“Can’t complain. Are you having any pain in your hip?” She’s just starting her physical therapy stint after having a full hip replacement from a bad fall that fractured it.
“Yes, it was very sore last night after my exercises from yesterday. I iced it and took my pain meds as instructed.”
“Did the pain interfere with your sleep last night?” I ask as I chart her complaints.
“Yes, it has been since surgery. I just have a hard time getting comfortable since I usually sleep on that side. I’m having a hard time getting used to sleeping on my other side,” she tells me as I help her sit down on the treatment table.
I go through my treatment protocol with her over the next forty-five minutes and then send her on her way. My morning is busy as I move from one patient to the next until it’s finally time to close up shop for the day.
With all my charting finished and the treatment bays cleaned and tidied up, I head out. I’m excited to get together tonight with Beckett and whoever else he’s gathered to come with us tonight. Besides the games I’ve been to, my social life has been slacking lately. I’ve been so focused on work, I haven’t taken the time to have a lot of fun, so tonight is very much needed.
“Hey!” Jill’s voice fills the speaker of my car when she answers my call.
“Hey, have you eaten lunch yet?” I ask, pulling out of the parking lot.
“Nope, been having a much-needed relaxing morning.”
“I wish. I just got done with work. Want to go get some lunch? I’m starving.”
“Sure, give me twenty to get dressed. Do you want to just swing by and pick me up?” she asks.
“I can do that. Want anything from Starbucks? I’m about to pull into one.”
“A grande white chocolate mocha, with an extra shot, would be amazing,” she says.
“Coming right up, I’ll see you in a few minutes,” I tell her before hanging up and placing our matching orders.
“God bless you,” Jill says as she opens her door and I hand over her coffee.
“That bad of a morning?” I ask on a laugh.
“No, just ran out of coffee and forgot to get some before I came home last night. I’ve been too lazy to get up and go out yet this morning.”
“Well, let’s get out of here and go eat. I’m ready to chew my damn arm off. All I grabbed as I was running out the door this morning was a small banana.”
“Okay, want to hit up the mall? I wanted to do a little shopping today. I need a new cocktail dress for a work function in a couple of weeks.”
“Sure,” I agree as I wait for Jill to grab her purse and slip on some shoes.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” she asks once we’re seated in my car and our seatbelts are on.
“I need to text Beckett and see what they want to do. I got us in at eight, but I think we might be getting together beforehand for dinner.”
“Who’s all coming?” Jill asks.
“Not sure. I know he said JC for sure, but he was going to text some of the other guys. We can have up to eight people in the room.”
“Sounds fun.”
“I’m excited for it. I’ll text him once we’re at the mall, don’t let me forget.”
“Okay.”
“So, how’s work?” I ask.
“Been busy, but good.”
“That’s great. Have you made any more business connections with any other doctors’ offices?” I ask.
Jill owns an ultrasound company, and she employs ten full-time ultrasound techs. Some work out of her office and the others, she supplies to doctor’s offices who have their own machines but don’t employ their own techs. She mostly works with OB/GYN offices but gets referrals from lots of other places when their patients need ultrasounds for something else.
“I think so, and I’m hoping to get a few more at the event next weekend. I know it’s mainly a fundraiser for the women’s shelter, but most of us that attend are there for networking as well as donating our time and money to a great cause.”
“That’s great. Are you taking a date with you?”
“Wasn’t planning on it. For one, I don’t have anyone to ask and two, without a date, I don’t have to worry about ignoring someone while I try and network with my peers.”
“Good plan.” I pull into the mall’s parking lot and find a space. “Who knows, maybe you’ll find some business contacts and a personal one,” I say, bouncing my eyebrows up at her.
“Eww. Most of the guys that come to these events are my dad’s age and all married as it is.”
“You never know. Some young, hot, single doctor might show up that could sweep you off your feet.”
“Most of the young hot ones are batting for the other team,” she says with a sigh.
I giggle. “Well, that sucks for you.”
“Bitch,” she says, laughing right along with me. “We can’t all be in love with hot hockey players.”
“Definitely not in love with a hockey player. Lust, or attracted to one, yes, but love? That’s a firm negative,” I state matter-of-factly.
“We’ll see. My gut says just give it some time and he’ll cave to your persistence. I predict in a year, maybe a year and a half, you’ll be announcing your engagement to the one and only Beckett Karlson.”
“Okay, whatever you say.” I roll my eyes before getting out of my car.
We head inside and each grab our lunch from the food court.
“Don’t forget to text Beckett,” Jill says between bites of her sandwich.
I grab my phone from my purse. “Thanks for the reminder.”
Julia: Hey! Just checking on tonight’s plans.
I set my cell down on the table while I eat and wait for Beckett to get back to me.
“So, you need a cocktail dress. Anything else?” I ask Jill as we both finish up our food.
“Depending on the dress, I might need some new shoes to go with it. I also wanted to hit up Victoria’s Secret for the sale. I need some new bras and underwear.”
“Ohh, I could go for some new ones, too.”
We dump our trash and head into the main mall area, stopping in a few stores to look at their cocktail dresses until Jill finds the perfect one. The sales lady is spot on when she suggests some heels to go along with the dress. Jill is going to be one sexy woman the night of the party.
While she’s paying, I pull out my phone and see Beckett has finally responded to my earlier text.
Beckett: Looks like it’s only going to be the four of us. Do you ladies want to grab dinner around six?”
“Beckett finally texted me back. It’s just going to be him and JC, and he’s asking if we want to grab some dinner around six,” I tell Jill.
“Sounds good to me. That gives us a little more time to shop and then head home. I need to shower before we go out tonight.”
“Me too. That, and I don’t really want to wear my scrubs out tonight,” I say, looking down at my uniform.
We make our way into Victoria’s Secret and get sucked into all the pretty lace and frilly things. After we’ve both tried on our fill of bras, made our final selections, and checked out, we head back to my car.
“I’m so glad I found a dress,” Jill says as we make it out of the packed parking lot.
“Me too, you’re going to rock it next weekend.”
“Hope so.”
I pull into her driveway about ten minutes later and bid her goodbye. “I’ll be back to pick you up around five thirty,” I call out before she disappears inside her door.
Back at home, I pull out my purchases from today, removing all the tags and prepping them to be added to my next load of laundry. I take care of tidying up a little bit, then jump into the shower and start getting ready for tonight.
Once out of the shower, I apply my favorite moisturizer before I start to blow dry my hair. I’ve been letting it grow out the past year, and it’s the longest I’ve ever had it, with it at least halfway down my back. Most days, I love it. It just takes fo
rever to dry and do anything with it, so I usually end up putting it in a bun when I’m working, so it’s not in my way.
Once it’s dry, I decide to actually do something with it and add in some beach waves. Satisfied, I get dressed in my favorite pair of jeans and a new lightweight sweater I picked up today. It hugs my frame in all the right places, helping to show off my curves.
Finally dressed, with my hair done, I step back into the bathroom to put on a little mascara and some tinted gloss. I don’t usually wear much makeup, so I don’t want to make it appear like I’m desperate, but it’s just enough to make myself look pulled together.
I head out, wanting to stop at my parents’ house for a few minutes to talk to my mom. I feel like I haven’t seen my parents much the last few weeks and I miss them. I’ve seen Dad at some of the games, but it usually isn’t for long and he’s always in “Coach mode” when I see him.
I’ve got about forty-five minutes to kill before I need to pick up Jill when I pull into their driveway. I’ve always loved this house—when we moved in here all those years ago, it was the first place we lived that felt like home. We moved between a few cities with Dad’s career, until he was finally signed by the Eagles, where he played until he finished out his career and now has transitioned to being one of the goalie coaches.
“Hey, Mom,” I call out as I push through the door.
“Well, to what do we owe this visit?” she asks, a smile on her face as she pulls me in for a hug. My dad is sitting at the island in the kitchen, obviously having been talking to Mom as she was prepping food.
“Just had some time to kill before I go pick up Jill. We’re going out with some friends for dinner, and to one of those escape rooms,” I tell both of them as I round the island and give my dad a hug before sitting on the stool next to him.
“Sounds like fun. Where are you going to dinner?”
“Um, I actually don’t know,” I say, realizing I never asked Beckett if they had an idea. “I just agreed to the time. I guess I should figure that out.” I laugh as I pull my cell out to text Beckett.
Julia: So, fun fact. I only know we’re meeting for dinner at six, but we never discussed where we’re meeting.
Beckett: That might be helpful. ; )
Julia: Just a little. LOL.
Beckett: I made us reservations at Bru Burger Bar.
Julia: Perfect. Jill and I will meet you there.
Beckett: That works, unless you want me to pick you ladies up?
Julia: That’s okay, I’m already picking her up.
Beckett: Okay, see you at the restaurant then.
Julia: See you then.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and look up at my parents, who are both grinning at me.
“What?” I ask, trying to play it cool.
“So, who’s making you smile like that?” Mom asks.
“Like what?” I try and act innocent.
“Like you’re smitten,” she says, a pointed look, letting me know she’s on to me.
“Just a friend. Someone who’s not interested in dating, so we’re just friends…” I trail off before adding, “For now.”
“Anyone we know?” Mom asks.
“Yes, but I’m not telling you who just yet.”
“Okay, well, I hope it turns out however you want it to,” my mom says.
I look over at my dad and he gives me a knowing smile. Crap. I bet he’s figured it out and knows I’m crushing on Beckett. Hopefully he doesn’t give him a hard time about it, as I know that who my dad is to him is his biggest hang-up.
“So, what do the two of you have going on?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Nothing much, just enjoying a rare Saturday evening with no plans.”
“That’s nice.”
“Yeah, we’re just going to have some dinner, and then watch a movie or sit out on the deck. It should be a nice night,” Dad adds.
“Look at you two, keeping it real and enjoying the empty nest.”
“It is a bit empty around here with you and your brothers out on your own. I miss having you all at home,” Mom says.
“What happened to becoming a billet host?” I ask, knowing it was something my mom was interested in.
“Oh, we’ve been assigned two boys!” Mom pipes up, all excited. “They should be moving in later this week. They were just assigned to the team but met up with them while they’re on the road.”
“Fun. I’m sure that they’ll love staying here.”
“Hopefully.” Mom points to Dad. “As long as this one doesn’t intimidate them too bad.”
“I’m sure he’ll be on his best behavior,” I say, nudging him in the side.
“Hey, I’m the nicest guy in the room,” he replies in his own defense.
“That’s because you’re the only guy in the room right now,” I tease.
“I won’t give them too hard of a time.”
“Do you know what positions they play?” I ask.
“Both are wingers from what I’ve been told,” Mom tells me as she goes back to prepping their dinner.
“Cool.” I quickly look at the time on my phone.
“How’s work?” Mom asks, changing the subject.
“Good, just busy. It was my turn to work the Saturday shift this morning.”
“I’m so glad you found such a good place to work straight out of college,” Mom tells me. “We’re so proud of you.”
“Thanks. It definitely is a great place to work. I’d rather be somewhere that keeps me busy than a place where I’m sitting around all day, bored out of my mind and not putting my education to use.”
“Damn straight. I didn’t pay for that education for it to go to waste,” Dad jokes.
“Never,” I assure him, knowing damn well he’s just teasing. I also know how lucky I am that I graduated with no student loan debt, thanks to my parents and the scholarships I was able to secure. “On that note, it’s time for me to get out of here and over to Jill’s if we’re going to make it to dinner on time.”
I slide off the stool and wrap my arms around my dad, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Love you, Daddy,” I tell him as I pull away.
“Love you, too, sweetheart. Don’t be too hard on this mystery man tonight,” he says, winking at me.
“Oh, come on now. If I don’t give him a hard time, who will?” I ask as I walk around the island to give my mom a hug goodbye.
“Why don’t you plan to come over tomorrow for dinner?” Mom asks before she lets me out of her grasp. “I need to cook for more than your dad and me.”
“Hey!” he quips.
“Hush, you.”
“You’ll have two more mouths to feed in another day or two,” he reminds her.
“I know, but I can want our daughter at dinner occasionally, as well.”
“All right, dinner, tomorrow. I’ll be here. Want me to bring anything?” I ask, interrupting their little spat that I know is just them busting each other’s chops.
“Just your pretty little self. Jill, if she wants to tag along with you.”
“I’m sure she will. She’s never willingly passed on your cooking.”
“Damn straight,” my dad pipes up. “Best damn cook in Indy,” he adds, trying to butter up to my mom.
“On that note, I’m out.” I look between the two of them as I back out of the kitchen, then head for the door.
I quickly make my way over to Jill’s and find her ready and waiting for me. We head for the restaurant, wanting a few extra minutes to find parking so we’re not late to meet Beckett and JC.
“I stopped at my ’rents house for a little bit before coming to pick you up and Mom wants me to come over for dinner tomorrow. Said you’re welcome to tag along with me if you want.”
“Is that even a question?” Jill quips.
“Exactly what I told her,” I say on a laugh as I pull into a parking spot.
“So, what’s the plan tonight? You trying to get him to cave or just playing it cool?” Jill asks be
fore we get out of the car.
“Just playing it cool. Maybe flirt a little bit.”
“Maybe you should try and flirt with JC. Make Beckett a little jealous,” Jill suggests.
“Nope, can’t do it,” I tell her. The thought of flirting with JC gives me the heebie-jeebies. He played with my dad and just isn’t my type.
“Okay, well, don’t say I didn’t give you any ideas,” she says as we walk up to the restaurant where we see the guys waiting with a drink in their hands.
“Evening, ladies,” Beckett greets both of us.
“Evening, have you guys been here long?” I ask.
“Nope, just checked in a minute before you walked up. JC grabbed us drinks while I was waiting to let the hostess know we’d arrived.”
“Can I grab you ladies anything from the bar?” JC offers.
“I’ll take a cosmo,” Jill says as she flashes him a smile.
“Same for me,” I tell him, knowing I’ll only have the one drink since I’m driving.
“Be right back,” he says before turning on his heel and heading to the bar a few feet away from us.
“What did you ladies do this afternoon?” Beckett asks.
“We grabbed some lunch at the mall after I got off work, and then went in search of a dress for Jill for a fundraiser she has to go to next weekend.”
“How was work?” he asks me.
“Oh, good. I had a steady stream of patients, so the time went by quickly.”
“That’s always helpful.”
“It is, and Saturday appointments always fill up quickly since we’re only open for the morning and only have one therapist working the shift.”
“Does a receptionist or anyone else come in to help you, or do you have to work it alone?” he asks, a bit of concern lacing his voice.
“One of the receptionists is there, to take care of checking patients in and out, as well as taking care of any payment or paperwork that needs done.”
“That’s good,” he states as JC returns, handing Jill and I our drinks. I take a small sip of mine, enjoying the burn of the alcohol.
The Hardest Shot: Indianapolis Eagles Series Book 7 Page 5