot at the center of it. Besides, my baby face is much more handsome than yours.”

“Ouch, my feelings are dented.”

I laugh, getting into his car for us to head back home.

“Seriously, though. I would consider Wade going forward with the gym. Even if he can’t help you in any way, he may know people who can.”

Something tells me he’s not going to let this one go. I will talk to Wade and get advice, but that will be as far as it goes. After the way he made my body react the other night, I know I need to limit contact with him as much as possible.

However, something is telling me it’s not going to be that easy.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Wade

“That’s it. Keep it going,” I say to Jessica who is currently walking between the junior parallel bars. She’s been a patient of mine for a few months now, and every day with her is a blessing because she fills me with so much joy. “Good job. Just a few more steps.”

“I’m tired.”

“I know you are, but you’re almost done. And you get one of these if you finish.” I kneel at the other end with my roll of stickers and the biggest grin spreads across her face.

“That’s it. Just one more,” Amanda, the intern encourages.

“Yes!” I beam, opening my arms out to catch her as she leans in for a cuddle. “Good job, champ.”

Her little face beams with pride, but I can see the exhaustion in her features. With the help of Amanda, we get Jessica to sit on the floor before removing her prosthetics.

“Do I get my sticker now?”

“You sure do. Which one would you like this time?” I hold on to the top of the vinyl paper and let go of the roll, so it falls and runs out along the floor. Her little giggle makes me smile.

“Dr. Wade, you are silly.”

Of all my patients, Jessica is the only one who calls me Doctor. I don’t know how it come about but it seems to have stuck with her.

Shuffling herself along the floor, she picks up the vinyl and trails it over her lap, looking down at all the glittery options. Unicorns, butterflies, and flowers are today’s choices.

“I think I’m going to have a flower today,” she says, placing it on her bright yellow top.

“Great choice. Which one do I get?”

“The unicorn.”