The next week goes by in a chaotic blur. Rubbing my eyes, I stare at an official document on my desk then glance at my cell that’s been pushed aside.
Before I can be a coward and talk myself out of it, I dial my mom’s number. It rings for a solid ten seconds before her tired voice echoes through the speakers.
“Hey, baby. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. Have you gotten the results back from the MRI yet?”
“Well, we haven’t proceeded with the MRI.”
“Why not?” I ask, pinching the bridge of my nose as a migraine threatens to take over. I need a break. I need my mom to be healthy. I need her medical bills to disappear. I need the awkward silence that’s been my constant companion around Conner to go away. And I need another damn eclair.
“There have been some issues with the insurance, so the doctors are trying to figure out how we should move forward.”
“Mom.” My tone is sharp, and I take a deep breath to keep myself from snapping at her any further. “If you need the MRI for the doctors to diagnose you properly, then you need the MRI. Screw what the insurance company is willing to pay.”
“Honey.” The sound of her soft sigh almost breaks me. “I can’t afford to pay for the MRI out of pocket, but I’m in good hands. We’re figuring out how to move forward, so don’t worry about me. How’s your new little project going?”
“It’s fine,” I grit out, glancing back down at the jumbled numbers scattered around my desk. “Look. I know you don’t want to talk about it and that you don’t want me taking care of you. But we need to do what’s best for your health. And if that means paying for shit out of pocket, then that’s what we’re going to do. Schedule whatever tests need to be done. I don’t care if I have to move back into my childhood bedroom to help cover the cost. We’re going to get this figured out, okay?”
“Levi—”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I mutter, “Promise me, Mom. Promise you’ll get everything scheduled so we can stop dreading the results and start looking at the solutions.”
I’m greeted with silence for a solid ten seconds before she finally replies, “Okay, Levi. I’ll talk to my doctor and get everything scheduled. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
The call disconnects, and I drop my phone back on my desk. Resting my head in my hands, I nearly crumble from the weight of the conversation. But I can’t. Because I’m all she has.
Chapter Seven
Charlie
“That’s a good girl,” I praise the gorgeous greyhound beside me, scratching behind her ear as we find a bench in Central Park.
The air is warm, and the sun is shining. The combination makes me want to melt into a giant puddle of happiness. My chest is still heaving from our run up and down the hills, but the endorphins racing through my veins is a high that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
“Hey, Charlie!” a voice calls, grabbing my attention.
“Hey, Indie!” I return in surprise. She’s in a pair of running shorts and a baby blue tank top with Harry by her side.
When she notices the greyhound I’m borrowing for the afternoon, she adds, “I see you took my advice about stopping by Forever Grey.”
“I did, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m seriously in love.”
“Right? Harry is a mix of who knows how many breeds, but the vet thinks he’s part greyhound, and I definitely think he’s right. They’re amazing dogs.”
“They totally are. If I ever get enough stability in my life to own a dog, I’m totally picking one up from Forever Grey. Every single dog I’ve taken out has been an absolute sweetheart, though I might be partial to this girl.”
Indie assesses the dog next to me who’s busy smelling Harry like he’s a fresh-baked cookie.
“She’s super cute. What’s her name?”
“Bonnie,” I answer while giving Bonnie another scratch.
“Aww, sweet little Bonnie girl. She looks tired.”
“She should be. I thought I was in shape, but this girl is giving me a run for my money. No pun intended,” I add with a grin. “I think we just ran six miles or so.”