After my call, I sat out on the sun porch with the journal, trying to get my head straight. What I needed to do was decide what the fuck I wanted. That was easy. Mia. I wanted Mia. I needed Mia. I also needed a job. I couldn’t ask for my job back, because Mia was there. Maybe it was time I went into private practice like Eli and I had originally planned. Of course, I had to consider no one would want me as their doctor, even if I was cleared. Keddler had an urgent care center, maybe I could work there. It would be a commute, but it was doable.
“You look ready to go home,” my mother said as she came to sit with me.
“I’m getting there.”
“What’s the issue?” she asked.
“I’m unemployed and not sure I’ll have patients if I open a practice.”
She looked at my doodles and notes. “What about going back to the hospital?”
“I can’t. It’s against the rules for Mia to see me if I work there.”
Her attention snapped to me. “So, there is something again with you and Mia.”
“I hope so.”
My mother’s smile was wide. “I’m glad.”
“Maybe I can work in Keddler. Once my lawsuit is dropped—”
“Oh, is there a change? Goodness, so much is happening.”
“I don’t know actually, but I remembered something important that might help. If so, I should be able to get a job, although maybe not in Goldrush Lake. I’m not sure people’s opinion about me will change.”
“Maybe you and Mia could come down here. Los Angeles isn’t too far and I know she likes the city.”
“She needs to be with Jim now. In fact, I need to bring him down here. I promised him we could go see the bongo at the San Diego Zoo.”
“He could move too.”
I shook my head. “No. Eli is there. The store is there. Jane wanted them there.”
“She wants them together,” my mother said. “But I suppose it would be hard for Eli to leave. And the store is such a part of their family.” She patted my hand. “So, when are you leaving?”
“I still don’t have a job.”
“Nick, one thing I’ve learned is that it’s often easier to solve a problem when you’re able to actively get involved in it. You need to go home to get your life in order, not stay here.”
“You’re right,” I leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Just one thing, Nick. For me.”
I had that uh-oh feeling. “What?”
“Find someone you can talk to up there. Maybe not in Goldrush Lake, but someone.”
“I will.” And I meant it. I wasn’t dumb enough to think one therapy session would cure me. I knew that some of my clarity and energy to move forward came from the one session I’d had. It would make sense to keep going.
“One more thing.”
“What?” I said, eager to research flights back up to Reno.
“You and Mia shouldn’t wait too long to give me a grandchild.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not there yet, Mom. She needs to love me too.”
“That’s a given, Nick. I mean, what’s not to love?”