I was elated on Friday morning, floating on cloud nine in anticipation of my upcoming date with Carter. Additionally, I received a long-awaited response from Manager Sullivan, a key figure among Darren's company staff. To my delight, he agreed to review Darren's projects, with the intention of suggesting improvements to enhance the product itself. This was exactly the collaborative approach I had been aiming for – a true team effort. Eager to share the news, I headed to Homer's office to display the email.
Homer was content with the progress but suggested that I ensure Mr. Sullivan acknowledged that Darren remained my client throughout the process. He emphasized that no alterations could be made to Darren's routine without my approval.
Homer took the lead in crafting another email on my behalf. While the email might have come across as somewhat assertive, it unequivocally established my authority in the situation. I sent the email and immediately delved into my tasks.
During lunchtime, I utilized the computer at the nurses' station to check my email. Much to my satisfaction, Mr. Sullivan not only agreed to the arrangement but also humorously inquired whether I needed the agreement to be notarized or simply signed in blood.
I quietly muttered to myself, 'Jerk,' as I printed it out. I was determined not to let it ruin my fantastic mood.
"Uh oh. Who managed to tick you off?" A woman in pale blue medical scrubs inquired with a smile. She had chestnut hair that fell to her shoulders, and her green eyes were gleaming. Her name tag read Jordan.
"Oops, I didn't realize anyone was around," I admitted, feeling a tad guilty.
"No worries. We all have those moments, especially on Fridays. It's like everyone's aiming to be difficult on Fridays. Who has time for that? Even though I don't have any plans, I can't wait to get out of here," she remarked. I chuckled.
"So, how long have you been part of the team, Katy?" she asked, handing me the printout.
"About a month. And you?" I responded.
"This is my second year, but it took six months before I encountered any jerks," she mentioned with a hint of amusement.
I laughed. "I don't think this one counts. It's about a patient, not an actual patient."
"Ah, got it. That does make it slightly better," she grinned.
I genuinely liked her. She seemed pretty cool, and I hadn't really made new friends at work. Most of the physical therapists were older or male, so having some cool female coworkers to chat with and hang out with would be nice. I thought, why not? Lately, I had a 100% success rate in asking people out. I might as well give it a shot.
"Hey, after work, do you want to grab a drink at a bar? I don't have any plans either, and my friend's a bartender. You can update me on all the troublesome folks around here," I asked, quickly putting it out there.
"Umm, I didn't bring any extra clothes…" she hesitated.
"Just Bottle Grounds. But if you're tired and want to head home, I totally understand," I finished, trying not to sound overly eager.
She nodded. "Alright, that sounds like fun. But you can't change either."
Relieved, I smiled. "Deal."
The rest of the day went by smoothly. When Darren arrived, I informed him that his athletic trainer had finally responded.
"So, what did Coach say?" Darren inquired.
"He's fine with us collaborating. I'm still planning your rehab, but he'll set your summer schedule. No skipping days. If you're not progressing as expected, then it's back to three days a week with me. Clear?" I explained it to him.
"Yes, Ma'am," he grinned.
After work, I headed to Bottle Ground, with Jordan following in her Jetta. Caroline was tending the bar when we arrived. We found empty stools and I introduced Jordan to Caroline. As we sipped on alcoholic snow cones, Caroline whipped up for us, we chatted about work. Jordan filled me in on office gossip and recounted tales of challenging former patients. I hung onto her every word, enjoying her relaxed demeanor. She then inquired about how I was liking the job so far.
"It's good. Very different from a hospital, but I'm getting the hang of it," I shrugged.
"How are things with Homer?" She took a sip of her snow cone.
"I haven't had much interaction with him, but I'm okay with that."
"Is this a long-term plan for you, or do you see yourself returning to a hospital?" She asked thoughtfully.
I hadn't really pondered that. My excitement about being back in Texas overrode thoughts about my workplace.
"I honestly don't know. I'll figure it out as I go," I answered honestly.
"Why have I never thought of spiking snow cones with alcohol? This is the best idea ever. I'm definitely trying this at home," Jordan exclaimed, finishing off her snow cone.
"Where do you get shaved ice?" I wondered.
"I've got a snow cone maker," Jordan explained.
"Really? I had no idea those existed. I want one."
"Yeah, I've got a kiddie version, but it does the job just fine." She looked around. "It's been ages since I was here. This used to be the go-to spot back in high school."
"Oh, really?"
"Sure, the one at the mall. My friends and I used to hang out there on weekends. We'd try to meet guys, get into a bit of trouble – good times, you know. How about you?" She inquired.
"Me? Oh, not much," I replied.
"What were your favorite spots back in high school?" She probed further.
"I was more of a homebody, didn't really hang out much," I admitted.
"Strict parents, I guess?"
"Something like that," I responded. "But this job has been fun. There's never a dull moment."
"I can imagine. I bet you have some stories," Jordan smiled.
"You have no idea," I chuckled.
"I'm starving. How about we order some food?" She suggested, picking up a menu.
"Absolutely, let's grab a booth."
Before leaving the bar, Caroline let me know she was heading to the back to start her end-of-shift paperwork. I pointed out the table where we intended to sit. We ordered chicken wings, spinach dip, and edamame to share. Since we were going for finger foods, we also got two beers. We shared stories about our drinking escapades before our food arrived.
"I appreciate you suggesting food. I didn't want to make it awkward by asking if you wanted to have dinner," I confessed to Jordan.
"Why would that be awkward? We are on a date, right?" She looked puzzled.
Oh no.
I was momentarily shocked before she burst into laughter. "I'm just kidding. I have a boyfriend. I'm into guys."
"Not funny," I said with a smile.
"And what about you?" She turned to me. "Are you in a relationship?"
Before I could answer, I noticed Marcus, a friend of Leon's, heading our way. He looked great in fitted jeans and a green T-shirt. With his tousled hair and a hint of stubble, he exuded a perfect mix of casual and sexy. Although I knew Caroline and Marcus were still "talking," she hadn't mentioned he was coming to the bar.
"Hey Marcus," I said, greeting him with a polite smile. "This is my coworker Jordan, and Jordan, this is Marcus." He greeted us both before sliding into the booth on my side. He helped himself to my edamame, and I shot him an incredulous look.
Jordan grinned at me. "Well, that answers my question. How long have you two been dating?"
"We're not!" I quickly denied it, causing Marcus to smirk while taking a bite of food. "It's my friend Roxanna. The one I told you I'm living with—Marcus—is friends with her boyfriend, Leon. Marcus is dating Caroline."
Jordan smiled as I struggled to explain.
"Thanks for finding that so offensive. And I'm not dating Caroline. We're just hanging out," Marcus clarified. He turned to me. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Not exactly. Just someone I'm spending time with too. Hopefully, it'll become official soon," I explained. I didn't want him to report back to Leon that I was out acting single and ready to mingle, and then it reached Carter. So, I told him a half-truth.
"Well, based on what I can tell, he'd be a fool not to make it official soon," Jordan complimented me.
I grinned. "Thanks. Let's drink to that."
As we continued eating and waiting for Caroline, we discussed our jobs. I learned that Marcus was a security account manager at an office building in downtown Dallas. He was friendly and asked us questions about our work. When Caroline finished her shift, she and Marcus left. Jordan and I stayed at the bar to finish our drinks and food. We exchanged phone numbers before saying goodbye. When I got home, Roxanna and Leon were out. I knew they were going out with a group of friends, as Roxanna had texted me an invitation. I declined, opting to watch some of the Rangers game and do some crunches during the commercials to counteract the junk food and alcohol I'd consumed that night. After a relaxing hot bath, I prepared for bed.
Before plugging in my phone to charge, I checked it and noticed a Facebook notification. Jordan had already sent me a friend request. I accepted it and spent a few minutes scrolling through her page, liking some of her pictures. Afterward, I browsed my news feed.
I stared at my phone, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. Carter was tagged in a picture with a familiar woman. A woman I recognized.