Page 97 of A Chance for Us
“Whatever you need to tell yourself, asshole.”
Mrs. Villafane taps her hand on Josh’s forearm. “I’ll make a cake and stop by this week.”
“Oliver Parkerson.” A nurse raises her hand as she calls out my name.
I get up, extremely happy to be leaving this conversation, and wink at my brother. “You enjoy the rest of your chat.”
“Enjoy your walk home,” he mutters.
I hobble toward the nurse. The swelling in my leg makes it hard to stay upright, but I manage it.
When I get to the back room, I change into a gown that offers very little privacy, and wait for the doctor. I’ve been coming to Dr. Pang since I was a kid, so it’s not like she hasn’t seen it all, but still, it’s a bit drafty.
My phone dings with a text, and I grab it.
Maren: I just landed, heading to the rental car place now. Are you sure you’re fine with coming tomorrow?
Me: Yes. I’ll be there tomorrow morning. I’m going to drive so we don’t have to worry about delays. I’m at the doctor now.
Maren is none too happy that I can barely walk. I’m not the first man to get a pulled muscle, but she has enough on her plate and doesn’t need me fighting her on it.
Maren: Good. Let me know how it goes and light a candle for me—and Linda.
Me: Not sure my light source is what God is looking for, but I’ll find someone with a better connection to the big guy.
Maren: Or girl.
Me: You know, it wouldn’t surprise me considering what you women are capable of.
Maren: Don’t forget it and let me know what the doctor says.
Me: Doctor is going to say something along the lines of, “I hope it was at least good.” To which I will say, “It fucking was.”
Maren: You need Jesus. Light a candle for yourself too. Also, I talked to Mark.
Now that is some information I was hoping to hear.
Me: And?
Maren: They filed it. So, we are, in fact, legally married.
I shouldn’t be smiling. I shouldn’t be happy that she’s my actual wife, but I am. Maren just makes me fucking happy. While I should be angry, upset, and whatever else, I can’t muster it right now. Even if I were mad, Maren is dealing with a lot of shit right now and doesn’t need me piling on. So, in a few weeks, we can get this all figured out.
Me: All right. When things settle down, I’m sure you’ll share your plan.
Maren: I will. I’ll see you soon?
Me: Yes, sweetheart. Very soon.
Maren: Thank God.
Me: You are free to call me that anytime.
I imagine her rolling her eyes.
Maren: You’re a mess. Call me later, I’m here now.
I laugh and tuck my phone away when the doctor knocks.
