The Winner

Payback

*Nate*

"Shower with me." Julia demands. She just came up from the gym with James. They had PT with Ryan down there and did a little cardio.

"Aww. Darlin, I wish I could. I have a session scheduled at seven tonight." I frown.

"Tonight you do?"

"Yeah, sorry." I watch Julia's face sadden.

"I feel like we only see each other in the mornings and in passing. We shower together, and then once our days begin, I never see you. When you're home, I'm downstairs with James and Ryan in the gym for Physical Therapy, or taking care of James."

She's right. The only problem here is... this is just the beginning. When I go on tour, we're not going to see each other for weeks, maybe months. If we are feeling the strain now what's gonna happen when I'm away? Or when Trisha has the baby?

I walk up to Julia and gaze at her, putting my hands on her waist and pulling her hips into mine. "I know, love. Let's plan a date night. Go out to a fancy restaurant?"

"Nate, remember the last time we went to a fancy restaurant? The alcohol triggered your addiction. We can't do that yet. By the way, Jonah told me you are still putting off your AA meetings. You're not ready to be around alcohol when you aren't even getting the help you need."

I have been putting my meetings off. There's just no time.

"It's fine. Sorry I brought it up." Julia walks away sad and goes into the bathroom to turn on the shower. I can't cancel this session. We are in the recording studio tonight. You have to book that months in advance. I sulk and walk into the bathroom. Julia is already in the shower washing up.

"Jules. Wait up for me tonight?" I ask what would normal be a simple task, but Julia is struggling with her sleep, so that's a lot to ask.

"I'll try." She turns her back on me and continues to wash up. I look over her backside, now wet and soapy from the shampoo, and immediately regret booking the recording studio. I sigh and walk out of the bathroom.

*****

*Julia*

I don't wait up for Nate. Tomorrow is my first day back at The Avalon since Jeremy was arrested, and I'm nervous. I'm nervous mainly because Jeremy had a lot of devoted patients who loved him. He was a great doctor, just an awful human being.

I'm afraid everyone is going to hate me because I'm the one who put him away, and now they all have to find new doctors and start all over again. I know firsthand how difficult that is to do after you've built a relationship with a doctor and now have no choice but to rehash everything with a new therapist.

I wonder what Cara is thinking? She liked Dr. Donovan, too. I wonder if she'll be pissed off at me.

At least I'll have Paul with me. How funny to think that just a few months ago, having Paul as my shadow was more of a nuisance than anything. I laugh internally at that.

So yeah, I don't wait up for Nate. He knew I was nervous about tomorrow. I just want to get the first day done and over with.

*****

"It'll be fine." Nate kisses the top of my head and rushes out with Trisha first thing in the morning. Paul can tell I'm on edge. We already know reporters will be at The Avalon. That's a given.

"Yeah. Surrounded by crazy people who loved Jeremy as their doctor and now have to find a new one because of me. I'm sure that'll go over well." I let out an exaggerated sigh and turn to James. "I think your sister Kendall is stopping by today to visit you."