Page 79 of Scrubbing In
“Thank god,” I quip.
“Oh, baby!” Leena pulls a foot onto the seat of her chair, resting her chin on her knee. “You said you hung around with athletes while you were at CSCU. Any basketball players?”
“Yeah, a few.”
“Did you know Elijah Mitchell? I’m pretty sure he was playing when you were there?”
“I did. I even kept in touch with him when he was traded to Philly.” Thinking of my friend, I find myself worrying about him again for the umpteenth time this week.
“Really? Oh, wow. His injury during the game last week was devastating. I really hope what they’re saying about his playing days being over isn’t true. He’s been fun to watch since his Howler days.”
“Unfortunately, his playing days are over. From the images of his knee he sent me and his injury history, a comeback is very unlikely. He’s taking it pretty hard.”
Sitting up straight, she looks floored. “Wait, what? His images?”
Stroking my knuckles down her cheek and neck, I grip the nape of her neck and gently massage. “Stay calm, pretty girl. But I’m going to be repairing his knee sometime after Thanksgiving. It all depends on the swelling.”
“You're going to Philadelphia?”
“Stay calm,” I repeat, holding back a smile, tightening my hold. “His surgery will be here.”
Eyes bugging wide, she opens and closes her mouth multiple times, then she just looks at me in awe.
“You broke her, Julian.”
“Mama,Elijah Mitchellwill be at our hospital. Of course my brain is broken. That man led the Howlers tothreeNCAA tournament appearances withtwochampionship wins!
Charlie points her fork at Leena but speaks to me, “You’re gonna have to contain her fangirling.”
Sitting back in my chair, hand still holding my girl’s neck, they go back and forth.
I was worried it may be a little weird between Leena and myself after we talked and worked things out. A lingering awkwardness from the first test to our relationship, but if anything, we’re stronger and more connected, easily falling back into the routines we’d created. Tonight’s dinner is like many we’ve shared. These are the building blocks of our life.
I couldn’t be happier or more thankful to have Leena in my life. It’s honestly a privilege to love her.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Leena
“You okay, Mama?”
Charlie breaks me out of my trance. I look up at her perched on the counter as I assemble soup for dinner.
“Yep,” I say, glancing back down at the soffritto in the pot I’m stirring. “Just a little nervous to show Julian the declaration paperwork I printed off last week.”
“Oh my gosh! Really? How come you didn’t say something sooner? Or give it to him right away?”
Sighing wistfully, I say, “You know he’s been so busy. In the last three days, he’s only left the hospital once. He practically fell into bed already asleep Saturday, only to be called in a few hours later.”
“So, will you give them to him tonight?”
Twisting my mouth, I think about it. “I don’t think so. You said he still had a couple cases on the board when you left. He may get stuck there late again, if he can even leave.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Mm-hmm.” I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips.
Hooting, Charlie kicks her feet. “To think he has no idea what is waiting for him when he gets off duty! You are going to blow his mind. He wants everyone to know you're his.”
