Page 78 of Changing the Game

“Sure.”

“Good. I’d like to see you back here in two weeks. We’re going to figure this out. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing, and call the office if you need anything.” She stands from her desk, then opens the office door. “Happy New Year, Miss Murphy.”

“Happy New Year, Dr. Cruz.”

I leave her office and head to the parking garage. Cooper gave me his Jeep while he was gone, so I didn’t have to ask for a ride or grab an Uber today. Once I’m heading home, I call my mom and fill her in. I cut my trip home for the holidays short, in part, because I didn’t want to miss the appointment. At least that’s what I shared with her. I didn’t want her to know that being there without Cooper was making me miserable.

Once we end our call, I message Coop.

Carys: Just got out of my doctor’s appointment. More tests. Then a follow-up with her.

Carys: Call me when you can.

I wait a minute to see if he responds, but nothing comes.

Twenty minutes later, I walk into my house and see the band sitting around the table, going over a playlist. They’ve had a few different singers front for them since September, but none have worked out. Jack’s done the past few weeks himself. I think he’s fantastic. But it’s not the sound he wants.

“Hey, CC. Come help us pick out the opener.” Theo twirls his drumsticks between his fingers with an easy smile.

I appreciate that he doesn’t ask me about my appointment.

Jack’s also definitely become a better friend since we all moved in here.

I move between Jack and Theo while Lucas sits there, strumming his guitar.

“What are your options?”

“What would you want to sing?” Jack asks me.

I shake my head, but he cuts me off before I can get any words out. “Just this once, CC. It’s New Year’s Eve. It’s a huge night for us. Come on, it’ll be fun.”

“Jack... seriously. I just want to hang out here and watch the ball drop. I’m exhausted.”

“Leave her be, man.” Theo drags the sheet of paper across the table with the tip of his stick. “We’ve got this, CC.”

Jack wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me over to him. “Sorry, CC. Promise me one day you’ll sing with us again, and I’ll shut up.”

“I promise.” Then I grab the sheet back from Theo and help them figure out their set.

* * *

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us, CC?” Emerson reapplies her red lipstick, then rolls her lips together with a pop. “Linc should be here any minute, and I think most of the team is going to be there. At least for a few hours.”

I tug my comfy blanket up around me on our couch and pick up the remote. “I’ve got Ryan Seacrest, popcorn, and sweet tea. I’m good. I promise.” She doesn’t need to know I’ve already popped two pain relievers because I feel a nasty headache coming on.

“Okay. Call me if you need anything.” She turns to leave but stops to lean down and kiss my cheek. “Love you, CC.”

“Happy New Year, Emerson.”

Finally, my phone rings with the incoming FaceTime from Cooper I’ve been waiting for.

“Hi.” My heart skips a beat at his handsome face. He’s let his usual scruff grow out a little longer, and I itch to run my fingers over it.

“Hey, baby. Happy New Year.”

Relief mixes with heartache. I want him next to me so damn badly, but I refuse to show him that. I can be strong for a few more months. “Happy New Year.”

A knock at the door makes me frown. I hold the phone steady as I get up.

---