Page 182 of The Run Back Home

"You got this," Dylan whispers.

I wait one more second. Then, I hit call.

It rings once. Twice. I throw it on speaker and look at Dylan, almost hanging up when it rings a third time.

But then—

"Lenora, hey." Kent answers, easy and warm like he hasn't been haunting my thoughts for the last fifteen hours. "I was wondering when I'd hear back from you."

I gulp down my nerves. "Yeah—sorry. Yesterday… got away from me."

"No worries. I figured you were working." I can hear papers shuffling on his end. "I've got your file pulled up. I just need to go over the final arrangements for Alaska and we'll have you all set to head out shortly."

My grip tightens slightly on the phone.

I glance at Dylan, her brows high, lips pressed together watching. Waiting. Encouraging me to finally say it.

"Actually," I cut in, my voice coming out steadier than I expected. "Before we do that… can I ask you something?"

There's a small pause on the line.

"Of course," Kent says eventually.

I shift my weight, stepping closer to the shelf in front of me like I'm searching for some form of privacy between Dylan and the wall two feet away from her.

"I just… I wanted to know if there are any other options," I say carefully. "Like… placements that aren't Alaska."

There's a heavier pause this time.

"Well," he starts slowly—eventually. "I have to say, I'm surprised. I thought you've been pretty set on Alaska for a while now. It's why I prioritized that contract for you."

"I know," I say quickly. "I know, and I really appreciate that. I do. I just—"

"It's a good assignment, Lenora," he continues. "Great facility, housing's solid, pay's above your usual range."

I hesitate instead of responding right away.

Because how do I explain this without sounding like I've completely lost it?

I drag in a breath. "Something changed."

Kent doesn't interrupt.

So I keep going.

"I didn't expect to… like where I'm at this much," I admit, quieter now. "And I know my contract here is ending, and I know there's nothing open at this hospital, but… I was wondering if there's anything within driving distance? Or even just… ya know… closer than Alaska. Something that maybe isn't posted yet."

I hold my breath even though I think I already know the answer.

On the other end, Kent exhales softly. Not annoyed—thinking.

"I can take a look to see if anything has popped up on my end in the last few hours," he says. "But I'll be honest with you—anything comparable is going to be limited this late in the game. Most of those assignments were grabbed pretty quickly."

My stomach drops a little.

"Okay," I say anyway. "What about… even something temporary? Like a shorter contract? Or per diem work?"

"I can check per diem pools," he replies. "They're not always consistent, though. You know that. You could be piecing together shifts. Only working here and there."