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“Hey Squirt!” I pull her in for a big squeeze. She smells like sunshine and motor oil, and it instantly helps me relax.
“So, is there any particular reason we are heading out on a hike today or was it just time for a sister date?” Spence asks even though she already knows the answer. Since you took on the role to mother us since our own passed, she knows us so well and can tell when something is going on.
“Can it be both?” I ask sheepishly. “It’s been a minute since we’ve all gotten together and it’s too beautiful of a day to waste it sitting at home or working on the house. Besides, the guys are almost done with it so I figure I might as well stay out of the way and let them finish it.”
“That makes sense. And I agree! I miss you two and it’s only going to get harder to see you once Spence heads back to school in a few weeks.”
“That’s true. Have you started getting your room ready yet?” I look at Spence to see an almost disgruntled look on her face. “Oh no. I know that look and I don’t like being on the receiving end. What happened since I know I didn’t actually do anything.” Both her and Em laugh as we make our way to the trail head.
“No, this time it’s not you or Em who put this look on my face. They moved my classroom due to the construction they are doing on the school. Apparently they thought they would be done well before the new year, but they ran into some issues and now my room and the one beside me are off limits. That not only is annoying, but now my room is across the hall from the ass hat. And every time I’ve been there to try and get stuff set up, he’s there with his fiancee and I have to listen to her constant prattle and giggles and it’s fucking obnoxious.”
“Damn, Spence. Tell us how you really feel!” Emerson teases since we usually don’t see this much of Spencer’s frustrations. She’s always been good about pushing her issues down and focusing on us. It honestly makes me happy in a weird way to see that she’s finally opening up more and not trying to shield and protect us. No one made her take on that responsibility, but being the oldest led to certain responsibilities she pushed on herself.
“Do you need us to come and help with the room? You know all you have to do is ask.”
“Actually, Em, I think that would be great. I could definitely use the help since I’m basically starting from scratch. So, since we’ve got that figured out, what’s this all about, Chayse?”
“Uuuggghhh, I think Cash and I had a fight, but like, a silent one?”
“Um, how the hell do you have a silent fight, especially you?” I turn and give Emerson my best evil eye. “No offense! It’s just that, I’ve fought with you before and you my dear sister are not a silent fighter. You’re all sharp tongue and quick barbs.”
“Why don’t you start from the beginning so we can help you figure this out?” Spencer, always the practical one suggests, and it can’t hurt since I can’t figure it out.
“Chayse and Penny stopped in the ER before they went up to the ortho unit to get her cast off. When they found me, I was talking to Dr. Piercy about Children’s Hospital wanting me to do the interview that I turned down previously. Cash was behind me and apparently heard the whole conversation. He instantly shut down and was cold and distant and kind of a dick to be honest.”
“I tried going back to work, but it was on the back of my mind all day. I got lost in paperwork and when I checked my phone, I had a message from Cash apologizing and asking if we could do dinner.”
“So, he came over and it was a little awkward to be honest. There was all this tension that usually isn’t there. And then he said he thinks I should do the interview and that they’d be lucky to have me. That it’s a great opportunity and I shouldn’t pass it up if I’m given the chance.”
“It literally was a complete 180 from his reaction and he was almost pushy about me leaving. I couldn’t tell which was his genuine reaction.”
“Hmm, how was the rest of the night?” Spencer asked thoughtfully.
“Honestly, we had the best sex I’ve ever had, but it also kind of felt like he was saying goodbye to me the whole time. When I woke up in the morning, he was gone. He left a note saying he had to go get Penny, but I woke up at 5:30 am. I don’t know how long he stayed after I fell asleep or if he high tailed it out of there as soon as I was out.”
“Hmm, sorry sis, but that doesn’t seem very good. It almost seems like he’s pulling back.” Emerson says with a frown on her face.
“Honestly, that’s what I thought of too.”
“Have you heard from him today?” Spencer asks with a furrowed brow.
“No, I haven’t. So, what do you think I should do?”
“Well, you said you originally turned the job interview down before. Why was that and do the same reasons apply?” I can always count on Spence to ask the right questions.
“I was so new at the head nurse position, and I felt like I was drowning. Our ER is half the size of children’s and therefore, half the number of patients and moving parts to deal with. I didn’t think I was capable of doing a good job. And with the patients all being children, the stakes are so much higher.”
“Hmm, so do you still feel like you’re drowning or incapable of doing your job? Because from where I stand, you seem to be kicking ass.”
“Thanks, Em. I think I finally have a good handle on everything. The ER is running smoothly, and I am doing a much better job of work/life balance these past few weeks.”
“I definitely agree with that assessment. So now that you’re in a better space, do you think you would be unable to do the job at Children’s?”
“No, I think I could handle it. I have a better idea of my responsibilities and my role. I think I could do a lot of good there. But…”
“But now you’re dating a sexy single dad and moving away would suck?” Em teases.
“Yes, that’s definitely a big part even though we’ve only been dating for a short time. The other part is that I don’t know if I could handle constantly caring for sick kids.”
