Page 24 of Chasing The Goal
“You listen way too well,” she murmured.
“I told you. I’m trying.”
She shook her head, a tiny huff of disbelief slipping from her mouth. “Yeah. She called. She’s stressed, but good.”
“That girl’s gonna run the world one day.”
“She’s planning to be a trauma surgeon. So… probably.”
“Damn. Our very own April Kepner, I always loved Grey's Anatomy…accuracy asside,” I chuckled trying to change the momentum of the conversation to something lighter.
Mallory’s hands softened just a little as she worked my leg. The pressure still stung, but I didn’t care. I’d take it over silence any day.
“You ever get tired of carrying everyone?” I asked before I could stop myself.
She stilled.
“I’m not—”
“You don’t have to explain,” I said gently. “I just meant… you’re always so on top of things. With me. With your job. With her. It seems like a lot.”
Mallory stepped back then, folding her arms loosely across her chest.
“I like being useful.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
She met my eyes for a long beat. “It’s easier than thinking about myself.”
That hit harder than I expected. I sat up slowly, careful not to push my leg too far.
“Well,” I said, “just in case you ever need someone to think aboutyoufor a bit, I’m around.”
Mallory didn’t answer. But she didn’t look away either.
“You’re a lot nicer than you let on,” she said after a minute.
I shrugged. “Only for special people.”
Her lips parted, maybe to respond, maybe to shut it down—but the timer on her watch beeped, and she turned quickly toward the next station.
“Ready for resistance bands and hamstrings??”
“Lead the way, boss.”
The rest of the session was a little lighter. Not bubbly. Not banter-filled. But warmer. Less edge. And I took that as a win.
At the end, when I grabbed my water bottle and headed for the door, Mallory called after me.
“Jaymie?”
I turned.
“Thanks. For today.”
I nodded. “Anytime.”
And I hope she knew I meant it.
