Page 36 of He Saved My Boy
Instead of texting or calling,like I usually do, I eagerly press the button for video. While I wait for him to answer, my belly flips in anticipation. Even though I’ve talked to him nearly every day over the past few weeks, it’s been way too long since I’ve seen his facial expressions live. His pictures from Texas don’t hold a candle to the real thing, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss him.
Just when I think he might not answer, his devastatingly handsome face fills my screen. “Hey, you! Sorry it took me so long. I’d left my phone in the other room.”
“How was your day?” I ask with interest.
He fills me in on his one surgery this morning, then explains how he saw other patients for consults or follow-ups. Overall, it was a productive day. I can’t imagine having such an impactful job. It nearly killed me watching Connor hurt and knowing there was nothing I could do for him, but Davis gets to rush in and save the day on a regular basis—like a superhero.
Of course, he’d never see it like that. He’s humble when it comes to downplaying the fact that this thirteen-year-old he helped today will have a chance to compete in competitive gymnastics again, thanks to him. Anyone in Davis’s position could have an ego the size of Alaska—or a god complex, but the more I get to know him, the more I realize just how genuine and thoughtful he is. He cares about his patients and wants what’s best for them.
Eventually, he asks how the clucking video came to be, and I give him the play-by-play. He and I both are in fits of laughter by the end. Once he’s calmed down, he admits, “I couldn’t help it. Once I saw the custom covers as an option, I just had to get it for you.”
“You didn’t have to do anything, Davis. You know that, right?” I’m very privileged as a single mom who happens to be a software engineer. I have a great job and don’t need any assistance from anyone. It’s a sense of accomplishment I’ve worked hard to live up to over the years.
“I know, but you were on my mind when I one-clicked… and well, the rest is history. Besides, now that we know Connor loves chickens, too, how can it not be our thing?”
Our thing.
The way he says it gives me hope of a future with him.
For all I know, we could get past this moratorium on dating and when I’m no longer forbidden fruit—so to say—I won’t be as tempting.
“Where did you go?” he asks, pulling me out of my revelry.
“Just thinking you might be too good to be true,” I admit on a sigh.
Rolling his eyes, he humbly admits, “I don’t know about that, but I’m here, and I’m real.”
“You’re sure it’s not just that there’s some magic in the mystery? I mean, I’m sure I’ll scare you off once we get to know each other better.”
“Mmmm…” Even I can tell he’s only pretending to think. “I highly doubt it. The more I see, the more I like.”
“Hopefully, you’ll feel the same when I bring a cranky four-year-old in need of a nap around.”
“I hear what you’re saying, but I’m fairly certain that unless he truly hates me, anything he does won’t be much of a problem. I’m used to cranky kids all the time. I get them tired, scared, and in pain. He can’t be much worse than that.”
“I doubt he could hate you,” I admit, but keep my next thought to myself.
If he likes you just one-tenth of how much I do, then we shouldn’t have any problems there.
Holy shit—where did that come from?
“Speaking of Connor…” Davis’s tone shifts as if something is causing him to hesitate.
“Yes…” I draw out to prompt him further. Whatever he needs to say, he should so we can clear the air and deal with it.
“It’s just that you’ve never mentioned his father, and I’ve gotten the impression he’s no longer in the picture.”
I’ve answered this question a million times, but with Davis, I feel I need to go beyond my normal glazed-over answer. “Um…” Where to begin. I may as well start with the beginning… “Jacob never met Connor as he died in a car accident before Connor was born.”
Holy shit.I did not see that coming.
It takes me a moment to process what she’s said, and my heart goes out to both her and Connor for never knowing his father. I can’t imagine what it’s been like raising Connor alone. Well, I know she has a support system, but it’s not the same as having a partner. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Teagan takes in a low and steady breath. “Thank you.”
For a while, neither of us say anything, and I’m completely floundering for what to say next after the bomb she just dropped.
But before I’m forced to flop on dry land for too long, she quietly adds, “Not many people know beyond what I’ve told you, but to be honest, my feelings for Jacob have been all over the place since his death.
