Page 12 of The Only Heart that Matters

He holds up his cup.

“How in the world did you know my order?”

“Goof, you’ve been drinking nonfat white chocolate mochas since high school.” He taps his temple. “Besides, you know this is a steel trap.”

Goof. That’s all it takes to send the butterflies that had come to life from his kind gesture, back into the winter hibernationI’ve relegated them to since my trip to his loft. I don’t have the space in my life for unrequited love.

“Did you already eat your mint?”

“Nope, that’s just for you. You’re the only person I know who loves coffee but hates the smell of it. Didn’t want you stressing about coffee breath during your interview.”

Who in the world is this man and when did he become so observant? Attentive? He’s always been thoughtful and kind, but this is different. It’s not generic thoughtfulness he dishes out to everyone. Things seem more personal than before. Or maybe I’m imagining the change.

I’m sure it’s my lack of sleep causing delusions. I’m feeling more than I’m sure he intended me to?

He isn’t doing anything for me he wouldn’t for his sister.

I will forever be Goof to him.

Nothing more.

“Gus, Gus!” Sawyer squeals from the back seat.

“Hey buddy, you ready to hang out with me while your mommy kicks some interview butt?”

“Gus, Gus!” my sweet boy yells again, his legs kicking in his seat.

Hey, I get it. There was a time when I used to get just as excited in the back of his truck as a teen. Only I had to bottle it up and keep it all to myself, not wanting Daisy, who was always sitting right next to me, to catch on.

Holy crap. Until today, I’ve never been in a truck with Angus when his sister wasn’t in it, too.

“Thanks again for doing this. I really appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. You know I love the little guy. We’ll go throw some snowballs at the park and if it gets too cold, we’ll warm up inside the truck.”

“Hopefully, I won’t be gone long enough for him to need a diaper change, but should something happen, everything you need is in the bag. There are snacks and a sippy cup and...”

“We’ll be fine, Mom. Right now, you need to focus on getting yourself into interview mode. You feeling ready?”

“It’s not like you spend a lot of time with two-year-olds.”

“Yes, but Sawyer and I have a gentlemen's agreement.”

“Really? And what kind of agreement would that be?”

“That is between the two of us gentlemen, but rest assured, it is one of trust and understanding. That is all you need to know. Isn’t that right, buddy?”

“Gus, Gus!”

Well, would you look at that? My own son is Team McKinnon. Typical.

“So, that’s the clinic.”

“It’s fantastic.”

“Thanks, we’re pretty happy with it,” Dr. Gibbons says as we head back to her office.

My interview went well. So well, that as she gave me the tour of the facility, she spoke as if me getting the job was a forgone conclusion. So far, so good.

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