Chapter 32
Layla
Looking at the yellow mums in an acorn planter, I smile, sending a quick text to Levi.
Thank you for the mums. Moving from cut flowers to plants so they’ll last longer?
Levi
Apparently they’re perfect for the season.
Thanks. I like them.
Levi
Are you coming over tonight.
If you would like me to.
Levi
After not seeing you last night, that’s a yes, definitely a yes.
Okay. I’m going to talk to Gabe and then I’ll be over.
Levi
See you soon.
Walking towards the couch, I sit down, calling for my brother. “Gabe, are you coming out of the bedroom sometime in this century?”
Opening the door, he steps out, “Jeez, you’re in a hurry.”
“I’m not, but I just told Levi I was coming over after I talked to you, so I thought we could actually have a conversation about mom so I know what’s going on.”
“All right, fine. So, I like two of the places that I looked at for mom and they are both about the same distance from my home base in Oregon,” Gabe informs me as he strides into the room and drops down on the couch.
“That’s nowhere near Love Canyon.”
He scoffs. “Of course not, what the hell do you think I’ve been doing? We talked about this. I looked all over, Layla. You knew that it was likely we would have to move her near me. Did you forget about that part of our conversation or are you purposely ignoring it?” he inquires sarcastically.
My eyes narrow, but I don’t comment because he’s right. I was hoping it wouldn’t happen. “Okay, so what does that mean?” I ask although I already know the answers. It’s the decisions I’m not quite sure about yet.
“There’s nothing here. Either there’s a waiting list to get in or it’s a shit facility that we wouldn’t want her in or she’s too young to get in.
The smart thing is for her to come to Oregon where she’ll be close to me instead of someplace where there’s no one around.
I’d like it if you would come too. I know we both would. ”
“How am I supposed to do that? I don’t have a job there.”
“You know you could get one. You’re smart, Layla. Plus, your background and experience is fantastic. I’m sure there are places who need a good physical therapist , someone who is great with athletes. I thought you were going to look for something,” he says as more of an accusation.
The thought of actually moving and not having a home to come back to makes me anxious, but also excited. It’s a lot to think about now that it’s not just a possibility, but likely.
Where would I even start? “I could look and see if there’s something that works for me.”
Gabe leans forward, watching me close. “Let me mention your name to coach. Maybe we can get him to pass your information on.” My eyes widen and he quickly amends, “We should get ahead of this, just in case we’re able to get mom into one of these places.”
“I don’t want any favors or special treatment, Gabe.”
“You wouldn’t get any, but I just found out we are definitely getting two new physical therapists for next season. Maxim was fired and Holden retired.”
“Gabe,” I say his name in warning.
“It’s a position you would have to earn, but it’s available.
Why wouldn’t you put in for it? You’re smart and you work hard.
Anyone who knows you would say that’s an understatement.
As for me,” he begins, smirking and pointing to himself, “I don’t have the kind of power you’re giving me credit for, Sis. ”
I snort making him chuckle. Then, I take a moment staring at him, assessing him. “You would really want to work with your little sister?” I ask only half teasing.
“Actually, yeah, Layla. I’ve always admired the way you watch players and know exactly what needs to be done to help them be better or heal when they’re hurt. You do that for all athletes really. It’s incredible. You’re smarter and more talented than the two guys that are now gone put together.”
“I don’t know if I believe that but okay,” I concede, joking. A small smile lights up my face and tears form behind my eyelids, but I refuse to let them fall. It’s not often I hear a compliment like that from my brother.
Chuckling, he tries brushing it off and asks, “So, does that mean you’re okay with me talking to my coach?”
“Sure. Okay. Fine. Yeah, you can mention my name to your coach, but that’s it! Please don’t push me down their throats.”
A sad smile curls his lips. “Got it. Get your resumé ready. You’re going to need it.”
A dark thought crosses my mind, turning my stomach. Frowning, I question, “I wouldn’t have to work with Cal, would I?”
He chuckles, getting a mischievous look on his face. “I’m sure your ex would steer clear and use one of the other therapists if necessary.”
I give him a sidelong glance, not sure if I want to know what he’s actually thinking or referring to. It’s like he knows something I don’t. Maybe I should keep it that way. Knowing is not always better. “What are your plans tonight?”
Grinning, he sits a little straighter and answers, “I’ve got a date.”
“Another one? Same woman?”
“I’m not sure who you’re referring to, but no.”
I grimace. “Sounds like fun, but I gotta ask, how come I haven’t met a single one of your dates since you’ve been here?”
“Because I haven’t found one I like enough–yet.”
Heaving a sigh, I shake my head at him as he gets up, walking towards the bathroom. “You’re such a jerk.”
‘’They don’t think so.”
“Ewe,” I mutter, scrunching up my nose in disgust, only succeeding in making him laugh. “Just go.”
“Say hi to Levi,” he calls, before the door closes.
Grabbing my keys and phone, I text Levi on my way out the door.
I’m walking over now.
I slip my phone into my pocket and close the door behind me.
My mind races, still unsure of how I should bring this up to Levi.
Practicing in my head, I try, “I know we haven’t been dating long, but maybe you’ll take a chance on me even though we might be moving to two different states after the holidays? ”
My nose scrunches up in displeasure. Yeah, that would go over real well.
I keep thinking we might not be moving and then it wouldn’t be an issue, so why should I bring it up for just a chance it will happen? But every day, the chance of moving becomes more likely.
He should know, but I’m petrified to confess.
“Layla,” Levi calls making me jump.
My hand falls to my chest, attempting to calm my racing heartbeat. “You scared the hell out of me.”
He drapes his arm over my shoulders and presses a kiss to the top of my head. “If that’s the case, then we need to have a serious talk. Someone could’ve easily snuck up on you.”
“Someone did. You.”
“I’m serious, Layla. I was coming straight at you and you didn’t even see me. You have to be more aware of your surroundings. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” He squeezes me closer as if protecting me.
“I’m fine, Levi, but I’ll be more careful,” I add, attempting to placate him.
He gives me a look as if he knows exactly what I’m doing. “Thank you. That’s all I ask.”
“So, are we going somewhere?” I question.
“We can, but I just couldn’t sit still. I wanted to go for a walk, so I thought I’d meet you.”
“Everything okay?”
Heaving a sigh, he runs his free hand through his hair and drops it to his side. “Yeah, it’s fine. I don’t know. I’m sorry I cancelled last night. My manager called and it completely threw me off.”
“What did he say?”
“Nothing. He just asked about my arm.”
I gasp, panic slamming into me. “Oh, my god. Is he not getting my reports?”
“Easy. It’s okay. He’s getting your reports.”
I’m puzzled for barely a moment and then it hits me. “You think they might trade you.”
“Yeah, or something like that anyway, and I hate the unknown.”
“Yet, you play baseball for a living.”
He smirks, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “It’s fine. I only have two years left on my contract, so whatever happens it will be all right.”
My stomach drops. What if he ends up on the other side of the country? It feels like the universe is working against us. I don’t want to add to his stress by telling him I might be leaving too. “Do you mind if we just go back to your place and watch a movie or something?”
“Sure. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just tired,” I claim. Pushing up on my tiptoes, I loop my hand around the back of his neck and tug him close, kissing him.
He stares intently into my eyes and finally agrees. “Okay, let’s go.”