by Robyn M Ryan
“Do I? He may not even know she’s no longer his PT.” Caryn sipped her tea as she shrugged.
“She just accused you of getting her replaced. Don’t you think Andrew voiced an opinion if that kind of change was made?” Kelly asked.
“Caryn, I’m pretty sure he already knows,” Terri added.
“We didn’t have that much time—especially not to talk about his therapy. I hope he tells me without my having to ask him.” Caryn looked at each of her friends. “That would help me know he’s really sincere about this reconciliation.”
“There might not be much to tell. You know she lied to you about preparing Andrew for a career besides hockey. That doesn’t mean they’re anything other than PT and client.” Kelly met Caryn’s eyes. “Are you going to tell him what Kristen did?”
“I’m not sure I want him to know the entire story. Either way, Drew chose not to believe what I did tell him. As tempting as it might be, I can’t pretend none of this happened.” Caryn gazed out the window. “He’s the one who put our marriage on hold.” A fleeting sense of guilt passed through her mind. If she’d told him what Kristen had asked her to do, would that have strengthened their bond—or caused him to doubt his future? Maybe she did play a role in their marriage’s disintegration by withholding that info. But, then her thoughts turned to the image of Andrew kissing Kristen…forever burned in her memory…and pushed aside any sense of guilt.
9
Andrew tossed his suitcase in the back of the car, climbed into the passenger seat, and pulled his iPhone from his pocket. “You going straight to the house?”
Tom looked at him and Andrew could see the amusement in his expression. “That’s your idea of taking things at Caryn’s pace? No, I’m going to take this paperwork to the hospital, then I thought we might get something to eat.”
“I’m not sure if I’ll ever feel hungry again. What I need to do is get a workout in and run some laps.” Andrew glanced at his phone. No texts or calls from her. Tom’s right. She knows we’re coming back today. I’ll wait for her to get in touch with me. For now.
“You heard anything about your new PT?” Tom asked a few minutes later as he eased into traffic.
“Just the text to check in with Dan when I get back. I’ll need to remember to act surprised Kristen’s no longer working with me.” Andrew laughed without humor.
“Are you going to tell Caryn why you have a new PT?” Tom glanced at him briefly.
Andrew shrugged. “You think I should?”
“Just my opinion, Andrew. You can do whatever you think’s best. But, regaining trust requires honesty on both sides.”
“If Caryn hears about the ‘massage come on,’ it may torpedo any chance I have to regain her trust.”
“You sure about that? You refused the invitation. You told me about the time Caryn was about to literally knock some sense into Kristen. I don’t think she’d react like that for no reason.”
Andrew stared out the window. “You know something you’re not telling me, Tom?”
“As I told you, and as I’ve told Caryn, I’m not putting myself in the middle of this. What you tell me is not repeated to her, and…”
“I get it. Understood.” Andrew didn’t speak for several minutes, mulling his options. Do I tell her everything upfront and then hope she’ll continue to speak to me? Or maybe start by getting her involved in my therapy again? When she sees a new therapist, she’ll have questions…a good opening to the whole Kristen fiasco. Maybe?
He asked his brother for his opinion.
Tom didn’t respond for a while. Finally, he shrugged without taking his eyes off the road. “You know Caryn better than I do. Get a conversation started. You’re not going to resolve everything the first time you guys talk.” Andrew saw the hint of a smile cross his face. “Don’t hold your breath for a quick reconciliation.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he said as Tom made a turn into the Rehab Center’s parking lot. He parked near the entrance.
“Need help with your suitcase?” Tom offered.
“I’ve got it. Thanks…for the ride and the advice.” Andrew opened the rear door and grasped his suitcase. He stepped to the driver’s side and clapped a hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Let me know how the meeting goes with Dan.”
“Let’s hope everyone sent what was promised. I’ll stop by afterwards; see if you change your mind about dinner.”
Andrew oddly felt as if he’d come home when he entered the familiar surroundings. A sure sign I’ve spent too much time here. He counted months in his head. Spent more time in the hospital and rehab than at home. His thoughts shifted to Caryn as he inserted his key and opened the door to his suite. He dropped the suitcase on the floor and then walked to the small kitchen for a bottle of water. Leaning against the counter, he surveyed the rooms. Looks like housekeeping came—I meant to call them before we left. Maybe I did. Don’t remember.
He headed to the bedroom, hoping to find a clean shirt and gym shorts. He stopped short when he saw the freshly made bed and no mound of dirty clothes. Opening a drawer, he confirmed someone had not only washed his laundry, but also neatly placed everything in the dresser. He owed housekeeping a huge tip for taking care of his laundry. After quickly changing, he walked toward the gym, ready to run a few miles. Actually looking forward to getting back on schedule…the “suggested break” had the desired effect.
He nodded to others who passed him as he stretched by the side of the track. He didn’t see Kristen until she spoke to him.
“Need help stretching your hamstrings, Chadwick?”
Andrew glanced in her direction. “I’m good.”
“How was Toronto?” Kristen leaned against the wall, intently following his warm up routine.
“Enjoyed spending time with my family, relaxing. Ready to start the next phase of the rehab.” He caught her eyes. “You know who’s my new PT?”
Kristen shrugged. “No idea. By the way, I told Dan I felt I’d taken you as far as I could. That you needed a sports-oriented therapist.” She flashed a smile. “Sure you don’t want to reconsider?”
“Positive.”
Kristen stood and began to walk away. “Oh, I saw your wife the other day,” she mentioned casually.
“Yeah? Where was that?”
“Leaving the hospital. We just exchanged pleasantries.”
“And you’re telling me this…?” Andrew asked as he checked for approaching runners before stepping on the track.
“No reason. Just thought you’d like to know. Later, Chadwick.”
Andrew glanced at his phone when he returned to his room. No calls. No messages. He showered and dressed in jeans and a Suns polo shirt. His phone beeped with an incoming message, and in his haste to reach for it, he hit his knee on the corner edge of the coffee table. He muttered a curse as he grabbed the phone and sat in the chair, absently rubbing his knee. Swiping the screen, he felt a pang of disappointment when he saw the text from Tom. Pathetic—like a teenager waiting for a ringtone…or watching the screen for a text to appear. Fuck it all. I’ll see if Caryn wants to join the therapy sessions tomorrow.
Andrew composed a quick text and pressed send before he read Tom’s message. As he’d guessed, his brother would stop by in a few minutes. He really didn’t feel like going out to dinner. But, it would pass the time, and save him from acting like a love-struck teen.
Caryn heard the ping signaling an incoming text, but ignored it as she concentrated on the revised contract Wesley had forwarded. She couldn’t shake a sense of unease as she read the contract for a third time. Rather than using the contract they’d provided, the McRainey legal team had drawn up its own—and it seemed there were plenty of “gotchas” spread throughout the legalese.
She emailed a copy to Lauren, without comments. Wonder what she’ll think when she reads it? Maybe it’s just me. But all those “failures to satisfactorily fulfill the terms” raise red flags. As did the counter-offer on the budget they quoted.
She considered as
king her dad to run it past his legal team, but did she want him involved? Or even aware of the nature of this proposal—well outside her successful niche? Sighing, Caryn set aside the proposal and checked the time. Almost six. Lauren’s making a presentation right now. She’ll want to talk afterwards. Maybe she’ll have some ideas for handling this contract?
Even though it was still daylight outside, Caryn changed and climbed into bed. The ninety-minute conversation with Lauren exhausted any energy she had. Lauren projected confidence about her most recent proposal; but like Caryn, she had some misgivings about the McRainey contract.
“Do you think they’re hoping we want the business so badly we’d actually sign it? I’m not a lawyer, but that contract doesn’t project positive vibes,” Lauren said.
“Yeah, I know,” Caryn said with a sigh. “The whole thing gives me a headache. I was thinking about sending it to my father for his input.”
Lauren was quiet for a few moments. “You sure you want to go there?”
“No, but we need to find someone whose opinion we can trust—or a lawyer to review the contract. I don’t think this is Don Wilson’s area of expertise.”
“I wish I knew someone to ask.” Lauren’s tone was apologetic.
“I’ll think about calling my dad and see if he’s willing to look it over.” Caryn reached for her iPad with a groan. “Maybe Don Wilson can refer us to a contract attorney. Next time I get some harebrained idea, please remind me our niche has plenty of room for growth.”
Lauren laughed. “It’s still a great opportunity. We just need to stay confident and seek advice.”
“Let’s just let it percolate in the back of our minds overnight. We might have different opinions when we’re not exhausted.” Caryn changed the subject. “So, shopping this evening?”
“Oh, just a stroll down Rodeo Drive and a few selfies. Window shopping only.”
“You locking your credit cards in the hotel safe?”
“Maybe,” Lauren said with a giggle. “I might grab a bite to eat while I’m in the area.”
Once they ended the call, Caryn opened her message app and saw the unread text from Andrew from earlier in the day. Probably thinks I’m avoiding him…hmm; do I want to join him for therapy tomorrow? Talk about a surprise. Maybe the ban’s been lifted at the Rehab Center?
She typed a quick reply:
What time? Where should I meet you?
Andrew: Start with yoga at nine?
Caryn felt excitement building in her heart as she answered:
Caryn:I could.
Andrew: Not too early?
Caryn: Hardly. Meet in the yoga center, unless it’s moved?
Andrew: Good question. I’ll check in the a.m. Stop by my room?
Caryn:Be there before nine.
Andrew: Not worried about THAT.
For a long while after the text exchange, Caryn lay back against the pillows as she imagined different scenarios playing out the next day. How should she act? What will his therapy team think about her sudden appearance after so many weeks? Surely Andrew doesn’t assume that coming to therapy means we can reconcile easily. So much to say, so many things to discuss.
The flutter of hope grew stronger in her heart, but fear and anxiety blocked it from blossoming. Take each day as it comes. Our relationship has already tanked…starting tomorrow, there’s only one direction it can take—if we both want what we had. One thing’s for sure—nothing Andrew says can hurt worse than these months apart.
10
Andrew joined Dan Forster for an early breakfast. The physician held out his hand as he appraised his patient’s appearance. “One hundred percent better than before you took time off, Chadwick. Home cooking must agree with you?”
Andrew laughed as he shook hands. “Too much. Starting to feel sluggish.”
Forster pulled back a chair and nodded for Andrew to join him. They were in a section of the Rehab Center Andrew had never visited—a private dining area—with no food court.
“How did I not know this existed?” he asked as he accepted a menu.
“This is the facility we use to entertain visiting researchers, donors, and VIPs. I think you’ve attained VIP status by now.”
“Honored.” Andrew glanced at the menu and then set it aside. “I didn’t agree with you when you ‘suggested’ I take a break, Dan. But, I feel really strong—and rested. Thanks for the not-so-subtle kick out the door.”
“I don’t think you’ll notice any backsliding with your program. If anything, I expect you’ll experience some significant forward movement this week.” He paused so they could give their orders, then met Andrew’s gaze. “I believe you’ll find your new PT challenging you in different ways. Came as a surprise when Kristen told me she thought you would benefit from a change in therapists. You were consulted before she made the request?”
Andrew nodded, forcing his expression to remain neutral. “You’re the experts—I just follow directions.”
“No, you challenge your team to find new ways to push your progress at a pace no one ever expected. Still focused on the All Star break—February, right?”
“Beginning of February. I know it’s a long shot, but I need the incentive.”
Forster raised his eyebrows as he drank some coffee. “That’s no longer a long shot, Chad. I’d call it a stretch goal. I’ve learned not to underestimate you.”
They chatted until Forster left to meet a group of interns for rounds. “I’ll stop in during the day—hopefully during your PT session.”
“Thanks, Dan.” Andrew glanced at his watch as he strolled back to the main area of the Rehab Center. He had over an hour before Caryn would arrive, but nervous energy was already building. Before a game, he dealt with it by warming up on the ice. Not an option, but maybe a good mile or two on the track will work. Before heading for the track, he returned to his room and taped a note for Caryn on his door…Just in case she arrives earlier than expected. Like that’s never happened.
Andrew had just begun his cool down lap when a movement by the door caught his attention. Caryn stood near the entry and Andrew felt the hitch in his breath when he raised his hand in greeting. Forgot how…enticing, sexy, hot she looks in those yoga shorts and Suns T-shirt. And she has no clue what that does to me. Damn, it’s been too long…and there’s no plausible reason to hope for a quick reconciliation. His desire faded as his mind jumped to the last time they made love and the bitter accusations that followed. Her words still haunted him, all these months later.
“You love me so much you’re telling me to stay away? Don’t worry, Andrew, if you can’t believe me, believe in us, I’m not coming back. Don’t let a little thing like our marriage interfere. Maybe you’re right. Maybe we’ll be able to put the pieces back together after you’ve ‘regained your life.”
Of course he never should have doubted that she believed he would recover one hundred percent. The mother of all fuck-ups when I asked her to give me time…no, told her to give me time. How could he ever undo the damage, expect Caryn to forget the hurt?
Andrew grabbed a towel and wiped his face as he slowly walked toward her. “Thanks for coming today, Cary.”
“Thanks for asking me. I’m a bit early.”
Andrew recognized her nervous gesture—brushing her hair away from her face. “You, early? Huge surprise.” He hoped his smile put her at ease. “You look beautiful.”
Caryn glanced at her T-shirt and shrugged. “If you say so. You, however, looked wonderful running on the track. I’d never know you had an accident.”
“No stamina.” Andrew paused to get a cup of water from the cooler and offered it to her.
“I’m good.”
“I’m parched.” He drained the cup and then drank two additional. “You see my brother around?”
“He said he has some more paperwork to complete, and he’d catch up with you later.”
Andrew noticed Caryn take a deep breath and recognized the extent of her anxiety. Over seeing me? Shit
. “I need to get a quick shower in before yoga. Come up to my room?”
“Sure.” Her amber eyes met his shyly.
Andrew held the door open, then reached for her hand as they walked to the elevator. At least she didn’t pull away. “How’s your business going?” he asked.
Caryn groaned quietly. “On the sports front, awesome. Lauren thinks we’ll sign at least two of the prospective clients she’s met so far.”
“That’s great. What’s the problem?”
“The McRainey proposal. We sent over the standard contract I’ve always used. They sent back their own contract, and it’s so complicated neither of us understands it.” She continued speaking as they walked to his room. “The legalese gives me a headache, and they want us to front the first six weeks at our expense. No retainer.”
Andrew stopped as he opened the door to the room. “Maybe standard in that business?”
Caryn shook her head as she entered the living area. “I have no idea. It’s a significant amount of money to incur in airfare, hotels, training materials…and then we must ‘satisfactorily comply’ with what we proposed.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem for you and Lauren,” Andrew commented as he sat on the arm of the sofa. “If you need a cash advance…”
“No.” Her refusal was harsher than she’d intended. “Thanks, Andrew. I’m proud this business started with zero capital and grew with what I earned. I don’t want to change now. It will be tight, be we can make it work. I’m just leery of the term ‘satisfactorily comply.’ That’s such a subjective statement.” Caryn shrugged and looked at him with a small smile. “I may have to ask my dad to get his contract lawyers to review it.”
