“I’ll be here when you two get out.”
Relief washes over Hunter’s face before he follows the woman back into an exam room. The door closes behind them just as my phone vibrates in my hand. Seeing his name on my phone instantly brightens my mood.
Niko
The petting zoo is perfect! Sophia is going to love that. How’s Gordie doing?
I sit back in the uncomfortable plastic chair and pull my feet up underneath me. I have a feeling I’ll be here for a while so I do my best to get comfortable before typing out my reply.
Hunter just took him back to see the doc. He thinks it’s a UTI but Hunter is still worried.
Niko
I’m sure he’ll be okay.
Gordie or Hunter?
Niko
Haha. Both.
Picturing Niko sitting on his couch texting with me brings a smile to my face. I’m about to text him back when another message comes through, but it’s not from Niko. It’s a text from my old boss in Denver.
Mark
Hey Sadie. I hope all is well for you. I wanted to reach out because I’m finally following through on that dream project we put together last year. I’m in the process of securing the most perfect space in the mountains for a yoga retreat. And I want you here with me running it.
Holy shit. He’s really doing it. Last year, we sat down and mapped out a plan to open a yoga retreat one day. But with the yoga studio closing unexpectedly, I didn’t think it would ever happen. I’m happy for him but I’m also finally happy here in Green Bay. I have an amazing job with my best friend’s hockey team, albeit it may be short-term. But I also just agreed to help Niko out and watch Sophia. Talk about terrible timing.
I take a few minutes to think about how I’m going to respond and then type out a text.
Hi Mark! That’s so amazing! Unfortunately, I recently took a job here in Green Bay with the Bobcats NHL team. As of now it is through the end of the season. I’m not entirely sure what my plans are after. When are you thinking of opening?
He immediately replies, and my pulse quickens. I’m not sure if it’s excitement or anxiety.
Mark
Congratulations on the job! I was hoping for a mid-summer grand opening. Hockey season is usually done mid-June right?
The idea of running a yoga retreat has always been the dream. And now here it is, mine for the taking, but I’m not as excited as I should be. I like it here in Green Bay. My people are here. The Bobcats are here. Niko and Sophia are here. I really need to think about this.
I’m going to need some time to think about it if that’s okay?
Mark
Of course. We have some time. I’ll give you a text in a week or two. We can plan a time to chat in more detail about it.
I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m glad I don’t need to give him an answer right now, because, quite honestly, I don’t know that I’d tell him yes. But there’s so many unknowns about my job with the Bobcats. I may not have a job in a few months.
My mind runs through the pros and cons of taking the job when my phone buzzes again in my hands. My anxiety spikes again anticipating another text from Mark, but I immediately feel better when I see Niko’s name on my screen.
Niko
Want me to text and keep you company while you wait?
His text makes me smile and it’s another reminder of what I’d be leaving behind if I took the job in Denver. A distraction is exactly what I need right now so I type out a reply.
I’d love that.
