“What is it? You know I won’t say no.”
“A friend of mine asked me to make some space here for his buddy.”
“My schedule is full, Brett.”
He nods. “Yeah, I know. I was hoping you could swap out.” I raise a brow and he adds, “Darlene is great with clients, but this guy is an athlete, and he really needs someone like you. I was hoping you’d let Darlene take one of yours and make space for him. His schedule is completely open, so anything will work, but he needs three days to start.”
I scratch the back of my neck. “I don’t know, Brett. This feels kinda gross.”
“Yeah, I get that.” He nods, agreeing. “Trust me, I do, but I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was the right thing to do.”
Taking a deep breath, I think about it for a moment. If I say no, he’ll accept it and it’ll be the end of it. But he’s never asked me to do something like this before, so I feel that it really is important.
“Okay, sure.”
“Thanks, man. Seriously, this will mean the world to him.”
“No problem,” I say. “Glad I could help.”
He takes a few steps backward. “Let me know what times you have for him by the end of the day?”
“Of course.”
Brett leaves the room and I pull out my chair, sit down, then grab my laptop to check my schedule.
Which person do I want to give up? I could go with the person who has the least amount of time left, but if we’ve already made this much progress together, it feels shitty to shove them away. Meaning, the best option is to go with my newest patient.
Before Brett left, I should have made sure that he would be the one handling the switch. I don’t want to have to tell my client I won’t be seeing them any more. They’re dealing with enough in their recovery, I don’t want them to think I’m giving up on them.
I pick up the phone and dial Brett’s extension. He doesn’t answer, so I head out to find him because I can get more coffee on the way.
I pass a few people and get good mornings from them, that I, of course, return.
Shark Rehab is a big place with top-of-the-line equipment and trainers. I’m proud as hell, and lucky as hell, to work here. It’s what I wanted to do with my life and the only thing that turned out right for me. Since I wasn’t able to get away from Ashbourne, at least I have this.
My cell buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out, finding a text from Maggie. I stop and move to the side as I open it up.
Can we meet for lunch? I’ll be in the city.
Of course.
I don’t hesitate in sending my response. If she’s willing to give me another chance, I need to take it. I’d be stupid not to.
Meet me at Roger’s.
I’ll be there.
Though it’s likely she’s breaking up with me, I still have to go. I deserve it and won’t fight her on it. It’s bound to happen, anyway.
I shove my phone into my pocket and head toward the back offices. Brett is in the hallway talking to Darlene. Maybe about the switch.
“Oh, hey, Jordan. We were just talking about you,” Brett says.
“Only good things, I hope.”
Darlene smiles at me. “Obviously.”
“I was looking for you to let you know I’ve chosen a patient,” I say to Brett. “But I wanted to make sure that you’d handle the switch?”
