Page 80 of Open Net

She was big on that question. She wanted to know if we’d talked about Jackson, Emma’s postpartum depression, when her mother was going home, anything. I hated admitting I didn’t bring up any of that. I mean, I asked how Emma was feeling or how the support group was going, but I didn’t push the topic.

“Should we?”

Her smile was gentle. “That’s up to you.”

I narrowed my eyes. I swear the woman had an answer for everything but when I asked for it, she wanted me to figure it out myself.

“You want us to talk more.”

The corner of her mouth lifted. Was that a yes or no?

“I think you should think about it. Maybe show Emma you’re looking to the future.”

Huh. That was a good idea and it was a good neutral topic. It didn’t mean I had to move home; just that I wanted to be with my family.

“I will.”

She nodded. “Have you spoken with Coach Romney lately?”

Ugh. Again, more talking. I shook my head. “He hasn’t called me in for a while.”

“How do you feel about that?”

I mouthed the words as she said it. I knew she was going to ask. “I trust Coach. I know he hasn’t forgotten about me. If he needs to tell me something he will.”

“No frustration?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Good. How is physical therapy going? Have you had any recent scans?”

“Things are going well. Madi is happy with how things are progressing. She said the range of motion is almost fully restored. I think it’ll return to one hundred percent before new year. Then I need to work on building back up the strength and muscle.”

She leaned into her seat. “When you first came in my office if I’d told you things wouldn’t get better before next year, I’m pretty sure you would have flipped my desk.”

I laughed. “Probably.”

“I’m glad you’ve accepted your reality and you have realistic expectations for yourself and your body.”

“It’s taken a bit of time.”

“And work, but you did it.”

I wasn’t used to getting praise from her, but this session things had changed. I didn’t want to get too excited though. For all I knew she was telling Coach I’d be meeting with her for the rest of my career. That would be awful.

But maybe she thought I was doing well enough on my own. Maybe we could stretch this to once a month. Or less.

I’d had about as much talking about my feelings as I could handle. I was good for the rest of my life.

“That’s it for today,” she said. “I’ll see you again on Thursday.”

I smiled and stood. There went the chance of me being done. Oh well. Since I already finished physical therapy, I headed back to Grant’s. I refused to call it home, even though I was getting closer to slipping every day. Since it was across the street, I didn't bother driving. It took me a few minutes before I unlocked the front door and stepped inside. I heard voices and froze. Grant was never home during the day before.

I slowly walked through the entrance and stopped when I saw into the living room. Grant was sitting on the floor playing with a baby.

“What-“

I stopped when I saw Addison walking in from the kitchen. She looked over and smiled. “Hey Olli.”