When I leave Mom’s room, I meet up with Barry, one of the nurses I talk to regularly regarding my mother. He goes over some paperwork with me, explaining it all, and shows me where to sign. This facility is expensive, and it’s one of the reasons I work as hard as I do, to be able to afford it and still have my own life. I’ve finally reached a point in life where the cost of her care doesn’t hurt my bank account every time it is deducted. It took a lot of time and pain to get where I am, but I guess the outcome is worth it because they do look after her very well.
My phone rings as I step outside, and I see Arlo’s name pop up on my screen. I’m contemplating not answering it.
Will he ask about the kiss last night?
Will he ask to see me again?
Just as I think it, I realize I’m wrong. He’s requesting my presence. He wants me to deliver the paperwork.
Lifting the phone to my ear, I take a deep breath before I speak. “Hello.”
“You sent someone else when the request was that you deliver it personally?” he growls into the phone, and I hear a door click shut in the background.
“Yes. I had an urgent meeting to attend to.”
“You know my stipulations. Bring them yourself if you want them signed.”
“You’re extremely bossy.” I bite the inside of my cheek at my sudden outburst. I blame the hangover.
“Yes, I am. In more ways than one.” He continues when I don’t say anything. “I’ll see you soon, correct?”
“I’m on my way over now,” I tell him, and then hang up.
My office is on the way to his, so I stop in quickly to collect the paperwork I need. With the files in hand, I head down the hall and step into his waiting room, expecting to see a client or two. Instead, it’s empty except for the receptionist.
“Oh, good, you’re here. I can take my break,” she says, standing and grabbing her phone, which throws me off for a second. Before I can ask, she adds, “He told me to tell you to go straight in.”
“Where are his patients?” I question.
“He canceled all his appointments for the day,” she says with a shrug before rounding the desk and heading out the door, leaving me standing in the waiting room, stunned.
Why would he cancel his appointments?
I don’t get it.
Just as I think about dropping the paperwork on the desk and walking out, his office door opens, and he appears.
“Cora.” He nods and holds the door open for me, and I’m frozen in place, clutching the paperwork as I lock eyes with him.
This man.
I can’t work him out.
I know he likes to say I’m hard to read, but so is he.
“Are you thinking of running?” He raises a perfect brow as he adds, “I like it when they run.”
“‘They?” I question.
He doesn’t answer, just motions for me to enter the office. Taking a deep breath, I manage to compose myself and put one sky-high heel in front of the other as I make my way over to him. Once I’m seated, I hear the click of the door shutting. Without looking at Arlo, I wait for him to take his seat across from me. Except he doesn’t do that at all. He sits next to me on the sofa.
Shuffling the paperwork, I find the place where I need him to sign. Reaching into my purse, I grab a pen. Then I turn toward him and hand it to him. He stares at me, not even making a move to take the paperwork.
“I need you to sign. I have many other things I need to attend to today,” I tell him.
“Do you want to talk about the kiss?” he asks, still not taking the damn paperwork.
“No, I would rather not.”
