42
Claire
Millie and Joey’ssurprise visit was the morale boost I needed to get my butt into action. Although “action” is a generous term. More like I’m finally getting my ass up off the couch and getting out of the apartment regularly. Baby steps. Thankfully, my parents have not been pressuring me about my job hunt. It’s completely unlike them, but I won’t question it. I suspect Cam may have had something to do with that.
As far as the job search goes, the geographic radius has somehow expanded to include Upstate New York. And there is one private practice job posting that has caught my eye in particular.
Job description: Private practice is seeking a board-certified family medicine physician. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for infants and postpartum, preferably with a holistic approach. Physician may be required to mentor and teach medical students or residents. Opportunity offers competitive salary and relocation allowance. Quaint area near many lakes, with scenic views and outdoor recreational activities.
Also included in the advertisement is information regardingsalary, retirement, continuing education allowance, and vacation days, but it’s the part about infants and postpartum care that tugs at my heartstrings.
It’s what I’ve been seeking since long before I even started medical school.
I laugh aloud because I can hear my brother now. “This is what I’d call serendipity,” he’d say.
Pouring myself a large cup of coffee, I peruse their website. It appears to be a small practice, with three female physicians and one male physician. After reading patient reviews and nearly getting lost down a Reddit rabbit hole about what it’s like working as a doctor in the area, I make some phone calls.
With a renewed sense of optimism and energy, I walk to spin class, appreciating the cool air and the warmth of the sun shining down from the clear sky. Millie’s birthday is next weekend, but there’s a chance I won’t be in town, so after showering at the gym, I pop into Bubbe’s Nosh Pit, her favorite Jewish deli. The owner, who adores Millie, throws in extra black-and-white cookies when I mention the order is for her.
I probably should have called ahead, but it’s too late now. Kane answers when I knock.
“Hey, Claire. Come on in.” He hugs me. “My brother and Millie should be back shortly. They took Bea to the park.”
I’ve already kicked off my shoes in the entryway when my heart plummets into my stomach. “Bea? What’s she doing here? And, um, is Asher here too?” I look around the corner, sweat breaking out at my hairline.
Kane’s a senior in high school this year, and I doubt he knowsmuch about my complicated relationship with Asher, but I need all the information I can get.
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I wasn’t home when he dropped her off yesterday.”
A million scenarios zip through my mind at full speed. And disappointment snarls its way through my veins. He’s been here since yesterday and hasn’t contacted me. Didn’t he promise Bea they’d visit me when they were in the city?
What the fuck?
Millie and I texted earlier and she never mentioned a thing.
Schooling my expression and compartmentalizing my emotions until I can extract an explanation from her ASAP, I change the subject by asking Kane about school.
“Any idea what you want to do after graduation?”
“I’m looking at schools in Southern California, actually,” he replies.
“Oh?” I follow him into the kitchen and set the bag of food on the counter.
“As cool and entertaining as New York is, I miss being by the ocean. Plus, the winters here are brutal.” He laughs. “I’m more of a board shorts kind of guy. And I really miss surfing.”
“That’s fair.” I nod once. “You wouldn’t want to go back to Hawaii?”
Kane grew up on Maui before his mother passed away and Ezra took custody of him, so it would make sense if he wanted to.
“Nah. That feels a little too far from family. But a direct flight from San Diego to JFK isn’t bad.”
“Not bad at all. Do you have any idea what you want to study?”
His eyes sparkle when he says, “I’m thinking either teaching or social work.”
I can’t help but smile. “Looks like caretaking runs in the family. You’d be perfect for either.”
“Thanks,” he replies, his cheeks turning crimson.
