Page 46 of His Last Shot
Rachel
“Micah, what am I supposed to do? I can’t get a hold of Uncle Dexter, and I have to be there in”—I look at my watch—“like forty-five minutes.”
“I’m sorry, sis, but the food delivery is late, and who else is going to stay and inventory?”
Weighing my options, I pace the living room floor. “No, no, you’re right.”
My follow-up doctor’s appointment to discuss my latest blood work is today, and I’m a little anxious to hear the results. Every three months, I need to get my inflammatory markers checked, and lately, my RA has been angry, so I know the news isn’t going to be great.
And, of course, to add to my anxiety, my car is currently in the shop. And now, my one and only ride can’t take me. A Lyft isn't an option, since they won’t be here in time, and I’ll miss my appointment.
He pauses on the other end of the phone. “Now, I’m going to throw a harebrained idea out here, so don’t bite my head off, okay?”
“Don’t say it!” Because I know exactly who he is going to suggest.
“Oh, come on! You know he will drop whatever he is doing and come running. Let that man prove to you what you mean to him. Stop pushing him away.”
Thanks to me having one too many a few nights ago, I told Micah everything about Johnny. My tipsy, wagging tongue spilled all my secrets. He says I’m nuts tonotdive headfirst into a relationship with him. But Micah doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand the deep-seated insecurities that gnaw at me or the constant fear that grips my heart.
Plus, Johnny has been keeping his distance. After rejecting him again in the kitchen, then me confessing about Drew, followed by a silent truck date, things have been awkward between us.
“What about Shelby? Is she available?”
“Nope. Parent-teacher conferences tonight.”
I collapse onto the couch, the cushions sinking beneath my weight as I surrender to my one and only option.
“Ugh! Fine … I’ll text Johnny.”
“Maybe you should give him a nice big hug and a kiss as a thank you.”
I pull the phone away from my ear, still talking. “Thanks for nothing. Gotta go … bye!”
Slamming the red button, I toss my phone onto the sofa and take a few minutes to regain my composure.
I should just cancel and catch up onThe Bachelor. I’m already three episodes behind, and snuggling on this couch with my favorite blanket and some wine is a much better idea than the doctor’s.
But I can’t do that.
Micah’s right. I should text Johnny. He will help me. I know he will. But after everything, the possibility of him being done with me feels real, like a cold, sharp knife twisting in my gut.
I guess there is only one way to find out.
With a resounding sigh, I reach for my phone, open to messages, find his name, and type.
Me: Hey. Sorry to bother you. Are you busy right now?
Johnny: Leaving work and picking up Mallory from school. Why? Are you ok?
Of course he asks if I’m okay. He cares. He always cares.
Me: Oh ok. You’re busy. Nevermind.
Johnny: What’s going on? Don’t make me beg because I will. On my knees … the whole nine yards.
What a sight that would be. My mouth goes dry as I bite my lower lip.Focus, Rachel!
Me: So I have a doctor appointment in like forty minutes and my car is in the shop. Micah can’t take me, I can’t get a hold of my uncle, and no ride share will be here in time. You are my last resort.
