Chapter 78: Bryn

“So, are we driving or walking?” Nolan asks me.

I don’t think I’ve ever met someone named Nolan and l have to say the name kind of suits him.

“I got some time, so I’m up to walking. You?”

He gives me a small smile. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

I don’t bother telling him that Tabetha told me she got caught up after class so I don’t have a ride, anyway. Since she drove me, I didn’t bring my car and the guys are still at practice. They are both off today, so coach wanted them to go in so he could see Maddox play. I know he’ll love Maddox. I’ve gone with the guys a few times when Maddox wanted to get used to the ice here. Sawyer claims all ice feels different, but I don’t see how that’s possible. Anyway, I’ve seen Maddox skate and, for such a big guy, he moves effortlessly on the ice.

“How have you been feeling?” Nolan asks catching my attention and reminding me I’m not alone in this walk.

“With my pregnancy?” I ask, and he nods. “Good. I felt a little sick at first, but I’ve been doing pretty well. I’m hoping to find out the sex of the baby soon. Sawyer is convinced it’s a boy, but I don’t think so. Maddox is hoping for a little ice princess, so I guess either way, one of them will be happy.”

Nolan nods, but he has a serious expression on his face. Not like he’s mad, but maybe contemplative. It’s not a bad look for him. Actually, it makes his features look strong and masculine. He’s a very handsome guy.

“What do you want the baby to be?” He asks.

“Honestly, I’m fine with either. All I want is for my baby to be healthy, and with my condition I have been worried a lot that I may not be giving it enough of everything. Sawyer has done a lot of research on what I can eat, but it still worries me.” I admit.

I’m not sure why I’m telling him this but besides the guys and Tabetha, I don’t have many people to talk to here. People either hate me or are too fascinated by my new life. Neither makes a good foundation for a good friendship. Nolan though…he seems unfazed by it all and it’s a relief.

“What condition?” He asks.

“I’m allergic to animal proteins in all its forms.” I tell him.

He nods. “I suppose it would be a legitimate concern about maintaining a steady diet. I took a few nutrition courses while I was studying.”

“Really? Is that normal for a degree to become a doctor?”

“No. It was just to pass the time and get the last few credits I needed to finish.”

Impressive. He looks so young and to have finished medical school already…he’s more than impressive.
“Why didn’t you become a doctor?” I ask.

He shrugs his shoulder and lets out a low sigh. “I saw too many situations where the doctors were not sure how to handle situations they faced. Or their knowledge of basic things were too low. They had needed better instruction, so I chose to teach the future doctors of this city. I will make sure they are amazing doctors before they ever touch a patient.”

“That’s very amiable, but it seems like a huge sacrifice, too. You worked so hard only to not practice.” I want to say that it’s a waste of his degree, but I keep that to myself.

It’s none of my business, and with how things have changed in my life, I’m not sure I’m one to talk. There has been a lot I’ve been thinking about and one of them is if I will finish school. With the baby and Sawyer possibly getting a contract in another state, it just doesn’t make sense. I mean I can always finish when the baby is older, but I want to enjoy their early years if it’s possible.

“My mom was really sick a few years ago and seeing how the doctors treating her acted…it made me sick thinking of all the mistakes could have made. They were too impulsive and didn’t think things through enough. It was a mess and I won’t let another family go through that.” He says, and I see his jaw tighten.

“How is your mom now?” I hazard to ask.

I keep my eyes focused on his face. I’m not sure why, but I want to be able to read him. Maybe because my boys are pretty expressive, so this guy is sort of a mystery to me.

His lip quirks up, and his expression softens. “She’s doing a lot better. My sister stays with her now, so that I can do this.”

“Do they live far away?”

“No, they moved here with me so we could be close, but the administration offered me housing and my mom forced me to accept it. She thinks as a single guy I should live on my own.” He sighs and I break out in a laugh. “I don’t know why I said all that.”

“I’m glad you did.” I tell him and I mean it.

He’s fascinating to me and I want to talk to him more. There’s this aura around him I find welcoming and like I can let go of all my anxiety and just…be. Like he's strong enough to hold me up if I need him to. It’s a nice feeling. Don't get me wrong, my guys are amazing. Things between Sawyer and I are intense and passionate while with Maddox I feel this warmth. He’s such a cuddle bug, and I love it, but their first love is hockey. I understand their passion for the game and I don’t feel ignored at all, but it can become a bit much and sometimes I want a break from all the hockey talk.

Nolan’s phone goes off and when he pulls it out, I peek over to see he’s getting a video call.

“Fuck.” He whispers, making me smile. “It’s my mom. I’m sorry. Do you mind if I take it?”

“Of course.”

He accepts the call and an older woman’s face fills his screen. She’s beautiful, with a few years of wisdom in her features.
“Hey mom.” Nolan says.

“Hi baby! I wanted to check in on how things were going. I know you have a break right now.” The woman says.

She has one of those soft voices that would be perfect for audio books of those audios meant to put you to sleep. I like her already!

“It’s fine, but how did you find out my schedule already?” He sounds playfully accusatory, and I can’t help but laugh at how cute it is.

He’s sweet and playful with his mom. It’s nice.

“Who was that?” His mom asks, and I hear a hitch of excitement in her voice.

“A friend.” He says, and I look at him, a little surprised.

Are we friends? I mean, this is the first real conversation we’ve had.

“A girl? Well, don’t be rude! Let me meet her!”

“Mom- “

“Nolan.” Her voice gets stern, and he sighs before turning his phone to face me.

“Hi!” I say with a wave.

“Oh my, you’re a pretty thing, aren’t you?” My face instantly catches fire.

“Thank you.” I say shyly.

“Oh, Nolan, she’s very beautiful. What’s your name, Nolan’s friend?” She asks.

The way she says friend sounds like she thinks ‘friends’ isn’t the right word, but she will not blurt that out. That makes the blushing even worse.

“Bryn ma’am.” I say with a tight smile.

I meeting Nolan’s mom which seems a little weird and also I’m not good with meeting new people.

“You calling me ma’am makes me feel so old. You can call me Patricia, sweetheart. So, how did you meet my son?”

“He’s the new TA for one of my classes.” I tell her and with another kind smile, I start to feel some of my anxiety melt away.

She seems really nice.

“Wow! That’s great. Nolan?” She turns her head to call for him, like he’s out of the room or something.

I turn the phone slightly so she can see him. He has to move closer to me, and I can feel the warmth of his body.
“Yes, mother?” He says tightly.

“Can TAs date students?” She says without a hint of hesitation or over thought.

Nolan glances my way at the same time I do and quickly clears his throat before taking his phone back.

“Mom- “

“She’s very pretty, Nolan, and it has been a long time since you dated anyone.”

Now I’m the one who clears my throat and I take a step away from him just to be safe.

“Mom, we just met,” He tells her. “And this is a conversation we should have had in private.”

His mom sighs. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Sorry Bryn!”

I lean closer to Nolan and wave to her. “It’s okay.”

“Bye mom.” He ends the call, and we continue walking quietly.

What could either of us say after that?