Page 64 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“How am I supposed to do that? I don’t have a job there.”
“You know you could get one. You’re smart, Layla. Plus, your background and experience is fantastic. I’m sure there are places who need a good physical therapist , someone who is great with athletes. I thought you were going to look for something,” he says as more of an accusation.
The thought of actually moving and not having a home to come back to makes me anxious, but also excited. It’s a lot to think about now that it’s not just a possibility, but likely.
Where would I even start? “I could look and see if there’s something that works for me.”
Gabe leans forward, watching me close. “Let me mention your name to coach. Maybe we can get him to pass your information on.” My eyes widen and he quickly amends, “We should get ahead of this, just in case we’re able to get mom into one of these places.”
“I don’t want any favors or special treatment, Gabe.”
“You wouldn’t get any, but I just found out we are definitely getting two new physical therapists for next season. Maxim was fired and Holden retired.”
“Gabe,” I say his name in warning.
“It’s a position you would have to earn, but it’s available. Why wouldn’t you put in for it? You’re smart and you work hard. Anyone who knows you would say that’s an understatement. As for me,” he begins, smirking and pointing to himself, “I don’t have the kind of power you’re giving me credit for, Sis.”
I snort making him chuckle. Then, I take a moment staring at him, assessing him. “You would really want to work with your little sister?” I ask only half teasing.
“Actually, yeah, Layla. I’ve always admired the way you watch players and know exactly what needs to be done to help them be better or heal when they’re hurt. You do that for allathletes really. It’s incredible. You’re smarter and more talented than the two guys that are now gone put together.”
“I don’t know if I believe that but okay,” I concede, joking. A small smile lights up my face and tears form behind my eyelids, but I refuse to let them fall. It’s not often I hear a compliment like that from my brother.
Chuckling, he tries brushing it off and asks, “So, does that mean you’re okay with me talking to my coach?”
“Sure. Okay. Fine. Yeah, you can mention my name to your coach, but that’s it! Please don’t push me down their throats.”
A sad smile curls his lips. “Got it. Get your resumé ready. You’re going to need it.”
A dark thought crosses my mind, turning my stomach. Frowning, I question, “I wouldn’t have to work with Cal, would I?”
He chuckles, getting a mischievous look on his face. “I’m sure your ex would steer clear and use one of the other therapists if necessary.”
I give him a sidelong glance, not sure if I want to know what he’s actually thinking or referring to. It’s like he knows something I don’t. Maybe I should keep it that way. Knowing is not always better. “What are your plans tonight?”
Grinning, he sits a little straighter and answers, “I’ve got a date.”
“Another one? Same woman?”
“I’m not sure who you’re referring to, but no.”
I grimace. “Sounds like fun, but I gotta ask, how come I haven’t met a single one of your dates since you’ve been here?”
“Because I haven’t found one I like enough–yet.”
Heaving a sigh, I shake my head at him as he gets up, walking towards the bathroom. “You’re such a jerk.”
‘’They don’t think so.”
“Ewe,” I mutter, scrunching up my nose in disgust, only succeeding in making him laugh. “Just go.”
“Say hi to Levi,” he calls, before the door closes.
Grabbing my keys and phone, I text Levi on my way out the door.
I’m walking over now.
I slip my phone into my pocket and close the door behind me. My mind races, still unsure of how I should bring this up to Levi. Practicing in my head, I try, “I know we haven’t been dating long, but maybe you’ll take a chance on me even though we might be moving to two different states after the holidays?”
