When he finishes, he brushes off the stray hairs and adds a bit of gel.
“What do you think?”
I check it out, running my hand over the fresh fade.“Nailed it.Thanks.”
Derek unclips the cape, gives it a shake, and grins.“Nice meeting you, Adrian.See you next time.”
“Definitely.Thanks for the suggestions.”
I pull out my wallet to pay, and as I turn to leave, he calls out, “Hey, take my number.A couple of buddies and I head out to the bar on Fridays.I could introduce you around if you want to tag along.”
“Sounds good,” I say, surprised at how natural the offer feels.After the mess at the last hospital, I’m wary of making new friends, especially at work.But maybe having a circle outside of that would be better.
I step outside, and for the first time in a while, I feel lighter.Like maybe starting over isn’t just possible… it might actually be nice.
On my way back to Keith’s truck, where he’s waiting for me, my phone vibrates in my pocket.I pull it out, glancing at the screen.Isaac.Relief hits me as I answer.
“Hey, man,” he says.“How’s it going out there in the sticks?”
“So far, so good.Still finding my feet,” I reply, relief settling into my chest at the familiar voice.
“You start work yet?”
Huffing out a breath, I kick a loose rock as I walk.“Nah, not yet.Checking out the practice later today.Haven’t been inside the hospital yet.I start tomorrow.”
“How you feeling about that?”
I reach the truck, leaning against the door as I rub the back of my neck.“Fucking scared, honestly.Like… the shit from the city will follow me.”
Isaac sighs.“Try not to think about that, man.It’s a fresh start.”
I roll the words around in my head, knowing he’s right.
“How is it back there?”If anyone knows, it’s him.He’s still in the thick of it at the hospital.
“They’ve moved on,” he says.“You know how it is—one drama, then on to the next.”
I scoff.“Yeah, well, I’m sure if I were still around, they’d be talking about it.”
“Probably.”He doesn’t lie, and I appreciate that.“But you’re not.And honestly?You’re gonna be better off where you are.”
A deep chuckle leaves my throat.“How the fuck would you know?”
“I don’t,” he admits.“I’m just trying to make you feel better.Is it working?”
I shake my head, smiling despite myself.“You know what?It kinda is.”
“Good.My job here is done.Call me later.”
“Alright, will do.”
I hang up as I grip the truck handle for a second before climbing in.The interior smells faintly of leather and pine, the dashboard dusty but well-kept.The door creaks slightly as it shuts.
Maybe Isaac’s right.I need to start believing this is my fresh start and not be hung up on the past.
But fresh starts don’t change what’s happened.And some shit has a way of catching up with you.
I glance around, noticing the number of trucks in the parking lot and along the streets as we pull away.Back in New York, it’s all busy, fast, and loud with sedans and honking taxis.Here, it’s quieter and slower.A different kind of energy altogether.
