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“What do you need to think about?”
“Uh, travel,” I start. “Being away from home.”
“You’re divorced? Two kids? Sixteen and eighteen?”
My eyes widen. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. A man like Buchanan does his research. He’s sharp. Direct. Thorough. Of course, he would know my history before offering me a job, especially when I don’t have the degree to back it up.
“This is an opportunity to travel,” he continues. “To see new places. To help keep young men like your brother and his friend healthy. And you’d still have your home base here in case you decide to put down any more roots.” With a knowing look, he searches for something in his suit pocket and hands it to me. “Oh, and our benefits were curated with health in mind. You know, for chronic illnesses and such. Think about it.”
I take his card, lost in thought. Chronic illnesses?
Kate.
Buchanan must’ve seen us at the hockey game. Talking. He’s probably assuming too much, but… Is he? I want a future with her. I don’t know what it is yet, but I do want it, whatever it is. And I care about her. I care about her well-being. I care about her health and whether or not she’s taken care of. But insurance? Benefits? It would mean marriage again. We’re not there yet. But the prospect of knowing she’ll be taken care of if we get to that point is comforting.
A little weird. But comforting.
“I’ll think about it,” I answer, shoving his card into my pocket. “Thank you.”
“Sure thing.”
* * *
The driveback to Kate’s house is quiet as I consider Buchanan’s offer. The pros and cons list is endless. But is it? I love my job. I love helping people. I love saving people. And the idea of keeping dumbasses like my brother and his friends from pushing themselves too hard and potentially causing life-altering mistakes? It sounds good. Fulfilling.
Lost in thought, I almost miss my phone buzzing. Checking the navigation screen, I see it’s Kate’s calling.
“Hello?” I answer through the Bluetooth speaker.
“Hey! How’d it go?”
“Good.” I pause, replaying the conversation for the hundredth time. “I think?”
Her laugh eases the tightness in my chest. “You think?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. It was…unexpected.”
“Well, what did he say? What did he want?”
“He offered me a job.”
“A job?” she clarifies, sounding as dumbfounded as I am. “Doing what?”
“Working with the Lions next season. He wants me to be a consultant to the sports physician. Someone who can rein in the players when they’re being dumbasses or need medical attention.”
“Mack, that’s amazing,” Kate gushes. “Seriously, it sounds like the perfect job for you.”
“You think?”
“Of course. I saw how you treated Depp during the game the other day. The way you were firm but understanding. Are you going to take it?”
“I don’t know.” I scratch my jaw. “Do you think I should?”
“I mean…” She hesitates. “You do you, boo. But if it’s something you’re interested in taking, then heck yes, you most definitely should accept his offer.”
“I’d be away more. Traveling with the team.” I let the words hang in the air, unsure what else to say. We haven’t been together long, but the time we’ve spent getting to know each other has meant more to me than anything I’ve done in the past two years. But pushing her on this? On us? I scrub my hand over my face, her silence killing me. I dunno what the fuck I’m doing.
“I’m sure those closest to you will be understanding throughout all of it,” she murmurs.
