“What are you really leaving behind, though? A medical practice with policies you don’t always agree with? An empty townhouse anda lonely life? We both know you don’t care about the money and the job title, and you still enjoy delivering babies.”
I swallow hard and drop my eyes to the floor. “Things are finally leaning in the right direction. She’ll panic and push me away if she hears I’m even considering something this big and permanent.”
Tenley shrugs. “She might. But if she’s the one, she’ll get over it pretty quickly and want to make out with you as soon as she realizes what it signifies.”
“I don’t know,” I say, scratching the back of my head.
“I know you won’t get any closer by living two hours away,” she continues. “Do me a favor, would you?”
“What’s that?” I ask cautiously.
“Sometime later, I want you to imagine what your life would be like if you made the decision to stay. Then ask yourself which version of your future brings your heart a sense of consolation.”
“I’ve already done that, and you’re right, I could be perfectly happy taking over for Doc Simms. I enjoy working with you and the patients, I think the hospital’s great, and I love the people in this town. But it’s not my decision that makes all the difference in the end, and I can’t risk scaring her off,” I blurt out.
“I’m sorry,” Tenley says softly, hopping down from the desk and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I didn’t mean to pressure you. Let’s give it some time, hmm?”
I clench my jaw muscles and nod. “Thanks.”
She pats my arm before she leaves me in the room, and my phone vibrates with a text message.
Blake
Just a head’s up, but word around the courthouse is that someone’s doing a title search for the plot of land on the other side of you, Lan.
Landry
Well, shit. Do you know who it is?
Actually, it doesn’t matter who it is. Just help me put in an offer for the rest of it.
Blake
You’ll be stuck with an assload of property taxes, man. Idk if it’s worth it.
Maybe you should find someone else to buy it first …
JD
I know a guy who might be shopping for a place around here soon, especially if my wife has anything to say about it.
Rowan
Nice try, guys.
But we all know Claire would murder me if I bought a medical practice and a parcel of land in the same day.
Landry
You’re buying into the clinic? Why would you want to stay in Baton Rouge?
Oh, wait, I get it now. Ignore that.
So you’re buying into the clinic here?
Rowan
I guess it’s okay for me to mention this if it stays between us, but Dr. Simms asked me to buy him out. Tenley and I would essentially become business partners and eventually look for a third partner to join the team.
