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I massage the bridge of my nose. "I met an old family friend yesterday."
"Who?"
"Jackson Reed, my brother's best friend growing up. He was assigned to me for physical therapy.”
“And?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I’ve got time.” We grab a quick snack, and Shae ushers me to a booth in the corner. “Spill it.”
I spend the next twenty minutes detailing my history with Jackson, in all its embarrassing glory. It’s hard to admit someone treated you like you were invisible, but there’s no judgement from Shae. She nods through it all, showing her support for what happened.
When I retell the events of our session yesterday, though, the embarrassment subsides. Instead, I feel anger boiling. How dare he treat me that way when I was just doing my job?
I’ve never said one unkind word to him. If anyone had a right to walk out, it was me. But I didn’t. I was nothing but professional.
“Wow. That’s terrible. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.” Shae says when I end my story.
“Thanks. The problem is I need him to finish. He’s my last assigned client before graduation. It’s not going to look good on my record if he refuses to work with me.”
Not that I want to work with him either.
I have no interest in seeing those beautiful eyes or flawless hair, none at all.
“Come out with me tonight. You need a break.”
“I can’t. I need to study.”
“You need to live a little before life passes you by.”
“I know, but this is the final push before graduation. My last chance to show my parents I can make something of myself.”
Shae slides in beside me and wraps her arm around my shoulder. “You’ve already done that. You have nothing left to prove.”
“I wish that was true.”
***
I say goodbye to Shae and head out the door to the courtyard. It’s a tranquil oasis within the bustling campus. The soothing sound of water greets me. An ornate fountain takes center stage, its gentle flow a mesmerizing dance that captivates my attention. People scatter across benches, chatting and laughing.
I find an empty seat and settle in. The courtyard is a haven for relaxation, a luxury I seldom indulge in. While others engage in mindless chatter, smiles lighting up their faces, my mind is always preoccupied with the weight of schoolwork.
The demands of this program swallow me whole each day. I’d love to unwind with Shae for more than a few minutes, but I can’t risk the consequences. With a reluctant sigh, I open my book, ready to delve into a long reading session.
A tap on my shoulder interrupts my concentration. I look up to see my brother standing behind me.
This is unusual.
"Hey, Brinn," he greets me with a warm smile.
"Shouldn't you be at work?" His unexpected presence raises questions in my mind.
"I should, but we need to talk."
“That serious, huh?” I joke.
The intensity in Greyson's eyes shows me it is that serious. He rubs his hands together. "I saw Jackson yesterday. Why didn’t you tell me he was your client?”
