18. Francesca

18

FRANCESCA

I barely get any sleep knowing he's just down the hall. I'd give anything to slip into his warm embrace and tell him how sorry I am. Sorry I wasn't honest with him and sorry that I ruined everything between us.

Four days before I'm scheduled to leave, I text Theo.

Francesca: I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I understand you're angry with me, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

I stare at the screen and wait for the dots to appear that indicate he's sending a response. He doesn't answer.

On my last day with the Frostwolves, the team throws a going away party for me at The Penalty Box. The players, their wives or girlfriends, staff —even the general manager— makes their appearance and wish me good luck as I head back home to Florida.

My senses are keen on the front door as I hope Theo will show up to at least tell me goodbye. He doesn't show.

Coach Sullivan gives me a hug. "Oh, Francesca. We're sure going to miss your smile around here." He chuckles. "I appreciate you putting up with those barbarians of mine."

"Thank you. It's been great working with the team."

"By the way, Moose sends his best. He left practice early— not feeling well. Anyway, he said to tell you good luck and safe travels to Florida."

"That's nice." I try to smile like I appreciate the kind words.

Good luck and safe travels? That's it? So, I guess that means he's still not talking to me.

I step off the plane in Miami and I'm greeted by Lucia and my parents. My mother is practically in tears as she wraps me in her arms.

"Oh my Frannie. I missed you so much." You'd think the poor woman hadn't seen me in a decade.

My sister and I sit on her front porch swing as we sip wine. We move our feet and the swing gently sways.

"So, you've been back with the Red Ravens for a few weeks now, how's it going? You've not said much."

I shrug and take a sip from my glass. "A lot of changes with the new owner."

"I wondered if that would have a trickle-down effect." Lucia brushes a long strand of hair behind her shoulder.

"Well, you know they fired the strength and conditioning coach…I mean that was all over the news, but other people on the coaching staff have given their notices." I take a sip of wine. "The medical staff is all new and Coach Anderson called me into his office a few days ago. There'll be an announcement tonight that he's leaving the team at the end of this season."

"Oh no— not Coach Anderson." Lucia leans her head on my shoulder. "Do you even know anyone on the medical staff anymore?"

"Not really. Steve, my manager left shortly after I did. They hired Dr. Jurgens as the manager." I sigh. "It's just not the same place."

"But at least you still work with the players. You always loved that."

"Not exactly. They changed my job description. I'm not one-on-one with the players anymore. I assist Dr. Jurgens instead of seeing patients on my own."

"Assisting the doctor?"

I wrinkle my nose. "I do paperwork, order tests." I shrug. "I take stats, order prescriptions."

"Gah!"

"I'm just trying to settle back in here— give it a chance, you know. I went through a lot of trouble to move back here."

"Well, you certainly didn't move back here to be miserable. Besides that, with your knowledge and education they should have you seeing patients."

I swallow the lump in my throat.

Lucia studies me for a moment and frowns. "You're miserable, aren't you?"

I let out a sob. "Yes! Yes, I'm a mess. Dr. Jurgens is the lead physician, and he treats me like his servant." I sniffle. "His name is Don Jurgens and I'm not allowed to call him Don— not even in private. He said I must address him as Dr. Jurgens."

"For real?"

"Yes, he says, ‘I didn't devote over ten years of my life in the study of medicine to be called by my first name— not even by the staff who work under me.'"

Lucia gasps. "The staff who work under me? Is this guy for real?"

I wipe my eyes. "He is. He also told me it's completely unacceptable for me to become emotionally attached to any player." I sniff. "And that he'd be watching me."

Lucia wraps her arms around me. "I'm sorry. Have you thought about looking for something else?"

"Well, yeah, but where am I going to go? I'd never be able to get in with another team like the Red Ravens. I only got in with the Frostwolves because of the Ravens head coach just happens to be brothers with the general manager of the Frostwolves."

Lucia releases her hold on me. "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but have you considered trying to get back with the Frostwolves?"

"I can't. I'm sure they've filled my position— or will be filling it soon. Besides, I couldn't stand to be around Theo and have him hate on me."

"I doubt he hates you."

"I've sent him a few texts and he never answered me and then he didn't show up at my going away party."

"When did you text him?"

"The following day after our showdown— once in the morning and once before I went to bed. Nothing. I even sent him another text a few days before my flight."

"Maybe that was too soon." Lucia squeezes my hand. "You're in love with him, aren't you?"

I nod. "I am and I'm just sick about what happened."

Over the next week, I put up with Dr. Jurgens' degrading comments and requests. Many of the players that I used to see request to see me. The receptionist has been instructed by Dr. Jurgens that all patients will see him only. There is one other physician's assistant, Carla, and she isn't allowed to see any patients either. Her duties are like mine.

I'm entering patient stats into the computer system when Carla peeks her head in my office.

"Hi Fran. Do you have a minute?"

"Of course."

Carla closes the door and sits in a chair in front of my desk. "I wanted to let you know, I just turned in my resignation letter."

I sigh. "I'm not surprised."

"I can't work like this." She adjusts her ponytail. "I'm a physician's assistant— not his personal slave. I accepted another position." She shrugs. "I've talked to the new manager and even left a message for the owners. I got a return phone call from their clerical staff that the changes are for the best."

I shake my head. "Where are you going, if I can ask."

"To a small gymnastics training center."

"Congratulations, Carla."

I'm happy for Carla. I've worked with her for a long time, but I feel desperate about my own situation.

I miss the Frostwolves— the team, the staff, the management. I especially miss Theo, but I know I was wrong for not telling him the truth.