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“I really think you should at least consider an interview with them, Chayse.” The doctor gently touches her arm and I see red before he continues. “You do such an amazing job keeping our ER running, and we’d definitely miss you if you left, but this is a wonderful opportunity for your career.
Plus, you’re one of our best nurses when it comes to children. The children’s hospital has a ton of talent, but if they are reaching out to you, then that’s quite an honor.”
“I understand and I will definitely think about it. I’ve always loved the idea of working in a children’s hospital, but it’s definitely a lot harder when there are losses. I have the email with the contact you sent me. Thank you again for letting me know.”
“Of course.” With a smile at Chayse, and now that their conversation is done, he nods his head in our direction. I’m fucking furious and I’m sure it shows on my face, but I don’t give a fuck right now.
Chayse turns at the doctor’s head nod and a smile instantly lights her face. “Oh my goodness! What are you guys doing here?” She says goodbye to the doctor and comes over to wrap Penny in a hug.
Her eyes meet mine and her smile quickly drops off her face. Landon, sensing the tension, quickly jumps in.
“What am I, chopped liver?” Landon steps up to Chayse and gives her a big hug. He whispers something in her ear, and she nods her head once, never taking her eyes off me. Landon lets her go and I finally snap out of it, but I don’t go to Chayse like I would’ve before I heard that conversation.
“We’re here to get Penny’s cast off. Landon decided to tag along and help us navigate this maze you all call a hospital.”
Chayse lets out a forced laugh while she nods her head. “That’s right! Today’s the big day! How excited are you to be rid of the cast, Squirt?”
“I’m sooo escited, but I’m going to miss my scooter. Daddy says I have to give it back to the hospital so another little kid can use it if they need it.”
“Well, that’s a bummer, but maybe you’ll get a new scooter since your birthday is next week.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea! Daddy, I want a scooter for my birthday!”
“We’ll see. Here, this is for you. We need to get going so we’re not late to the appointment.” I shove the coffee at Chayse before stepping back. Her worried frown tries to break through the clouds hanging over me, but I’m too fucking pissed to let her in right now. She said it would take a lot for her to leave, but she didn’t seem to hesitate that much when the good doctor was talking to her.
Chayse steps closer and it takes everything in my power to not step back again. I can’t make eye contact, but I feel the quick kiss she places on my cheek.
“Thank you for my coffee and thank you all for coming to see me. Let me know how it all goes when you’re done, okay Squirt?” She leans over and gives Penny a squeeze before turning and quickly walking down the hall, never looking back.
We all just stand there for a minute before Landon claps his hands and gets all of our attention.
“So, who’s ready to go get a stinky, smelly cast off?”
“Lando, my cast isn’t stinky and smelly!”
“That’s what you think. Wait until it’s off and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.” He starts heading down the hallway, but gives me a very disapproving glance when I don’t immediately follow. I know I’m putting him in a tough position by being an ass to his best friend, but I’m glad he isn’t taking it out on Penny.
Since I’m in my own head and not paying attention, I’m glad Landon is here to lead us to the orthopedics office and to keep Penny distracted. I just can’t fucking believe that she could be considering leaving everything behind. Hell, Reid and I aren’t even done finishing her house. It looks fucking great if I do say so myself. How could she leave without even experiencing all her, and ours, hard work?
I don’t even realize I’m sitting in a waiting room until Landon nudges me in the ribs. I look up and see him giving me a cold stare. I look around to see where Penny is and find her sitting in the corner coloring.
“Ready to tell me what the fuck is going on in your head and why you just shut Chayse out?” He crosses his arms as he glares at me harder.
“No, I fucking don’t want to tell you shit.”
“Oh, that’s really great. So, you’re just going to keep up the grumpy, growly bear act and fuck anyone else who cares and wants to try and help you? Great. You let me know how that works out for you.”
As irritating as he is, Landon is breaking through my spiral. He’s Chayse’s best friend. He’d probably know better than anyone if he thinks she’ll actually leave. But do I really want to show him how fucking insecure I am about another woman walking out of mine, and my daughter’s, lives?
“Listen, you don’t have to talk to me, but I understand what it’s like dealing with a force that is Chayse. That woman is so damn fierce, independent, and strong. She’s an amazing fucking nurse and I never thought she could be better, but that’s changed since she started seeing you. She’s more charismatic and empathetic while dealing with patients. She’s always been good with kids, but now she lets her natural nurturing side come out and it’s beautiful to behold. She has you and Penny to thank for that and she knows it.
“I don’t know if she’ll be content running our small ER for the rest of her life. The girl is a serious work horse and very goal oriented, but goals change. She’s doing so much better finding the work life balance now that you two are in her life and it’s making her a better nurse. The only way you’re going to know where her head’s at is by TALKING to her. Not sulking every time she has a prospective job opportunity, which is probably going to happen more often than you, or I, would like.”
“But being a complete dick to her is not okay. Tell her you need a minute to process, but don’t be outright cruel like you just were. I literally watched the light drain out of her eyes from you brushing her off and that’s not okay. Sure, she was happy before you, but she wasn’t content and at ease like she is now. If you’re the reason she goes back to being high strung Chayse who won’t give herself a minute to breathe, you won’t have to worry about her sisters coming after you because I will totally kick your ass. And yeah, you may be bigger than me, but I’m fucking scrappy and I’m not above a cheap shot or two.”
At those last words his lips start to tip up in a cocky smirk and I can’t help but chuckle at him. Landon’s right. I was a complete dick to Chayse and it was uncalled for. Especially since she’s working and needs all of her focus to be on the job because people’s lives depend on her being on her A game.
I dig out my phone so I can shoot a quick text to Chayse. Landon leans over my shoulder to see what I’m writing, and I honestly don’t blame him. Yes, Landon has quickly become my friend, but he will always be Chayse’s best friend first and foremost.
