Just a Friend (Just Lovers, #3)

Chapter 5: Above Begging

Oliver

My eyes take in the one story building I will hopefully call home for the time being, my lease having been signed for an indefinite period of time with the landlord understanding of my situation.

Calgary is so far so good to me.

"The kitchen is fully equipped and accessible. The two bedrooms are down the hall, the bathroom is across it. The living room couch is a pull out, so if you have more than two friends visiting they can stay there. The driveway can accommodate one car max. You can also park on the street if that is what you wish."

I look down at the brace and crutches caging my legs. "I don't think I'll be renting a car anytime soon. But a driver may occupy the street from time to time."

The landlord who kindly picked me up from the airport upon my request winces. As if he's forgotten about the reason why I made the request in the minutes we've spent together. "I'm sorry."

"You're fine. I like to make fun of it so I don't focus on how depressing this is," I share without a care in the world. I'm unemployed for the rest of the season and I might end up unemployed for the next one as well if my quad doesn't heal the way it's supposed to to make my leg fully functional. Then I can get to my backup plan my degree is for.

Coaching students in basketball while I watch from the sidelines.

"Anyway," I huff when he stays silent, stretching my hand as far as I can while my crutches rest in the crook of my armpits. I brought two pairs of them in case either my hands or my armpits get tired from holding me up. "Thank you so much. For the last minute housing and for the ride. I appreciate it. This house should see me for at least a few months. I hope it does."

"Of course. Just let me know at least two weeks in advance when you want to leave."

"I will. You don't have to worry about that." I nod and then he waves for me to stay where I am after I offer to walk him out the door, wishing me a speedy recovery so he can watch my games soon.

My landlord is a fan. Might have to leave him a signed jersey or something after how fast he let me sign the contract after I found an available accommodation in Calgary.

It's Sunday noon, too soon before I should have flown out, but I needed to be here. The moment I got cleared at the hospital I pulled up a listing of houses for rent near where I know Jenny's place of work is. The woman doesn't know I'm here and so when Dorian texts me she's at the centre for a private swim of her own, I knew what my plan was for the rest of the day. Or at least ten minutes if she agrees to hear me out after I interrupt her swimming.

Remembering it as if it happened yesterday, I'm sure she's there to clear her head the day before she has to give my coach an answer.

Coach Barnes told me I'm making a stupid mistake by flying over before they have everything settled, but I wanted to see her myself before she can reject being my physical therapist.

My body needs her, my injury does, and most importantly...I need her.

I want to state my case. That way I know I've done everything for her to be there for me professionally. If it is the only route towards securing a place in her daily program then I'm hoping to be the one written in her work calendar many times a week for months on end.

My driver, Mark, who I hired full time since I can't move on my own, calls to announce he's here with the groceries. I help by staying still because me and my four legs are in the way as he brings the bags in.

After he's done and I have put everything away as fast as I could, I give him the address to where Jenny is. Without telling him the purpose of going to the destination. He's been informed beforehand that I'll be having therapy sessions there and that it will be my most visited place if everything goes the way it should.