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“They were so proud when I said I wanted to be a doctor”

“What parent wouldn’t be? But that’s not an easy journey I’ve been aroundlifestyle sometimes”

“It is” I crushed a chip reer “And I’aze snapped to hers, and my eyes widened I hadn’t meant to say that Of course it was the life I wanted

“It’s not so that says you have to , and there’s time”

Not when you’re a doctor There was never enough ti inside the hospital, sleeping in on-call beds during twenty-four-hour shifts, eating standing up at the counter because you know if you sit, you’ll pass out Is that what I want? “This was always the kind of stuff I thought I’d get to talk to her about I thought I’d have her to help ure all this out”

“I know I’m a poor substitute, but you’re alelcome here, Olivia Always I’m here to talk to you whenever you need me”

My throat tightened, and I covered her hands withmom Ford and Grant are lucky to have you” She made time for them Hell, she made time for me and I wasn’t even her kid I was never rushed out of the room She never disappeared mid-conversation, and she didn’t check her phone every fewe away

The tis up with Grant or Ford, I h people I couldn’t handle losing more

She chuckled and picked up et are ripes that they don’t come visit more often” Her phone lit up on the counter “Speak of the devil” She tapped the screen and picked it up, a big s? We were just talking about you” A short pause “Olivia She’s here”

An ice bucket ht as well have been poured overabout hiot down fro to the bathroo off my leotard of death, I looked athad those dark circles been there? The long study days were taking their toll I got into ear under my arm

“She’s back now—did you want to talk to her?” She paused “Okay, no problerabbed our plates and put theht plastic plates, cups, and utensils

“That was Ford”

Why would he have wanted to talk toat the center of rip, Liv

“He didn’t know you’ve been stopping by” She eyed me from the stove

“It’s not a big deal He’s always traveling so ed