Page 83 of Doctor Second Chance

The barista returns with my latte and croissant. I take a sip of the matcha; its earthy sweetness perfectly complements the buttery pastry. As I nibble on the croissant, flaky crumbs falling onto my lap, I continue scrolling through emails.

Our biggest client is messaging me to inquire about a policy renewal. I quickly respond, assuring them I'll have a comprehensive proposal ready upon my return. It feels good to engage with work again, to feel useful and productive after weeks of being stuck in a hospital bed.

As I work, I can't help but glance at my phone every few minutes, hoping for a message from Shep. I know he's busy, but part of me wishes he could drop everything and meet me here to discuss what my leaving means for us.

I’m having trouble concentrating. I pull out my phone and send a quick text to Isabella.

Hey Izzy! My day just opened up unexpectedly. I know you're probably swamped at work, but if you can sneak out for a bit, give me a call. Would love to catch up! I’m at your favorite coffee spot!

I settle back on the bench, sipping my latte and watching people hurry by. It's strange how quickly Birmingham has started to feel familiar.

I find myself cataloging the little things I'll miss—the way the light hits the buildings downtown, the Southern drawl that's so different from the Florida Southern drawl, and the smell of Alabama barbecue wafting from nearby restaurants.

My phone buzzes, and I eagerly check it, hoping it's Shep. Still, I’m not sad to see that it's Isabella.

OMG, perfect timing! My 10:00 just canceled. I can meet you at Red Cat in 30!

I grin, feeling a surge of affection for my best friend.

Yay!

I scroll through my work email, trying to catch up on what I've missed during my extended stay here. I’ve periodically been able to go through it, so it isn’t as overwhelming as it could be.

A subject line catches my eye: "Job Posting: Chief Scientist—McWane Science Center." Curious, I click to open it. It is from a recruiter who continually solicits me and my coworkers. I never have much interest in the postings, but Birmingham…?

My eyes widen as I read through the description. It's like they've taken my dream job and put it on paper. The position involves overseeing all scientific research and educational programs at the center, with a focus on marine biology and conservation—exactly my areas of expertise.

I think back to the day Shep, Opie, and I spent at the McWane Center. How natural it was for me to explain the marine exhibits to Opie, how at home I was among the displays. And now, here's a chance to be part of that every day.

The salary range makes me pause—it's comparable to what I'm making now in Gainesville. I hadn't even considered looking for a job in Birmingham, but the possibility of moving here suddenly seems tantalizingly real.

I love my current job. Our research is groundbreaking, and I've worked hard to get where I am. But as I think about returning to Florida, I realize my heart isn't in it anymore. My heart is here, in Birmingham, with Shep and Opie.

The thought of being able to stay and build a life here thrills me. I could see Shep every day and be there for Opie as he grows up. We wouldn't have to navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship.

But doubt creeps in. Am I crazy for even considering this? I've only been back in Shep's life for a short time. Is it too soon to be thinking about uprooting my entire life for him?

I stare at the job posting, my mind racing with possibilities and questions.

I'm so lost in thought, staring at the job posting, that I don't hear Izzy approach. Suddenly, her hands clap down on my shoulders.

"Boo!"

I jump, slamming my laptop shut with a snap. My heart races, partly from the scare and partly from the guilt of being caught looking at a job in Birmingham.

"Izzy! You scared the life out of me," I gasp, trying to calm my racing pulse.

She laughs, sliding into the chair across from me. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. You were a million miles away. What's got you so distracted?"

I force a smile, pushing the laptop aside. "Oh, just catching up on work emails. Nothing exciting."

I don't want to hear Izzy's lecture about moving too fast with Shep. It's better to keep this to myself for now.

"So, what's new?" Izzy asks, flagging down a server to order her usual latte.

"Well, big news, actually," I say, grateful for the change of subject. "UAB officially discharged me today. I'm cleared to go back to Florida."

Izzy's eyes widen. "Wow, that's great! But also... not great? How are you feeling about it?"

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