A weight lifted off my shoulders. My world had somewhat crashed in around me. People I’d never meet were spreading vicious rumors about me. I lost the only job I ever wanted, but I was fine.
I was surviving, and Trip loved me.
I climbed into Dora and dialed Trip, putting him on speaker while I drove to my favorite coffee shop. I thought about the huge calorie filled drink I was going to order and smiled. It was my day. I deserved it.
“McKenna, where have you been? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I had to set a few things straight. I’m on my way to get sugar loaded coffee. Do you want one?”
“What happened?” Trip asked, his voice going soft over the phone, making me feel loved.
“I quit the team and tricked Coach Mae into keeping Claire on the team.”
Trip whistled. “Damn, darlin’. I knew you were a miracle worker, but I’m wondering if you can walk on water now.”
“I can if there’s a really long sandbar.”
“I’m sorry about the tabloids. I will think of a plan to fix it all. I just need you to be patient.”
“I can be patient. Look how long I pretended to be your friend just to get you naked.”
“Sexy and devious. You complete me.”
“That’s good because you may be supporting me.” I joked, knowing Trip was going to blame himself when he found out I was fired.
“I will gladly support you for the rest of our lives. Wait, why do I need to support you?”
I ordered and paid for my coffee, tipping the barista generously as I sipped on the sugar goodness.
“Raine.”
“Dr. Bert fired me today.”
“He can’t do that. We can sue the shit out of him and take his whole office down.”
“Technically, he can. I signed a code of conduct contract when I started.”
“You were kissing the man you love the most in this world. How’s that against conduct?”
I smiled at his attempt of humor. He was taking this harder than I was. “Patients called and canceled their appointments saying they refused to be treated by someone so evil. Dr. Bert thought it would be best for me and the office if I sought employment elsewhere.”
“Dr. Bert’s a douche. If you want to get your job back, say the word. I have lawyers who could bury him if he didn’t comply with their requests.”
“Let’s save the lawyers for later. I’m sure we’ll need them when I say something stupid to the wrong people. I mean, it’s bound to happen.”
“Are you okay? Fuck, I knew this was going to happen. I’m sorry. This is what I was trying to keep you away from. Please don’t think differently about our relationship.”
“I really am fine. I’m a phenomenal PT, and when I find an office where I’m appreciated they’re going to be kissing my feet.”
“That’s my girl.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“As for the tabloids, it sucks, but it happened. You’re Trip fucking Butler, you’re going to be in the spotlight, and since I agreed to be with you I’m going to be in it too. I can handle it. Words someone prints or articles splashed on the Internet aren’t going to change who I am. Or who I want to be with.”
“I love you.”
“Good, because I love you too.”
“I’m going to fix this. I don’t know exactly how yet, but I’m going to fix this.”
