“You didn’t go to Dr. Green?”
“No.” Robert wanted to tell Coach all about Dr. Morgan, but he didn’t know where to begin. So, he just told the truth. “She’s thorough and direct. She knows what she’s doing. I’ve never seen so many certificates and accreditations on anyone’s wall before.”
“She?” Coach said the word as if it were unheard of. “Dr. Mendelson sent you to a woman?”
“Yeah. Why? Is that an issue?”
“Not as long as she’s exceptional. Because that’s what I demand for my players.”
“I don’t know why we haven’t used her before. She’s obviously well-known in sports medicine. There were photos of her on the wall with the biggest names in professional sports.”
“You never know what to expect when using someone new, even when they come highly recommended. I’m an old-timer. Change doesn’t come easy. I’m a firm believer in sticking with what works.”
A shard of annoyance gnawed at Roberts insides, and he didn’t like the feeling. “Is it because she’s a woman?”
“Of course not.” The reply was automatic and said with a snarl, as if the notion offended Coach. “It’s because we had a physical therapist who was great. I’m loyal, Blade. I don’t shop around when I have working relationships already established. If anyone in this sport deserves the best, it’s you.” Coach paused. “Do you think it was a good call on Dr. Mendelson’s part to make the switch?”
“We’ve only had one session, but, so far, I’m sold. I’m going in for aquatic therapy in a bit, so I gotta run.”
“Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“Will do. Thanks again, Coach.”
“Anytime, Blade.”
Robert finished his coffee and the last of his eggs. He felt great, but it took three trips to clear the breakfast dishes and deposit them in the dishwasher. He hoped he would be able to drive himself to physical therapy today but walking around the apartment this morning already had his leg fatigued. Not wanting to push himself too far too fast, he rested for the next hour, and then called a private car service since Manny was at work.
He looked for Dr. Morgan as soon as he entered the physical therapy suite and found her talking to a patient who was on a recumbent bicycle. She still wore the glasses and had her hair neatly piled on top of her head. Her minimal makeup highlighted her naturally flawless skin. A black pencil skirt, which contrasted sharply with her stark white doctor’s coat, brought the eye down to her sculpted lower legs. They were the only bit of flesh showing, teasing as to what lay beneath the layers of clothing that hid her voluptuous body.
She hadn’t seen him yet, so he stayed quiet and off to the side. He loved watching her work. There was nothing extraordinary about what she was doing—just speaking to her patient and intermittently jotting down notes on her laptop. But he knew she was changing people’s lives. She put broken people back together.
“Can I help you, Mr. Blade?”
The sound of the receptionist’s voice made Robert realize that he’d been standing there staring at Amber, hopefully without the wistful look on his face that he felt in his heart.
“Yeah. Sorry,” he replied. “I’m here for my noon appointment.”
“Have a seat. Dr. Morgan will be right with you. Can I get you a beverage?”
“I’ll take a water if you don’t mind. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Of course not, Mr. Blade. Happy to.”
The receptionist trotted off to retrieve the water, and Robert resumed watching Amber. She’d moved to a patient running on a treadmill, and, again, they had a short conversation. With her laptop resting in the crook of her arm, the fingers of her free hand danced across the keys as she tapped notes into his file. She looked up, and her gaze went straight to Robert, as if she knew he was sitting on the bench against the wall opposite the reception desk and watching her.
An involuntary smile lit up his face, and he sat a little taller. He gave her a small wave, and her lips curled at the corners as she nodded back. She finished with her patient, and then walked over to him.
“Hey,” he said, when she was within a few feet of him.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Blade. You’re looking well.”
“I feel well. Thanks to you.”
She opened her mouth to say something, but instead of speaking, she displayed a wide smile. “We’ve had one session.”
“I know, but it was a good one.” It sounded like there was a double meaning behind the statement, but it was unintentional, so he clarified. “I feel like we made progress already.”
“That’s exactly what I like to hear. If you’re ready, we can get you set up in the whirlpool. Did you bring shorts or swim trunks like the instructions stated?”
