You Know This Guy?
Justin
The appointment was with a doctor who specialized in athletic injuries.Mia drove, only once missing a gear change, which I was careful not to notice.The doctor told us both what I should and should not do as we got closer to removing the cast.I had to give him points—he didn’t mention the bright colors Arne had added.
Not the most exciting outing, but my life had been very small since I arrived, and this was a nice break.I opened my mouth to suggest stopping for lunch, but I’d been avoiding the public for a reason.Since Mia was wearing her scrubs as usual, it might start rumors that I was worse off than I was.Plus, my hair and beard were getting out of control, and who knew what stories that might start.
We were almost at the house when she stomped on the brakes and swore.My body jerked forward, but the seat belt held.I looked for the problem, because Mia was a careful driver.No cat in the road, no child running out after a ball.There was, however, a strange car parked in front of the house and a man I’d never seen before sitting on the steps.
Damn it, another reporter.A few had been by, but I’d either not answered the door or said nothing but “No comment.”And reminded them about private property.This guy was crossing the line, but I’d rather avoid him than confront him.
“Keep going.”I didn’t want to explain why I’d been out with Mia.No commentwouldn’t stop some of these guys from making up a story.
She sighed.“Too late.He’s recognized me.”
Goose bumps rose on my arms.“Wait, you know this guy?Is he from a local paper?”
Mia pulled into the driveway and stopped the car.The man stood.He was tall and blond.Good-looking.I instantly didn’t like him.I opened the passenger door to tell him to get the fuck out of here, but he wasn’t looking at me.
“Got something to tell me, Mia?”His eyes were narrowed, lips thin and frowning.
Was she looking for a bigger payday than what Caring Hands paid her?After she’d walked out on me the other day, had she decided to cash in on our story?I was so tense my teeth ground together.This had the potential to be worse than what happened with Sharleen.
Mia glared at the guy, who was glaring right back.Stalemate.Finally, Mia let out a breath.“Justin, this is Erik Karlsson, my ex.”
Relief made me lightheaded and slowed down my thinking.He wasn’t a reporter and Mia hadn’t betrayed me.He was her ex… Ex-husband.Arne’s dad.I could see the resemblance now.What the fuck was he doing here?
Erik clenched his jaw, and I reined in my…jealousy?Not the time.
“Nice to meet you.”I held up my cast.“Sorry, I can’t shake.”He’d have tried to outgrip me, I just knew.I called on some of the manners I’d been taught.“Arne is a great kid.”
“He’s met Arne?”Erik continued to ignore me and kept glaring at Mia.
I had no idea what their co-parenting was like.Was there a problem with Arne having been here?
Mia crossed her arms.“There was a last-minute school closure.Justin said I could bring Arne along and I did.”
“Interesting.But while you’re sharing, how did you even get this job with your ex?”
“I needed help.”I shook the hand with the cast, in case he’d forgotten already.“And I preferred someone I could trust.”
I’d finally managed to divert the guy’s attention.“Really?You came to BC to find a nurse you could trust?”
Moron.“I’m in BC for other reasons.While I’m here, I trust Mia.”
He scoffed.“What, afraid people are going to take pictures of you with a cast?”
“They’ve tried.”
He blinked and apparently the dots connected.“Oh, right.You were in a fight or something.”
Mia stepped forward.“Why are you here, Erik?The last I heard you were in LA with no intention of coming back.”
“I’ve got a job.It’s a good part, and I’ll be here for a couple of months while shooting.”He shot me a glance and a fake smile.“I’m an actor.”
Was I supposed to respond to that?”
“It would have been nice to get some notice.And even if you’re working in BC, why are you here and not at the house where I actually live?”