Page 67 of Pucking Strong

I take a deep breath, and let it out. Then I open my eyes, letting the kindness in his expression anchor me. “My dad fell off a ladder today.”

His eyes go wide. “Oh shit. Well, is he okay? And your mom?”

“She was shaken up, but she’s okay. And it was just a sprain. Their neighbor called and woke me at four in the morning to tell me.”

“Jesus,” he mutters. “Why didn’t you tell me this morning?”

“Teddy, I don’t know what else to do. They won’t go to a care home, and they won’t let me hire in help.” Groaning, I step away from him, sinking back until I drop down onto the bench seat. Elbows on my knees, I hang my head, gaze locked on the carpet. “I thought Petter was calling to say one of them was dead. Or maybe Mom left the stove on and burned down the house. Whenever I get a call now, I’m always expecting the worst.”

“Hen …” Teddy drops to his knees in front of me and places his hands on my forearms, giving them a gentle squeeze. “I’m so sorry. That has to be so scary.”

I just nod. What else can I do?

He rocks back on his heels, searching my face. “Is that all that’s bothering you? I mean, that’s plenty. But … is that all?”

I take another breath and let it out. “Karolina’s teacher canceled her contract.”

“What? Why?”

“Apparently, she got a more lucrative job teaching English in Portugal. She moves there in two weeks.”

“Well, shit. Did you have any other names you can call? Any leads?”

It pains me to admit the truth, but I have no pride left. “None. Honestly, I don’t even know where to look. And just now, my agent called to tell me I lost a brand endorsement deal. It was worth over a million dollars.”

“Fuck. Did she say why?”

Sighing, I lean back against the wall. “It was a timing issue. I can’t shoot the ads now, and they won’t renew or extend the contract.”

He’s quiet for a moment, considering the options. “Okay, well, I won’t pretend I know anything about endorsements or brand sponsorships, so Laura’s gonna have to handle that for you.”

I nod. I know I owe her an apology. She’s been nothing but good to me. I’ll just add it to my growing list of things to do.

“As for your parents … you know, these things often have a way of working themselves out,” he says gently. “It could be that this fall helps them see their own mortality. Maybe it will scare your dad into being more willing to accept help. I say give him a couple days to recover, then call and broach the subject again.”

It’s a sensible suggestion, even if I feel certain Dad won’t see reason.

“And as to the problem of Karro’s teacher, leave that with me.”

“Teddy, I can’t—”

“Can’t what?” he says over me, rising to his feet. “Can’t trust me?”

“No, of course I trust you.”

His hands go to his hips as he glares down at me. “Oh, so you just can’t rely on me. I’ve let you down one too many times?”

“You know you haven’t.”

“So, then you just can’t bother me. Is that where we’re at again? Karolina’s schooling is too far beneath my notice?”

I sigh, utterly defeated. “Teddy …”

“Leave it with me,” he says again. “You tried it your way. Now it’s my turn.” He slips his phone from his pocket, typing away with his thumbs.

“I already tried calling the local schools. They won’t release the names or numbers of any certified substitute instructors.”

He just scoffs, turning away. “Yeah, as if I’d waste my time doing that. I said trust me, Henrik. I’m gonna have this settled within the hour.”

---