Page 40 of The Game Changer

“Hopefully within the next year. She’s worked her ass off for it, so I hope that it happens for her soon. I worry that she’s going to get burnt out if she doesn’t cut back some of her hours here soon.”

“Will she be able to cut back once she makes partner?”

“I think so, at least a little. Maybe only put in fifty to sixty hours a week instead of sixty to seventy.”

“That’s crazy, I don’t know how she does it.”

“It’s part of the gig. Just like you were used to being on the road so much, just comes with the job.”

“I guess you’re right. We all get used to the demands of our jobs and that just becomes our new normal.” I tell her as I make up plate up breakfast for Jill and me before taking them over to the table where I take a seat.

“Yep,” she agrees with me. Jill walks down the hall, her signature scrubs on with her hair pulled back out of her face. She’s got on minimal makeup, not that she needs any. She’s beautiful just as she is, not that she’d listen to me when I tell her that.

“Morning,” Jill greets Cindi, then bends down to kiss me. “Thanks for breakfast, babe,” she says, taking the seat next to me at the table.

“You’re welcome,” I tell her, digging in to my own plate of food.

“Have you made any plans for today?” Jill asks between bites.

“We’re going to hit up the zoo and have lunch and then a nap, hopefully,” I give her a recap of what we came up with earlier.

“Sounds like the perfect day. It’s supposed to be nice today, maybe we can grill out for dinner tonight?” she asks.

“I’m sure we can make that happen. Any requests on what we grill?” I ask.

“I’m good with whatever, steaks, chicken, burgers and brats… You guys decide and I’ll be here to eat,” she says, laughing.

“Okay,” I say to appease her, knowing damn well I’ll do whatever she asks.

“Sorry to eat and dash, but I need to get out of here and to the office a little early. I’ve got some paperwork to get through this morning and I wanted to try and do it before patients start to show up.”

“Don’t let us keep you. We’ll see you tonight, have a good day at work,” Cindi says to Jill.

“Have a good day with this one,” she replies, pointing at me.

“Will do!” Cindy tells Jill. “I’m going to go lay back down for a little bit, thanks for breakfast, Johnathan,” she tells me before she takes her dishes to the sink, then heads back for her bedroom.

“Have a good day at work, text or call if you need anything,” I tell her, pulling her in for a quick goodbye hug and kiss. “See you tonight,” I tell her before pulling away.

“Bye,” she says quietly. I watch as she picks up her stuff and then heads out the door.

* * *

“Uncle John, look at the monkeys! I want to be a monkey!” Mason calls out loudly as we watch the animals play around.

“What are you talking about, you already are a monkey!” I tease him.

“No I’m not! I’s a big boy!” He giggles as he tells me this.

“That’s right, you are a big boy!”

We’ve been having such a great time walking around the zoo and taking in all the animals. We got to feed the giraffes and some birds. “I think he’ll have a blast when we make it over to the petting zoo area with goats and then a koi pond. Both areas he can buy little tins of food for the animals, so I think he’ll really like it,” I tell Cindi as we stroll along after Mason.

“I’m sure he will. I’m not sure if you can tell that he’s having a blast,” she teases me.

“Funny,” I say as I bump my shoulder into hers. “Are you doing okay?” I ask, realizing that she’s got her hand on her back again.

“Yeah, just some growing pains,” she tries to assure me.

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