Never Far Away (The Never #2)(52)

“Well, I won’t be a complete stranger, but yeah, I won’t be here every day anymore. That’s what you and Megan are for. And you’re going to be amazing managers. I am so excited for all this to happen. Plus,” Ella added,” I’ll also need both of your help getting the new store running and hiring new staff.”

“Ella, anything you need, just let us know. Right, Brittany?”

“Definitely,” Brittany answered sincerely.

“Great. How’s business today?”

“Pretty slow so far, but I think the weather will bring out all the shoppers.”

“Well, I have a few calls to make, but I am here all day, so I will be out soon.” Ella went into the back of the store to her desk and sat down. She pulled the business card out that Dr. Andrews had given her and tapped it on the desk a few times gathering up the nerve to call. Finally, she picked up the phone from the desk and dialed the number.

“Dr. Evans’ office. How can I help you?”

“Hi, I was referred to Dr. Evans by Dr. Andrews at OHSU. I was hoping to make an appointment and I was wondering what your earliest availability was,” Ella asked, trying to sound cool and collected, and not at all like she needed a psychiatric evaluation.

“Absolutely. Would this be a solo visit or is this couple’s counseling?”

“Well, actually, it would be for two, but it’s not actually couples counseling. Or, I don’t know, maybe it is. Is there any way I could just make the appointment for two and then talk to the doctor about it?” She didn’t want to divulge all her personal information to a receptionist over the phone.

“Of course. I have an opening two weeks from Tuesday, which we could work into regular meeting if you decide to continue seeing Dr. Evans. But if you’re looking for a more immediate appointment, I have an opening today at four.” Ella looked at the clock. It was only ten am. Porter would have to leave Lincoln City by one-thirty to make a four o’clock appointment. She knew that she was walking a thin line between ‘ok’ and ‘not ok’, and thought it best to take the appointment.

“Ok, I will be there for the four o’clock. I am not sure if my boyfriend can make it, but I will definitely be there.”

“Great. What is your name?”

“Ella Sinclair.”

“Great. Ella, you are confirmed for four o’clock. Please show up a few minutes early to fill out paperwork.”

“Thank you.”

“Have a nice day.” Ella heard the line go dead. She picked up her cell phone to text Porter.



**Hey Babe. I made it to Portland safe and sound. I also made an appointment with the psychiatrist. They had an opening in two weeks, or one today at four. I took the appointment today, but I totally understand if you can’t make it. I just felt like, for me, the sooner the better.**



Ella started checking her email to get caught up as much as she could and heard her phone ping a few minutes later.



**I think it’s important that we go together, if that’s ok with you. Like I said, I want to be there for you, but I need it too. I will always make time for you. I will be there.**



Ella melted a little at his words. Of course he would be there. She was beginning to fully understand that there was nothing Porter wouldn’t do for her. It warmed her to think that he would rearrange his day and leave work early to make a doctor’s appointment.



**How did I get so lucky to find you?**



**Luck had nothing to do with it, Ella. Fate pushed us together and then we fought like hell to find each other again. Luck doesn’t keep me with you, love does.”



**I love you.**



**I love you too.**



**You have the address right?**



**Yes. I will see you at four.**



**Ok. Drive safely.**



The day at the shop went quickly. As expected there were a lot of women out window shopping in the beautiful sunshine. Sales were good and both Brittany and Megan were on cloud nine, basking in the glow of their promotions. Ella got lost in the new stock, mentally pairing tops with bottoms, matching patterns and colors. There was a lot of business knowledge and strategy that went in to running a successful store, but Ella really enjoyed the artistic side of it as well. Fashion was something she loved. Even though she knew she could never be an actual designer, as she lacked the ability to draw even a respectable stick figure, she knew and loved clothes. She had even toyed with the idea once of being a stylist, but the need for personal stylists in Portland was not paramount. As the city started to slowly grow, in both population and cool factor, more and more people were viewing Portland as a new and exciting place to be. Movies and television shows were filmed there more often, which is what continued to bring Kalli to town. More and more celebrities started making Portland a second home. Perhaps in a few years, when the new Poppy was off the ground and self-sufficient, Ella would look into getting some work as a personal stylist.

New ideas and plans kept Ella’s mind consumed well into the afternoon and eventually it was time for her to leave for her appointment. As she drove to the doctor’s office, she tried not to let her nerves get to her. She had never been to see a psychiatrist and wasn’t sure how her first appointment would go. It did soothe her a little to know that Porter would be there. Ella laughed to herself a little at their strange situation.