Chapter 5: Missing the Mark
522 Words
Tuesday rolled around and Jake was busy answering the pre-questions on his laptop the network sent over to him for the interview he was supposed to have this Friday with Sports Weekly magazine. He was still on cloud nine from the news his manager gave him over the weekend.
The doorbell rang, and Jake made his way towards the door, surprised to see Maeve standing there.
"What are you doing here?" Jake asked, a little taken aback.
Maeve raised an eyebrow. "I'm your therapist, remember? You never showed up for our session today."
Jake's heart dropped as he realized that he had completely forgotten about their scheduled appointment. He had been so caught up in his thoughts and preparing for the interview that he had lost track of time.
"I'm so sorry," Jake said apologetically. "I totally forgot about our session today."
Maeve shrugged nonchalantly. "It happens. But since I'm already here, might as well make use of our time."
Jake hesitated before stepping back and letting her inside. Maeve walked into his living room and settled herself on the couch while Jake grabbed a bottle of water for her.
Maeve decided to take the time to admire the place the hockey star, Jake Mercer, called home. She looked around the living room, taking in the sleek, modern furniture and decorative hockey memorabilia placed strategically on shelves and walls. The natural light coming in from the large windows highlighted the warm, cozy feel of the space.
The faint scent of vanilla and cinnamon from a nearby candle wafted through the air, mixing with the fresh scent of Jake's laundry detergent.
Maeve accepted the glass of water from him, trying to sound casual as she asked, "What's been keeping you so busy?"
Jake shifted uneasily in his seat, feeling exposed under her piercing gaze. "Hockey and promotional events mostly," he replied without giving much away.
Maeve raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with his vague answer. "What kind of events?"
"Just work stuff," Jake mumbled, not comfortable sharing personal details with Maeve outside of their therapy sessions. He wasn't sure if she was allowed or qualified to discuss those things with him anyway.
Maeve seemed to sense his discomfort and changed the subject. "So how's the knee? Any progress?"
Jake welcomed the change of topic and launched into an update on his rehab progress. Before he knew it, she had been here over an hour.
“I appreciate you stopping by and checking on me. I really am sorry that I skipped on the session. That won’t happen again.” Jake rubbed the back of his neck in an awkward gesture, feeling in the wrong wasn’t something that sat well with him.
“I know you won’t make a habit of it, Jake!” He walked Maeve to the door, opening it for her, allowing her to go first.
“I will see you on Thursday than.”
“Yes, I will be there. Thanks Maeve.”
Jake felt relieved to have her out of his space but also felt a sense of warmth surrounded him from the gesture of her stopping by.
- Writer
