Page 39 of He Saved My Boy
“Wait, she lives here?”
“Catch up, Dame. Of course, she lives here. There’s no way I’d do a long-term relationship with distance. It just wouldn’t work. I’ll be lucky if I don’t fuck this up as it is.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Davy. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Not to be a bearer of bad news, but isn’t there an issue with you being involved with a patient’s parent?”
Sighing heavily, “Yes… and I won’t do anything with her again until he’s no longer my patient.”
“That’s probably a good idea. But do you even know if she’s interested in more?”
“Yeah. I do….” I draw out, knowing I need to tell him everything if I want his help. “Technically, I’ve only seen her in person at his one appointment here in Seattle. But ever since that first appointment four weeks ago, we’ve talked nearly every day. I know—I’m coloring outside the lines with this one—or at least heavily in the gray area, but there’s something about her I just can’t walk away from.”
“This is huge, Davy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk about anyone like this.”
“And that’s exactly why I don’t want to fuck it up. Every aspect of this situation with Teagan is uncharted territory for me. I don’t do strings—let alone knowingly try for more when there’s a kid involved. But with her, the strings don’t even come close to bothering me.”
“That’s how you know, man.” I swear I can hear his shrug as if that explains everything.
Which of course it doesn’t.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Explain.”
“You know as well as I do that I wasn’t looking for Vanessa or Jules. I’d just started a new job and had no intentions of staying near Columbia River University for more than one year. All I did was go to a diner off campus and found myself coming back day after day—and it wasn’t for the food or the grumpy old man next to me—though he’s still one of my best friends. We all know damn well the reason I went back is Vanessa. I can’t explain it—but I just knew she was the one.”
“But how did Jules handle you coming around?”
Damien laughs once hard. “Ha… Jules… well, she gave me the what-for. She in no uncertain terms asked my intentions. Then that day she told me she loved me, I knew I’d fallen just as hard for her. Hell, I still get teary when I remember how upset she was when she found out Van wasn’t my fiancée—and she was convinced I didn’t want them. There’s nothing like getting your ass handed to you by a five-year-old. They are way more perceptive than they let on.”
“Yeah.” I remember the story, but he’s not getting my point. “Howdid you navigate getting to know Jules? I’m around kids every day, but I’ve never tried dating their mom.”
“Oh,” as if he’s just clued in to what I’m asking. “I took my lead from Vanessa. But, Davy—you’re not just dating his mom. You’re essentially dating him, too—that sounds weird, but you know what I mean. No matter how much Vanessa loved me, I knew Jules always came first, and I never considered putting Van in a situation where she’d have to choose.”
“Okay…” That sounds simple enough. Then another thought hits me. “But how do I go from being his doctor to the one dating his mom?”
“Van might be able to give you more insight on that, but single moms are special. If they’re letting you in—it means you already mean something to them. They don’t have time for games or people who don’t have their shit together. If you’re into Teagan—be all in. Anything less isn’t fair to her or her son. If it doesn’t work out, it won’t. There are no guarantees in life—but if you think she’s worth the risk, I’m sure you’ll relish the reward.”
“Whoa… slow your roll, brother. You sound like I’m gonna be married like you, in months.”
I can hear the smile through the phone. “Best decision of my life—well, of Jules’ life—we all know how that went down. But seriously consider this… Don’t jump the gun, but if you decide she’s the one, what’s the point of waiting?”
I’m still in awe of how he just knew—same with Derek. I’ve always thought they were crazy, but now I’m not so sure.
“Davy,” Damien warns. “I can hear your wheels spinning. Relax. Nothing has to be decided today.”
“Dad… do you know where the UNO cards are?” I hear yelling through the phone.
“I’ll help you find them when I get off the phone with Uncle Davy.”
“Really, lemme talk to him.”
Dame doesn’t even ask as he hands over his phone to his oldest. He knows if I’m free, I’ll always talk to Jules. “Hey, Uncle Davy. When will we see you again?”
“I’ll be at the next Renegades home game. Will you be there?” I’m certain Dani said everyone is coming to that game as it’s a big one against Denver. I think Derek and Tessa will even come back to town for it.
“Dad, are we going to the next game?” Dame must nod his answer because I suddenly hear Jules gush, “Yeah. We’ll be there. I’ve missed you so much! I want another movie night with you. Can we have a slumber party at your house?”
“Uh… I’m still staying at Derek and Tessa’s. I’m not sure Melody will approve of that.”
“Still… it’s been forever since I spent the night with you. Maybe you can come here soon, and my brothers can go to Unks’ house for the night.” Unks is her nickname for Vince, Vanessa’s twin brother.
