To save Alice’s job, I lied, “Don’t tell Alice, but I distracted her so I could look at the schedule book.” Thank you Dr. Greenfield for the redundancy of having a physical appointment book.
“Liar. But for Alice’s benefit, I’ll accept it.”
Jamie’s driveway was full, so I parked on the street.
“Jamie has plenty of help so you can go home,” Madi said before I could ask if I should stay.
Part of me wanted to argue that they’d benefit from the overnight help. Part of me wanted to avoid her family’s withering glares all night.
All of me wanted to be with Madi, but not if she didn’t agree.
“Okay, but call me if you need anything.”
“We’ll be fine.”
“Madi, promise me.”
“I promise.”
Much to her displeasure, I insisted on walking her to the door. I couldn’t leave without talking to Jay.
Not wanting to disrespect Madi’s wishes or add to Jamie’s stress, I asked, “Can you ask Jay to come out so I can talk to him?”
Madi sighed before nodding.
“Good night, Matt.” She put the key in the lock. “Don’t let Jay give you any shit.”
I had every intention of letting Jay give me as much shit as he deemed necessary, knowing it wouldn’t be nearly as much as I deserved.
“I won’t. Good night, Madi.”
Out of habit, I scanned the street while I waited for Jay.
I didn’t bother turning around when the door opened.
“What’s up?” Jay asked.
“Something happened today,” I said, turning to face the music.
From not one, but three of my bosses. John and Jamie had accompanied Jay.
I nodded my acknowledgement.
“What happened?” John sounded less worried than I would’ve expected.
Jay and Jamie crossed their arms and tapped their feet while they waited for my answer.
“Paul showed up at the clinic today.”
Three sets of shoulders tensed.
“The appointment was booked under Pamela Jesker, so Alice didn’t realize it was Paul’s sister when she scheduled the appointment with Madi.”
“How the hell did he get by you?” Jay asked.
“I was in the head.”
Thanks to some fast thinking from Alice, Paul and his sister were in an exam room before I finished my business. I considered myself a man in control, but I wasn’t confident I wouldn’t have marched Paul’s ass out of the office.
