"But then you wouldn't have met Nate," Reese points out.
"I know. That's the twisted part." I laugh. "I'm simultaneously regretting taking this job and grateful for it because it brought him into my life. How messed up is that?"
"Not messed up. Just human." Reese navigates around a fallen branch. "So what do you want now? Really want?"
"I want to keep my job. And I want Nate in my life." I bite my lip. "I want things that can't coexist."
"Have you considered that maybe they can?"
I shoot her a skeptical look. "How? He's a client—well, was a client. But even if he works with another psychologist, he's still a player on the team. Still off-limits."
"People date coworkers all the time."
"It's different and you know it." I kick another pinecone. "Plus, have you forgotten who he is? Nate Barnes. The guy who's been traded multiple times because he can't control his temper. The player who's linked to a new woman every week. The human headline generator."
"He sounds dreamy," Reese deadpans.
"Shut up." I can't help smiling though. "The point is, even if we could find a way around the work issues, I'd be signing up for a life of tabloid photos and constant scrutiny. And a guy who might cut and run when things get hard."
We reach a small clearing with a fallen log. Reese sits, patting the space next to her. I join her, suddenly tired.
"I’ve got to tell you something," she says, her voice softer.
I look at her, surprised. "What’s up?"
"I have a massive crush on Miles."
"Your boss? The principal? Mr. Perfect Hair, Perfect Teeth?"
"The very same." She sighs dramatically. "He's divorced, no kids, super hot in that definitely-works-out way. And absolutely off-limits."
“You’ve been holding back on me" I say, genuinely shocked. Reese is usually so open about her love life.
"Yeah, well, I'm trying to ignore it." She plucks a leaf from a nearby branch, twirling it between her fingers. "I keep telling myself it'll pass. That I'll meet some nice, uncomplicated guy who doesn't sign my paychecks."
"How’s that going for you?"
"Not well." She drops the leaf.
"What are you going to do?"
"Nothing. Probably." She shrugs. "Or maybe something stupid one day when I've had too much wine at the holiday teachers’ party. Who knows?"
We sit in silence for a moment, the confession creating a new layer of understanding between us.
"We want what we want," Reese says finally. "Sometimes it's inconvenient as hell."
She stands, brushing off her leggings. "But for what it's worth, I think you're being too hard on yourself. One ethical slip-up doesn't negate all the time you’ve put into your career. And if you really care about each other..."
"What? We ride off into the sunset together?" I stand too, shaking my head.
"No, but maybe it's not as impossible as you think either." She starts walking again, and I fall into step beside her. "Just promise me one thing?"
"What's that?"
"Don't make any major decisions while you're in this emotional hurricane. Not about Nate, not about your job. Give yourself time to get clear."
I consider this as we round a bend in the trail. "I can try," I say.
