Page 38 of The Golden Goalie

“You remember.”

“It’s not important,” I say, waving him off.

He lifts an eyebrow. “You came all the way to a private practice to seek me out, and it’s not important?”

“Nope.”

“Amber.”

“Rico,” I return.

“Come on, Amber. Please tell me.”

I blow out a breath, suddenly feeling my exhaustion all the way to my toes. “I just wanted to ask for a loan.” I don’t think I could have shocked him more. And I hate myself for it. “Never mind.” I turn to go back inside, but he puts his hand on my arm, halting me.

“Wait.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. You did so much for me. Please, Rico. Please just forget about it.”

“Amber, come on. Just talk to me. What do you need?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. Please don’t worry about it.”

He looks back at the house. “For the house?”

“No. Don’t worry about it.”

“Amber, please tell me.”

I blow out a deep breath. “My insurance is terrible, but it’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”

“What are you doing for appointments then?” he asks with a frown.

“I found a clinic that accepts my insurance.”

“Is it a good one?” he asks.

It's terrible. “It’s fine,” I say out loud.

He cocks his head to the side, studying my face. “Your mom said you pay for her meds too.”

I nod. “I do.”

“And how’s that going?”

I push my shoulders back. “It’s going.”

“How much do you need?” he asks softly.

“Please just let it go,” I ask. I’m embarrassed that I even told him what I was thinking.

Chapter 17

Amber

I can tell he’s about to say something, so I beat him to it. “Please, Rico.”

He stares at me for a moment. “Okay. I’ll let it go.”

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