Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Cash
The last time my entire family was gathered around looking this grim, I was the one in a hospital bed waking up from surgery. And just like that day, I can’t meet anyone’s eyes. Half of them are red from crying, and the other half are trying hard not to.
And I’m not talking about Tilly.
“Son, the LA territory does sound like a great opportunity,” my dad says. “We’re just gonna miss you. That’s all.”
“I’ll miss you, too, Dad.”
“But what about the baby?” my mother wails.
“I’ll probably leave her here with her parents, Mom.”
“Thanks, man.” Cullen snorts. “We kinda want to keep her.”
I glance at my tiny niece asleep in her bassinet, unaware of the drama unfolding so close to her. “I’ll visit,” I say. “And everyone’s welcome to come to the West Coast. Anytime.” I hazard a chuckle. “I hear the weather there’s pretty perfect.”
“Cash Briggs.” My mother points out the window. “Summer in Massachusetts is heaven on earth, and you won’t convince me otherwise. ”
“On the flip side,” I push back, “I won’t have to shovel snow in winter.”
“No white Christmas?” She covers her mouth. “I didn’t even think of that.”
“So, I’ll come home for the holidays.”
“Good luck making that happen.” My dad lets out a guffaw. “You never take time off.”
“Well, neither of my careers lent themselves to long vacations, did they, Dad?” At this point, I feel a little like I’m facing a parental firing squad. “Before this job, I was either playing ball or training to play. Year-round.”
He pulls down his brow. “That’s how you get to be the best, son.”
“And that’s all I want to be.” I glance at Lauren, who’s been unusually quiet. “So I guess you’re not going to miss me, huh?” I smirk, to keep things light. The room’s felt heavy since I told my family about the move. And about Nori. And about Serendipi-Tea and her Spring Into Love promotion. And frankly, that’s not the atmosphere my niece deserves for her first full day of life.
“I’m just thinking,” Lauren says. “Dad’s right. LA does sound like a great opportunity.” She meets my gaze. “ If that’s what you want.”
I scoff. “Of course it is.”
“But what if it’s not?”
I blink at her like she started speaking Latin. “Landing a territory that focuses on kids was always the goal.” Even as I say this, my chest goes tight, and I think about Travis—and all the kids I’ll see on tables after I make this switch. “Yes, the job is hard, and the hours are insane, and I have no life outside the OR. And sure, I was happier playing ball.” I shift my weight. “But I still want to do some good in the world. And spine sales is the best way for me to do that now.”
Lauren tilts her head. “What if it’s not? ”
“Ummm, you already asked me that.”
“Your niece is a kid.” She nods to indicate Tilly. “Or at least, she will be someday when she’s not a lump. What if there were other ways to do good in the world, and still be there for kids, and be happy again? Here?”
“Well, I already took the job in LA, so the point is moot,” I say. “And I’m not qualified for anything else.” Frustration pecks at my insides. “It’s too late, Lauren.”
Her brow quirks. “What if it’s not?”
“Great.” I throw up my hands. “Are you going to play this game all day?”
“I can play, too,” Cullen pipes up. “What if it turns out that being with Nori is what you really want? So what if you get over yourself and fight for her instead of walking away the minute things get tough? You say you want to be the best. What if you’re the best for her? ”
My dad clears his throat. “What if you gave Nori the money to buy that tea shop?”
I bite back a laugh, even as my guts churn. My father’s been paying attention. But he’s missing a couple of important details. “I tried. Nori doesn’t want my help,” I say. “Or anybody’s. And it doesn’t matter because her boss is selling the place to someone else now.”
“What if she’s not?” my mother chimes in. “Ooh!” She claps her hands. “This is fun!”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Mom. But Violet already promised Serendipi-Tea to Glen Cottage and his son.”
Cullen snorts. “Is Glen Cottage the real estate guy?”
“Yes.” I grunt. “And he’s buying the tea shop Nori wanted.”
Lauren clears her throat, and everyone turns.
“But what if he’s not?”