Page 37 of Hard Ruck

“I figured that out about you,” I said. “That might bring us back to you choosing me for a friend.”

“When it comes to friends, I’m very picky,” she said. “Nothing but the best for Sadie. Sadie has the best taste in friends.”

“Does Sadie often talk about herself in third person?” I teased.

“In her head, she does,” she laughed. “Now it sounds like I’m weird, or crazy.”

“If you are, you’d fit in perfectly with me and everyone I know,” I said. No wonder there were so many psychology practices in Dusk Bay. They must be making a fortune from people like us. Like a cottage industry that grows up around various professions. Maybe they should have named it Fucked Up Bay.

“Finally, I get to fit in.” She pumped a fist in the air in triumph.

“If I ever made you feel like you didn’t fit in—” I started.

“You didn’t,” she said quickly. “You’ve always made me feel included and loved. Like you do with everyone around you. It’s one of your superpowers. Mine is the ability to chain pour twenty drinks in a row.”

“That’s a useful skill,” I said. “Especially on a Saturday night.”

She laughed and leaned down to concentrate on painting my nails.

Chapter Fifteen

Chelsea

I wincedas Storm slammed the other player down to the grass. Some days, I swore I could hear bones strain with the effort not to break. Other days, the strain was too much and the moment they snapped was obvious and painful.

On this occasion, both players jumped straight back to their feet, attention still on the training session.

“I remember being that young,” Doctor Stuart remarked.

I glanced over at him and smiled. “You’re not that old.”

He chuckled. “We both know that’s not true. It’s been a long time since I was out there on the field, playing.”

“You used to play rugby?” I straightened my ponytail and kept my eyes on the training session.

“I did, and I was good at it,” he said. “I could have given any of those boys a run for their money back in the day. I could have played for Australia, but my wife didn’t want me to. We had young children and she was scared I’d get injured. Besides which, there wasn’t money in playing back then. Not like there is now. I was trying to juggle that and seeing patients. Working for the team like this was a compromise.”

I glanced over at him quickly. “How many kids do you have?”

This was the first time he mentioned any. We were usually so busy we didn’t get a chance to talk about anything personal. Our conversations consisted of comparing notes about particular players, to make sure the whole medical team was on the same page with their treatment. Every cog in the wheel had to be in place for it to run smoothly.

“Four,” he replied. “Not one of them is a doctor.” He clicked his tongue, but didn’t stop smiling. He was definitely not the sort of person who would insist their child follow in their footsteps just to satisfy them. He’d want them to decide for themselves.

I patted him on the shoulder before looking back to the field. “I’m sure you’re proud of them anyway.”

“Absolutely, I am,” he said. “My oldest is an engineer. The middle two are both teachers. My youngest is a graphic designer.”

“Do any of them live in Dusk Bay?” I asked. I wondered if he knew what the city was really like. I got my answer when he cut me a look.

“No, they don’t. They’re spread out all over the country. Living their own lives, with their children.” The response was careful, as unsure of what I knew as I was of him.

“You must miss them,” I said, deciding to sidestep the direction the conversation might take. Unless I completely missed my guess, his approach was like mine. Aware of what was going on, but trying his best to keep his nose right out of it. For the benefit of our working relationship, it was better not to get into it.

“I do,” he said. “I admit, that’s one of the reasons I enjoy working with you. You remind me of my kids. Smart, respectful and determined. Your parents must be very proud of you.”

“I like to think they are,” I said. “They will be when I’m actually working as a doctor.”

That was a not-especially-subtle hint. This was the last day of my practical training and Doctor Stuart hadn’t said anything about recommending me to the team.

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