My whole life I’ve been good at keeping my chin up, shouldering the weight of other people’s struggles and ignoring mine. But now it feels like that weight is catching up with me, and it’s crushing me whole.
I consider canceling on Owen, not wanting him to be a crutch since he doesn’t deserve that. But I know if I don’t leave this house, I’ll just feel fifty times worse. Instead, I wipe my nose, reapply my makeup, and put those thoughts in the back of my mind where they belong.
My reflection is overwhelming to look at, but I stare at myself.
I’m Doctor Piper-fucking-Blake, and I will not break.
* * *
The walk to Owen’s place is cold, but luckily the chill seems to let my brain cells know to shut the hell up. He said to take the entrance to the basement, and I’m about to knock on the door when Owen swings it open.
His hair is wet, and his eyes are wide as he grimaces.
“Piper, I’m so fucking sorry.”
“What?”
“Owen, honey, who is that?” I hear a voice in the background, and for a moment, my heart breaks. Owen has a girlfriend, of course he fucking does, he’s so easy to be around and extremely attractive.
“Oh, it’s okay. Um, see you around,” I say, trying to save myself from any further embarrassment. Today really decided to kick my ass, didn’t it?
“It’s my mom,” Owen says suddenly. “I didn’t know she was coming by. You definitely don’t need to stay if you’d rather go.”
A relieved sigh escapes at me as I smile at him. “I can hang out for a bit.” Owen looks nervous but takes my coat and hangs it up. The space is small but cozy. It smells amazing in here, and if I didn’t know any better… I shake my head and notice the strawberry citrus candle burning on top of the stove.Of course.
The woman looks a lot like Owen, same blonde hair and blue eyes. She must be in her fifties and is definitely a Beta. She gives me a kind smile, and I sit down at the table she’s sitting at. The same candle burns in the middle of the rounded wooden table.
“Hi, I’m Lori, Owen’s mom.” We shake hands.
“I’m Piper.”
“Oh, I’m so happy my Owie is making friends in town.”
“Mom,” Owen groans at his mother’s nickname, but I smile. This woman reminds me so much of Charlotte’s mom, how warm and welcoming she is. I never had that in my family and always seemed to gravitate to people who embodied that. Maybe it’s part of why I’m so helplessly drawn to Owen.
“Owen is easy to like.”
Lori laughs, and Owen glares at her. “Sorry, of course he is. We were going to order food. Have you eaten, honey?”
“No, that sounds great.”
Lori takes charge in ordering the food and places the call. Owen looks completely mortified, and I can’t help but to think about how adorable it all is. This is exactly what I needed to get my mind off of things.
“Piper, what is it that you do?” Lori says after hanging up with the restaurant.
“I’m a doctor,” I say, keeping it simple.
“She’s working to become a surgeon,” Owen says proudly, and my stomach sinks. Of course when someone says you're a surgeon, there's always an impressive look on people’s faces. It’s what my father likes the most about being a cardiothoracic surgeon and why he wanted this path for me. Blakes are supposed to be prestigious.
“Isn’t that wonderful. Your mom must be so proud,” she says. I swallow thickly and plaster the fakest smile I can and nod. “Just like I’m so proud of my Owie. Have you had a chance to see any of his games?” Lori asks with a genuine smile on her face.
“Not yet, but I’m hoping to go to their game against the Penguins next week.” Owen’s face lights up with that information, and I can’t help but enjoy it. I like knowing that Owen has this same connection to me as I do to him.
“You didn’t tell me that,” he says, and I shrug.
“It’s still not a definite thing. I’ll be coming off a twelve hour shift. But Charlotte invited me.”
He nods, and I can’t help but notice Lori’s pleased expression on her face.
