“I always do,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Okay. Yeah. I can handle this. I’m still interested in anxiety medication for at least the games.”
“I’ll take you to a doctor,” he says immediately. At my surprised look, he shakes his head. “This isn’t a small thing, Cae. I’ve witnessed you shaking like a leaf several times in just the last couple of days. I don’t want you numb, but curbing the terror of your anxiety is something worth looking into, okay?”
“I can do this,” I murmur, forcing myself to believe it. Fuck, I’m pretty sure I’m in for some rough seas, but I want my life back.
Maybe I can use this experience to get another job down the road if this becomes too difficult.
With that promise in my mind, I hit reply on the email and tell Friedrick I’d very much like to accept the job.
“Well, I guess that’s that,” I decide. “This is surreal.”
“Sometimes the right place and time is all that’s needed. Let’s get out of here and I’ll let you know when Human Resources needs you back,” Dad says.
Standing, I nod and follow him out of the office, watching as he locks up his office.
“Curtis?” Friedrick calls out.
“I’m about to head out,” Dad says, walking in his boss’ direction. “Did you need something?”
“I wanted to save you the trouble of having to come back here to formally fill out paperwork with Human Resources,” he explains, leaning against his office door. “I’m going to have Barb come in if you can hang around?”
“Oh. I didn’t realize you’d want to get moving so quickly on this,” Dad says, glancing at his watch. “We still have time before practice. We can do that.”
“Good. I want Caelia to start as soon as possible,” Friedrick explains. “I’ll have the team doctor come by as well after she is done with Barb.”
Let no one say that this man doesn’t know what he wants.
“Sounds good,” I squeak, trying to control my face.
“Looks like I’m ordering lunch in,” Dad says. “You’re gonna need it, Caelia. We’ll be in my office whenever Barb gets in, sir.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry if I’m derailing your day,” he says.
“Not at all. Just a bit of a pivot,” Dad shrugs.
I have a job!
Chugging down water, I wait for the results of my blood tests while Dad runs practice with the team. I’ve been at the stadium all day, but it hasn’t been too bad. I’ve mostly bounced between offices and the medical room.
On the upside, I haven’t run into Clarice again. Friedrick apologized for her rudeness earlier, saying that she isn’t typically at the stadium. His secretary’s on vacation until the end of the week, and his daughter is pitching in to help.
I’m well versed in this, so I’ll let it slide. Mean betas seem to be something I’m being plagued with this week.
“Are you ready for these results, Caelia?” Dr. Jones asks, popping his head into the room I’m in. He’s a beta, and is really kind. Barb follows him in, which immediately makes warning bells ring in my head.
Is it normal for the head of Human Resources to be here for something like this?
“Yes,” I say, slowing capping my water bottle.
“You’re not in trouble,” Barb says.
“It kind of feels as if I might be,” I admit. “There’s either something really wrong with my blood tests, or I am in fact in trouble.”
“Not at all,” she says.
“You have really high levels of several types of blockers in your blood, and I’m concerned,” the doctor chimes in.
“They’re prescribed by my doctor and legal,” I add, wrapping my arms around my waist.
