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I could sleep at the motel tonight. I have some savings, which means I won't dip into the trust, or maybe Alex can let me use his room, but then there's a chance I'll see Doc and Prue—dammit!
"Kennedy," someone calls, and I turn my head to see Claudia rushing my way, grinning from ear to ear. I can't help but smile back. She never grins.
"Everything alright, Claud? It's not every day I see you smile this wide," I sass.
She chuckles before giving me a hug, confusing me, but I hug her back, nonetheless. She pulls back and grips my shoulders, stating, "Not only did you help me out today after doing the graveyard shift, but you are an amazing person, Kennedy Gray." I furrow my brows as her eyes tear up, and she rasps, "New York wants you."
My eyes widen, and I stutter, "You-you mean…." My words trail off because, surely not….
But she nods and replies, "Not only do they want you on the program, but they want you in New York to do it. They want you that badly, they are offering you travel expenses and accommodation."
My mouth drops open as she wipes away her tears, then pulls me into a hug again, whispering, "I know you have family here, and I know you have Doc…." I hug her back tighter and swallow hard, not realizing how much she saw. "But this is an opportunity of a lifetime, to work alongside the greatest pediatricians of the country and, if I'm right, you going will open that man's eyes to see what is right in front of him." She pulls back and wipes away some tears that have fallen down my cheeks. "They want an answer by August. You have two months, but if you don't take it, which I believe you should, you have also been accepted into the program we will be running here."
I blink in shock as she kisses my cheek, whispering how proud of me she is, before she leaves me so I can go get some sleep. I have the next three days off before my next graveyard shift.
I blindly walk to the exit, my mind scrambled.
New York wants me—me!
As I get outside and the Texas heat hits my face in the evening air, I grab my phone and call the person who can help me unscramble my head.
He answers on the third ring.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite cousin."
I chuckle a little before yawning. "I'm your only cousin, Alex."
He chuckles and replies, "True. I take it you've just woken up and are ready to curse me out for not calling because now you're not going to sleep tonight. In my defense, little cuz, I tried to call you, but your phone was still switched off from your shift."
I wince. Crap, I forgot to message him. Damn, is he going to be mad….
I clear my throat and admit, "Actually, I, uh, I've only just finished."
He's quiet for a minute as I climb into my Honda, waiting for the blow-up. I silently count down, and he shouts, "Are you fucking kidding me, Kennedy! You've been working for over twenty fucking hours again!"
And right there, ladies and gentlemen, is what it's like to have an amazing cousin. His love for me is what gets me through the hate in my family. Growing up, he was my rock, along with Aunt Shelly and Uncle Chris before he died.
"Becky was a no-show again, and the ER was manic. I had no choice, plus they've offered me double pay for the inconvenience,"I admit, and he growls, making me chuckle as I start my car. "Look, I called because I need your advice. Remember that program I told you about last month?"
"To become a NICU nurse?"he asks.
Even though he can't see me, I nod and reply, "Yeah, well, I got accepted."
He cheers for me, making me smile a little.
"That is amazing, Ken, I'm so proud of you, darlin’."
I sigh and admit, "New York wants me, Alex."
He clears his throat, then snaps, "No,"making me laugh a little as he continues, “I mean it, Ken, no. If they want you that means you've got accepted in the program here, right?"I hum out a yes. "Right, so you'll stay here. I know I sound selfish right now, but I can't lose you. Noah can't lose you, and neither can Momma. Please, Ken, don't take the New York one."
I sigh, letting my hair down from his ponytail, and say, "It's a great opportunity, Alex…."
He groans. "Dammit, Ken!"I picture him running his hand through his hair as he states, "Don't make any decisions yet. I know exactly why you're willing to consider it, and I'm telling you now, fuck Prue, because if Doc finds out about that offer, you won't be going anywhere."
I shake my head. He's adamant Doc has the same feelings for me as I have for him, yet if that was true, he wouldn't be with Prue, and I'd be wearing his cut right now.
I promise Alex I'd give it the allotted time before giving my answer to Claudia. I told him I would speak to Lola, making him cheer. He thinks she'll also tell me no, making me laugh, before we hang up. With a shake of my head and a yawn, I drive out of the hospital parking lot and head to the club, knowing Lola will kill me if I don't speak to her, even though I'm tired.
