14
Violet
Why have I stayed away for a week? The sports company wanted me to show them what I could do, but the whole time I kept wondering why was I here? I know I’m not going to take the job if it’s offered because everything I want is back in Great Falls. I’m not willing to risk my new relationship with Blake for a job that would take me across the country from him.
Blake is one stubborn man and now that I know how easy it is for me to arouse him, there is no way I’m going to lose what we have.
We’ve talked on the phone every day, and last night had been difficult. I was missing him more than I’d thought I would. Blake hadn’t been able to hide his enthusiasm for me coming home to him. I have the feeling that the moment we’re alone I’m going to be naked. He has made one request, and it is that I’m wearing a dress. Apparently, I look fresh and innocent when I’m in one of my sundresses and my cowgirl boots. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to tease the beast.
Right now, the woolgathering I’ve been doing clears and the man I’m supposed to be impressing in Boston is standing before me. He grins, and unbuttoning his jacket, he takes the seat beside me. Richmond Lovatt owns a large sports rehabilitation clinic thirty minutes outside of Boston. It’s up the coast toward Portland and Cape Elizabeth. The area is beautiful, and I’ve imagined Blake and myself here. If only the family was here then maybe he’d be willing to move, because the clinic might even benefit him.
“What’s going to be keeping you in Great Falls?” Richmond asks, a soft grin on his handsome face. The man is in his fifties, a former NFL player who ended up leaving because of an injury that wouldn’t clear up. He’s become the man to go to for rehabilitation.
I hadn’t mentioned anything to Blake about the job, because I think he would have worried I wouldn’t be back. It really upsets me that he think’s he has nothing to offer me. Eventually he’ll either gain the ability to walk, or he’ll accept that he’s in a wheelchair and then the real healing can begin. I’m going to be the one who is always there by his side. I want him to know how much I love him by showing him. I honestly don’t care whether or not he walks again. I love him.
“My boyfriend lives in Great Falls,” I offer. “The only family he has left is his sister, who lives there with her husband and their new daughter. Blake is in a wheelchair after an accident that left him paralyzed.” I sigh. “This job is too good to be true and I think I would have a lot to offer, but I can’t and won’t leave Blake … I’m sorry.”
He nods. “You’re talking about Blake Kelly?”
“How?” I stutter confused at his knowledge.
“I follow sports. It’s no secret that I used to play for the NFL, I’m also a huge fan of the NHL. He was going places before he’d walked in front of that car.”
I wince at the reminder.
“Why don’t you go back home and discuss the job offer with Blake? Hopefully all the answers you need are inside here.” He takes an envelope from his briefcase and leaves it on the coffee table in front of us. “I learnt a long time ago when I first met my wife, that it’s best to discuss options than choosing what you think is best.” He smiles.
“I think we’d work well together and I want you as part of my team. Think about it.” Rich quickly disappears, and I’m left staring into space.
He’s offered me the job.
I want it, but I also want Blake.
I get a message telling me that my ride to the airport is here. In a daze I quickly grab my jacket, purse and the handle on my case, and dash outside.
Throughout the flight I read the job offer and there isn’t anything I would change about it, but the location. I don’t know how I’ll be able to talk to Blake about it when I know his heart is in Great Falls with Felicity and her new family. How can I compete with that? I don’t think I can.
When I was in the Richmond Rehabilitation Centre, I really could see myself still working there in twenty-thirty years’ time. That’s the kind of impression it had made on me.
For the first time in my entire life, I have someone else to consider when I make a big decision. I’m just not sure I’m ready for it to change my life in the way that I think it will. I don’t think Blake will move with me. Not now he has a niece to dote on.
Except the one part of the contract that really sticks out, which I’ve highlighted with a pink post-it, is the part about immediate family having free use of the Centre and staff. Would this apply to Blake if he came along? Maybe this could be the selling point for him.
Chewing my lip, pondering my options, I head toward baggage claim, and smile when I spot the newly pregnant Emelia moving toward me with her husband, Dante, trying to slow her down. He succeeds, an arm going around his wife’s middle to anchor her to him.
I grin as I dash to meet them. “I wasn’t expecting you both, but it’s nice to see you.”
“Diego was going to come, but then Rae got sick. So we left Emma with Mom and here we are,” Emelia grins. “Blake has been beside himself waiting for you to get back.”
“He’d said that he was going to be here,” I say with a bit of disappointment. “He’s okay, right?”
“He’s just fine.” Dante shakes his head. “Emelia persuaded him to spruce up while we came to get you … well she didn’t really give him much of
a choice.”
“Oh! He’s a man. He needed some guidance,” Emelia defends herself chirpily.
Dante laughs at his wife as he quickly grabs the case I point out from the turntable.