He meant that sincerely. Isaac was used to clashing with doctors, but not this one. Her advice was easy to listen to, and he never felt like she was judging him.
Feeling good about his accomplishments for the day, Isaac stepped out into the front street and let the sun warm his back. The days were finally starting to feel a little more like warm weather was just around the corner.
Summer meant competition season. He wanted to be back in shape by then, and having a goal to work toward would be good for him.
His phone vibrated in his pocket just as he rounded the corner back toward his apartment.
“Hey, mom,” he answered, excited to tell her that he’d been cleared to go.
“There’s a spot waiting for you in that tournament,” she said. “As long as you can drop your medical clearance off by close of business today.”
“Good thing I just got it, then.” Isaac beamed. “Passed with flying colors.”
“Don’t you mean rainbow colors?” his mom teased.
Isaac’s heart fluttered at that. He was glad his mom had come around to the idea. He’d relied on her support since forever, and he didn’t want her to think he was making a bad decision now.
She probably would have taken it better if he’d actually come out as bi, but… as long as she was okay with it now.
“Was that ajoke?” Isaac asked, faking a scandalized voice.
“Might have been. Can I tell them you’ll be in later today?”
“Uh, yeah,” Isaac said. “Tell them I’m heading over right now, actually. Walk’ll do me good.”
“That what the doctor said?”
“Kinda. She said go easy but that a low-stakes tournament would be good for my recovery. I think so, too. Honestly… this couldn’t have worked out any better.”
“You never told me what happened with Julian,” his mom said.
Isaac swallowed. He felt like alothad happened with Julian, not least of all he’d been so happy to see Isaac that Isaac was drowning in guilt over not making arrangements to see him sooner.
“He agreed to help me. Seemed to think I was doing a good thing,” Isaac said. It had been good to have Julian’s approval, to know he wasn’t going down the wrong path.
Julian had always looked after him like that. Isaac was impulsive. Frankly, irresponsible. Julian had spent a lot of time guiding him away from doing himself any real or serious harm.
In hindsight, he probably should have kept Julian closer all this time. Maybe his long string of ex-girlfriends wouldn’t have been so long. Or so upset with him.
He was turning over a new leaf now, though, and he’d have the benefit of Julian’s advice to help him. Plus the benefit of his company and sense of humor, both of which Isaac loved.
“He’s a good boy. I want you to invite him to dinner when he’s free. I’d like to see how he’s doing for myself.”
“I’ll invite him,” Isaac promised. Julian would probably love that.
“I’ll text you the address of the office you need to go to. It’s not all that far from your doctor.”
“Thanks, mom. I’ll text you when I’ve handed the forms in.”
“Good boy,” his mom said. “Love you.”
“Love you too, mom,” Isaac said, hanging up the phone and pausing to grab a cup of coffee while he waited for the address to come through.
Things were working out, and he couldn’t wait to get started.
