“But you're getting there,” Theo says. “That's what matters. One step at a time.”
“Literally,” I mutter.
Olivia ignores my sarcasm. “And how's your physical therapist? I was supposed to meet her at girls' night, but Maya was fussy, and I couldn't make it. Harper said she seemed nice.”
I shrug and try to keep my expression neutral. “She's fine.”
“What's her name again? Natalie?”
So much for trying to avoid saying her name.
“Yeah. Natalie Cross.”
“I'd love to meet her. Maybe I can stop by the facility sometime and introduce myself,” Olivia says.
“She lives next door, actually,” I say before I can stop myself.
Olivia's eyes light up. “She lives here? In this building?”
“The team set her up in one of the staff apartments. It's convenient for the sessions.”
“That's perfect.” Olivia is already standing up. “I'm going to go say hello.”
“Olivia, you don't have to do that.”
“I want to. It must be lonely to move to a new city and not know anyone. I'll just pop over and introduce myself. Be right back.”
She's out the door before I can protest further.
Theo grins at me. “She's on a mission now. No stopping her.”
“Your wife is a menace.”
“She's friendly. There's a difference.” He takes a sip of his wine and studies me over the rim of the glass. “So. This physical therapist. She pretty?”
I keep my face carefully blank. “She's alright.”
“Alright? That's it?”
“What do you want me to say? She's my PT. I don't really think about it.” That was the first time I ever lied to him. I was thinking about it—her—constantly. And it pisses me off that she clearly isn’t as affected by what happened between us as I am.
Theo shrugs. “Fair enough. Hey, you hear about the Summer Skills Showcase?”
I'm grateful for the change of subject. “Yeah, I got the email. Two weeks from now, right?”
“Should be a good time. Bunch of the guys are flying in early. Non-contact stuff, obviously, but they're making it a whole charity event. Harper's company is organizing it.”
“Great.” I try to inject some enthusiasm into my voice, but it falls flat. A skills showcase means skating drills, shooting competitions, and all the things I used to do without thinking. Now I'll be stuck on the sidelines, watching my teammates do what I can't.
“You'll be there though, right?” Theo asks. “Even if you can't participate?”
I give him a sideways glance. “Do I have a choice?”
“Not really,” he chuckles. “But it’ll be good for you to get out of here and see some of the guys. Half the team is convinced you hate them with how much you’ve been hiding.”
Before I can respond, the door opens, and Olivia breezes back in with a smile that tells me she's accomplished her mission.
“Guess who I found,” she announces.
